Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim — NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,215,138 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports — when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report — that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints — specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened — feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 34,453 complaints for SUBARU
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
The vehicle will move from park to drive and reverse while the engine is off. It moves an good distance and only flashes a red light on the dash with a sound that the engine is not on. It is a huge safety concern and has happened multiple times. Also when moving it into park and taking your foot off the gas, shutting the car engine off, it has moved forward.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
I am reporting a defect involving the Bluetooth and infotainment system in my 2026 Subaru Solterra. While driving, the vehicle’s Bluetooth connection consistently disconnects after approximately 5–10 minutes. The phone call itself does not drop; however, the connection to the vehicle’s hands-free system fails. In addition, infotainment functions such as audio streaming and app connectivity ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Exhaust gas smell from the engine compartment when parked after driving. Garage smells like exhaust gases when left in enclosed garage - ongoing problem. Smell dissipates overnight. It has been inspected by Subaru dealers in Albuquerque and Santa Fe New Mexico. They report no error codes and so no problem. Have not had this issue on any other vehicle we've ever owned. There are no warning lamps or... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Exhaust gas smell from the engine compartment when parked after driving. Garage smells like exhaust gases when left in enclosed garage - ongoing problem. Smell dissipates overnight. It has been inspected by Subaru dealers in Albuquerque and Santa Fe New Mexico. They report no error codes and so no problem. Have not had this issue on any other vehicle we've ever owned. There are no warning lamps or... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Solterra. The contact received notification of Subaru Campaign Number: WRD-25, and the vehicle was taken to dealer, where the repair was completed; however, four days later, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound while the HVAC system was engaged. Additionally, the HVAC system became inoperable, and the defroster and defogger were inoperable. The vehicle was taken... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
I was parking my car slowly until it suddenly accelerated. I hit a wall and car got totaled.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
I was parking my car slowly until it suddenly accelerated. I hit a wall and car got totaled.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
I was parking my car slowly until it suddenly accelerated. I hit a wall and car got totaled.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
I am reporting a safety-critical failure of the passenger-side Occupant Detection System (ODS) in my 2016 Subaru Forester, which deactivates the airbag while the seat is occupied. This issue was first documented at an authorized Subaru dealer on 11/15/2023, where the technician identified 'poor contact of connectors' (a known condition in Recall 19V-701). The initial remedy performed was to reconn... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
I am reporting a safety-critical failure of the passenger-side Occupant Detection System (ODS) in my 2016 Subaru Forester, which deactivates the airbag while the seat is occupied. This issue was first documented at an authorized Subaru dealer on 11/15/2023, where the technician identified 'poor contact of connectors' (a known condition in Recall 19V-701). The initial remedy performed was to reconn... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
On February 3, 2026, while driving approximately 80 mph on Interstate 10, the manual transmission shifter bypassed the 6th gear detent entirely and moved toward the reverse gear position, creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. I prevented full reverse engagement only through physical intervention. Had the transmission engaged reverse at 80 mph, catastrophic drivetrain damage and loss of v... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
Back window shattered spontaneously. No known cause. No evidence of vandalism. Temperature did drop 45 degrees over night. Shut side door and back window shattered. Had not started car yet. Rear defroster not engaged.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
Crash avoidance Collision system randomly goes off with no cars in front or behind it. This is extremely dangerous as it will make the car stop on its own. Lane departure does not activate until completely over center line. Another big safety issue. This is a loaner car from Carter Subaru in Shoreline WA. My car is in their shop for exact same reasons and more issues. Obviously this is a sys... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
Crash avoidance Collision system randomly goes off with no cars in front or behind it. This is extremely dangerous as it will make the car stop on its own. Lane departure does not activate until completely over center line. Another big safety issue. This is a loaner car from Carter Subaru in Shoreline WA. My car is in their shop for exact same reasons and more issues. Obviously this is a sys... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
Crash avoidance Collision system randomly goes off with no cars in front or behind it. This is extremely dangerous as it will make the car stop on its own. Lane departure does not activate until completely over center line. Another big safety issue. This is a loaner car from Carter Subaru in Shoreline WA. My car is in their shop for exact same reasons and more issues. Obviously this is a sys... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The vehicle's rear brake lines (both left rear and right rear) had ballooning present. The issue was initially identified by an independent mechanic during brake pad and rotor replacement on all four wheels. The ballooning was subsequently confirmed during an inspection by a Subaru dealership technician. This issue posed a safety risk, as the compromised brake lines could rupture under braking pre... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
The windshield on the 2024 Subaru Outback obtains cracks easier and more often than my 2017 outback. Is there a possibility that Subaru did not fix the issue with 2020-2022 outback windshield?
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Urgent fire risk- 2nd time I have received recall. The wait time for the first was months. The fix on that recall did not remedy the recall and we now received another. I have been unable to charge at home with a level 2 charger out of fear of catching fire as my port is attached to my home. No remedy is available other than a continuous wait for possible replacement of battery. This is a huge saf... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
Total of 3 incidents when my car had approx 1/8 to 1/4 of a tank of gas....as going up incline on interstate....car like stalls and slows down, will not speed up....get it over to the side to avoid being hit and it finally starts going again...close call with vehicles behind us in the passing lane. Below listed the last time it happened... Did not use to do this...first time was same area listed b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
Total of 3 incidents when my car had approx 1/8 to 1/4 of a tank of gas....as going up incline on interstate....car like stalls and slows down, will not speed up....get it over to the side to avoid being hit and it finally starts going again...close call with vehicles behind us in the passing lane. Below listed the last time it happened... Did not use to do this...first time was same area listed b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
I was driving in a city at 30 miles per hour no acceleration and no load. I lost oil pressure, dumped all the oil out of the crankcase and then the engine locked up. I had it towed to my mechanic shop that i have work done. The technician diagnosed it as a failed oil cooler pressure supply line. Where the solid steel line crimps to a rubber oil hose, that connection had not been applied enough pre... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
This concerns my 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT- with a turbo charges engine and standardd CVT transmission. When I get to street speed and brake to slow down, as the car slows and the tach decreases to 1000 rpm +/- a bit, the car shows an obvious power surge that can be felt through the accelerator and brake pedal and can be clearly seen on the tach as a jump to about 1100 rpm + . I had the fi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The blinkers, when you're making a turn does not turn off, it actually turns the blinker onto the opposite side.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
Here is a quick description of the issue from our Volkswagon of Huntington service report. We have had this ongoing issue for a few months now. the check engine light will come on. We get it checked, we replace a sensor, and all is good for a day or week. Then we do it again, replacing a different sensor. Now the dealer is saying the oil separator is leaking and requires repairs starting at $... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
With auto start stop system turned off the engine will die when coming to a stop. The truck then shifts into park and brakes auto apply. No check engine lights no failure indications. Starts up and runs everything fine afterwards. Happens at first 3 stops and then will not happen again unless truck sits for more then 2 hours. Dealers unable to fix cause no check engine lights and nothing recorded ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V668000 (Seats); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that because of the unrepaired recall repair, the small minor children were seated in the rear of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the parts were not yet avail... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Engine failure due to bad head gasket.i lost power to the vehicle. The problem was confirmed by independent shop. The vehicle was inspected by independent shop. The engine light came on when the engine failed.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
A transmission problem occurred shortly after a CVT transmission service was performed at an authorized Honda dealership, Classic Honda of Midland in Midland, Texas. After the service, the vehicle began experiencing abnormal noise, vibration, and harsh driving conditions. The vehicle was later inspected at another authorized Honda dealership, Ocean Honda of Burlingame, California. During the insp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
2023 1500 RST 6.2. Recall was done and performed last year. Truck passed so they changed the oil and sent me on my way. I have had zero issues up until last week. My gut tells me the replacement is going to be the same engine with the same failing parts that I already have so expect I may have issues in the future even after the new engine. -on interstate going 55MPH, went to accelerate to 70M... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
Check engine light came on with limited acceleration vehicle, then proceeded to overheat several times having to pull over to the side of the road in very dangerous locations vehicle was brought to dealership and it was determined it was a coolant pump. It was replaced under warranty. I want it to be known that there was an issue as others I have heard our ex experiencing the same.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Airbag light comes on due to some failure in the passenger seat. This vehicle year has had a recall on the same issue but this VIN number was not included for some reason. Another consumer posted his assessment which I have attached. My vehicle falls under his category. He has sold his since his was never resolved.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Getting error code for safety sinsing. Lane keep assist, Collision mitigation system and now transmission system. forward facing camera is cause of issue
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Getting error code for safety sinsing. Lane keep assist, Collision mitigation system and now transmission system. forward facing camera is cause of issue
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering rack fractured, and the contact was no longer able to maneuver the vehicle. The contact strapped the steering wheel into place to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Car lost power on freeway, had the car towed to local Honda. After several hours of sitting at dealership and talking to several different employees. One employee comes back to tell me the head gasket was blown and needed repaired. And that this is a common issue he has been seeing in this make/model of car.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
I took my car into the dealership they had my car for over a month now they sent that I got to pay for a recall of the steering wheel or wait
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
Unintended acceleration, on 2 occasions. First occasion, car was in DRIVE waiting at a traffic stop and the engine radically increased it's RPM from idle to over 6000 RPM, remaining there. Braking control maintained the automobile's position. Shifting the car into neutral caused RPM to increase further. The car was shut off, restarted, and seemed to function normally. On the second occasion, whi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "Service ABS lock and ABS System" was displayed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local de... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
Truck will shut off then on rapidly when turning left. Alert messages on sensors come on and off as lights flicker on and off. Radio screen will go black randomly or not turn on. AC shuts off and on randomly as well. Very dangerous while driving and you are about to turn left if truck shuts down. This happens at least once a week.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
Both the driver side and passenger side exterior a-pillar applique molding came while driving down the highway and almost caused an accident. This has happened twice because FORD says they can't fix it because they don't have the parts. Anyone can get the parts online that are after market but that does not fix the issue. I did buy the after market ones and those came off on the interstate and al... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
I had two codes on my 2022 Forester over last two weeks. First one u0284 was for the Active Grill Shutter. This happened because for some reason Subaru decided to put the fog lights on the same fuse as the AGS. Fog light blew, shorted out blew the fuse, this caused every safety system in the car to turn off. By default these are open so why does loosing 1-2MPG, or longer time to warm up a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Manufacturer Recall Number283 NHTSA Recall Number25V607000 I took my car to McGovern Hyundai in Arlington, MA to have the seat belt recall issue fixed. The recall was issued in September 2025. I was told that they cannot fix the issue because they do have the parts. I have children who ride in the backseat of my car everyday. It is unsafe and unacceptable for Hyundai not to have the parts to addre... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Failing front exhaust pipe mounting bracket. GM has a special coverage program (N212356540) for 2019-2020 Chevrolet Traverse which covers the repair for 15 years or 150,000 miles from the original service date. The coverage is VIN specific. My vehicle has been having this issue for two years now and my VIN is not covered. This is unfair to the consumer/Chevrolet owners who's VIN's are not lis... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
This car is a very well-maintained, low-use vehicle with regular oil changes and routine maintenance performed on schedule. Early in this drive, I noticed an unusual hissing sound as I approached a stop. When I tried to brake, I realized my brakes didn't seem to be responding. I pressed the brake pedal harder and realized that with 50-100 pounds of pressure (guess), I could slow the car down. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
2013 BMW 328i, N20 engine. Timing chain guide assembly and oil pump drive chain failed catastrophically. Vehicle is available for inspection, however the authorized BMW dealership has already made clear they will accept no responsibility, and I would bear the expense of towing it two hours to their facility. The failure is a known issue with a class action case, but BMW took no responsibility, and... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
2013 BMW 328i, N20 engine. Timing chain guide assembly and oil pump drive chain failed catastrophically. Vehicle is available for inspection, however the authorized BMW dealership has already made clear they will accept no responsibility, and I would bear the expense of towing it two hours to their facility. The failure is a known issue with a class action case, but BMW took no responsibility, and... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
2019 Honda Ridgeline CRV, Milage 14,000. Purchased new, serviced per Honda scheduled maintenance. Electric Power Steering sticky hard to turn steering wheel. Dealer Service dept says sees lot of this problem. If not repaired could cause loss of steering control. My cost to repair $5200
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
My 2017 Subaru Forester Touring (VIN: [XXX] , 118,200 mi) has a recurring EyeSight failure where the system becomes disabled and will not complete camera registration or calibration. Subaru of Sterling (VA) diagnosed active code B28A0 “Vehicle Model Judgment” and noted that the EyeSight stereo camera would not accept vehicle model registration. The technician documented: “Error for camera ad... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while stopped, the vehicle hesitated to respond, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it was shaking unexpectedly with a misfire coming from the engine, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and deter... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
B-pillar panels (both driver side and passenger, driver side has keyless entry). Panel could be come completely detached if not properly secured and cause a driving hazard in the roadway. No, the dealership stated I would have to pay out pocket to repair (estimate of $1900). Yes, it was inspected while at the dealership for a separate recall. No, the adhesive or clips that keep the panels on the d... Read more