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: Jan 17, 2022
WE WERE IN A CAR CRASH. THE AIRBAGS ON THE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE BUT NOT IN THE FRONT. THE FRONT AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF.
Crash
Fire
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
Driving speed limit down Beach Blvd. Overpass at Kernan Blvd was misread as a hazard. Instrument panel flashes (and sounds) Brake Brake Brake. Stopped instantly as entering intersection. Gas pedal was still engaged. Fortunately, car directly behind had ample distance (and was paying attention) to avoid rear ending the car at full speed. This exact situation has happened several times to me befo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
Front window just cracked like a flaw in the manufacture process nothing struck it. Axles are really close together like one maybe put on backwards. I have photos but won’t let me upload
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sedona. The contact was notified by the local Police that the rear brake lights were not illuminating as needed. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Later while driving approximately 20 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard. The vehicle was immediately towed to t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
Roof is bubbling showing signs of delamination. Structural integrity is in question. I believe it is due to the carbon fiber epoxy material degrading due to sunlight exposure.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Just had the vehicle in for the it’s 60k mile service and no issues reported. Today, at 63k miles I had the same dealer look at a headlight malfunction and the service technician reported the rear coil springs are failing and need replaced.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
SRS airbag light stays on.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
+Consistent with Safety Recall 15S18 and program code 15N01 - Integrated Controller for the Power Steering Gear failed. This caused power steering assist and traction control to be inoperative. The problem started intermittently at about 93,000 miles and 11 years of age - but then became constant by 95,600 miles. +The problem made the steering wheel very difficult to turn. Vehicle was unsafe t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
I have three issues that I believe compromise the safety of the Hornet. My specific safety-related issues are: Emergency call system inoperable (this worked originally but became a problem when the dealer replaced my telematics module) FCW - Intermittent warning lights that indicate the system has been disabled or that a crash is imminent ACC - Intermittent warni... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
On July 31,2023, approximately 8PM, I was driving my 2017 Subaru slowly as I made the 90degree turn into my driveway. Midway up the driveway, the car suddenly —on its own—spontaneously accelerated , burst through the half open garage door, across the garage, and crashed through the garage wall into my family room—bulldozing through two sheets of plywood and large pieces of firewood in t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
“Transmission Malfunction/no reverse gear. Okay to continue driving” comes on constantly the past 2 years now. I’ve only had this vehicle 3 years. Yes , it is available for inspection. This puts my safety and the safety of my other passengers at risk because my vehicle will abruptly slow down in fast flowing traffic and it will uncontrollably accelerate when it’s time to come to complete s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
“Transmission Malfunction/no reverse gear. Okay to continue driving” comes on constantly the past 2 years now. I’ve only had this vehicle 3 years. Yes , it is available for inspection. This puts my safety and the safety of my other passengers at risk because my vehicle will abruptly slow down in fast flowing traffic and it will uncontrollably accelerate when it’s time to come to complete s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V573000 (Electrical System) however, neither the VIN nor the year, make, or model was included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or de... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
Corrosion in rear brake line. Brought car for warranty service for rear subframe corrosion at a Mercedes dealership, and the service advisor noted corrosion in rear brake line. Researched online and another complaint for same issue was denied in October 14, 2020 (85 FR 65136). A website [XXX] lists anecdotal evidence of complaints following the initial investigation. Since it is the same problem e... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the cruise control became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approx... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
I had no warning lights car was driving fine no hesitation when stopped to turn car off it wouldn’t start back up had it checked by a shop said the engine is completely gone due to no compression and possible timing belt or chain broke. Uses excessive amount of oil the car does not even have 100,000 miles on it
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
I believe that it is the ABS brake system I am bringing it to the ford dealer Thursday. The caliper on the front driver side was not working so I changed it still didn't work fluid go's to the ABS pump but doses not come out of that one. When you use the brakes the front passenger side locks up and slides like it's not going to stop it is really bad when the roads are wet and there were no warni... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
Vehicle will not idle at the correct rpms. Replaced battery and alternator had everything checks by a certified mechanic. The battery light will come on while driving and the car will begin to stall out while driving. Cannot run ac or any electric component in the car. Really scary when you have kids in the car driving down the road and it begins to shut down but still going the same rate of speed... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The windshield has spontaneously cracked on 4 separate occasions. Subaru denies this is a defect and claims all have been caused by rock chips. This is not true. The cracked windshield has caused the vehicle on numerous occasions to slam on its breaks while traveling at 55 mph or greater as it “senses” a collision. This has nearly caused 3 accidents so far.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact's husband owns a 2008 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fellow motorist alerted her husband that an unknown part had been hanging from underneath the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact's husband discovered that the fuel tank had detached from the vehicle due to severe corrosion. The contact stated that several years prior, the vehicle ha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact's husband owns a 2008 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fellow motorist alerted her husband that an unknown part had been hanging from underneath the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact's husband discovered that the fuel tank had detached from the vehicle due to severe corrosion. The contact stated that several years prior, the vehicle ha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2022
Motorcycle is equipped with an Adaptive headlight. The main reflector that is a part of the moving adaptive headlight has broken off inside the headlight assembly and is obstructing the headlight beam pattern. It also does not allow the headlight to aim properly. The broken reflector is not permitting the adaptive headlight to function as intended and has the moving part wedged out of alignment. H... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
You have a recall listed for my cart but listed it as fixed. I never took the car in for service to get it fixed and I am experiencing the issue in the recall. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:19V076000. My instrument cluster goes blank for about 5-10 seconds while driving. This has happened several times in the last few weeks. I tried to call ford and have them look into this but they will not even tell me wher... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
White paint is peeling exposing many of the car panels which are starting to rust (structural damage)
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
While driving my car seat seat (driver side) starts to over heat. I do not have heated car seats.but within the past few weeks I have noticed that my car seat started to heat up. At first I thought it was because it has been sitting in the sun all day, but as the driving progressed in the fact this is happened three times I feel that there is a flaw In the interior.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
There is a vibration that is randomly felt. Over the last year I have replaced struts shocks control arm control arm bushings sway bar link sway bar link bushings tires twice and the vibration just keeps increasing to the point it's doing it now when I turn or take bends in the highway. There is now a flat spot in a tire feel when going it slower speeds to be added to the vibration that happens la... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
We purchased our new 2023 Ridgeline RTL-E 4 six months ago and always noticed that the passenger inside door handle wouldn’t open the door unless we pushed the unlock button, the driver’s door works normally. We thought this might be a new safety thing until we tried to manually unlock the passenger door today and could not, meaning the passenger door can only be opened inside if you electroni... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Subaru Solterra - Sudden unexpected acceleration with no ability to brake or steer. Message appeared "System Malfunction" Crashed into woods; small trees slowed and stopped car; airbags did not deploy. no injuries but great risk if car had headed to nearby highway instead of trees. car now at dealer undergoing inspection by Subaru.Police report made; copy not yet available. Michigan State Police ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult while maneuvering the vehicle. The contact’s son veered to the side road and notified him. The contact was able to safely navigate the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear failed and needed to be replaced. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Acura TLX. The contact stated while driving at various highway speeds, the transmission randomly shifted into the neutral causing the vehicle to lose automotive power, decelerate, and failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. During the failure several messages were displayed including the "Transmission Failure" message. The vehicle was towed to the local... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
While parking in San Francisco after driving for about 100 miles, the brakes felt they had lost all power, the pedal was pressed down to the floor and caused the braking distance to increase drastically. There was a fence post to the left of my truck. So I was going to go forward a little then back up and straighten out to pull forward and finish parking. Going slow 3-5MPH I pressed the brake and ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
My airbag indicator lit up and I was not involved in any accident or even a fender bender. After this the engine indicator lit up as well, I had to replace the battery, change spark plugs at the local Firestone. Now I have a problem with the theft indicator and the vehicle does not turn on. Several problems have come up since the airbag indicator lit up.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
While stopped at a stop sign, my emergency brake came on by itself and would not release. I was able to shut the vehicle off and then release the brake.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
When in cruise control my car experiences phantom or ghost braking seemingly out of nowhere. It violently applies the brakes without any obstacle in sight. This has happened to me many times and always on the freeway in sunny conditions. Tesla needs to address this as it’s a common complaint and has likely led to or will lead to many rear end type accidents. Thank you.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
It does not detect forward collision especially when it rains heavy.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
When I start the engine, the steering wheel icon comes on. It says service power steering. There's no power to turn the steering wheel. After the engine runs and I turn off the engine and start it again, the icon doesn't come on and I now have steering power. This happened 3 times. I currently have the truck in the shop to be serviced. The amount is $4500. I need to know if this is a recall... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking violently. The contact stated that the engine failed to turn over after several attempts while starting the vehicle. There was an abnormal rotten and sulfur odor entering the cabin of the vehicle from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was overheating with the check engine warning l... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
1)Vehicle has been repaired 3 times in the last 2 weeks for a brake switch issue that is causing the vehicle not to recognize the brake is pushed causing the car not being able to start. This has been an intermittent issue for 18 months and was told the recall fixed it, which it didn't. 2)Dealership service department is now telling me that other issues have arisen since trying to fix issue #1. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) warning light illuminated, and the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the power steering assist functionality returned. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the VIN w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
Factory weld failures in the walls of the front of the 5th wheel. This is a manufacturer wide issue that has been well documented. This problem will only continue to get worse as time goes on and become a safety hazard, yet Grand Design refuses to acknowledge the issue.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after several attempts to start the vehicle, the vehicle started however, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact shut off the vehicle and waited for a while however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, but the vehicle would not start. The contact added oil to the engine ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact called and referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving 60MPH, the vehicle shutoff and came to a complete stop in the passing lane. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The throttle body and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was shifted into reverse(R), the back over prevention camera screen was black. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined tha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
The throttle response from a stop in the Taos is not immediate, and will lag. Sometimes it will take 2 seconds to react to throttle input. This can be extremely dangerous when pulling into a roadway with traffic. There is also not an immediate reaction when throttle is applied quickly at Highway speeds. Once the car reacts, it runs flawlessly, it must be a computer issue or throttle response s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
2014 recall# 14235 having electrical issue with driver side window, car radio and dash stay active for 10 minutes driver door don’t chime every issue for 2014 Buick lacrosse keep being told there is not recall for my car every issue is from the driver side door electrical splice and driver door window motor harness
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was unavailable.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
When I went to unload groceries from my 2014 Ford Fusion SE, the Driver side Rear door did not latch closed. Despite not latching, the warning that the door was open did not come on. I read that there was a recall back in 2020 for a similar issue in states that were subjected to warmer temperatures. I have not yet gotten the issue inspected but will be taking the car to a mechanic. NHTSA is welcom... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
Steering issues, it is becoming difficult, as the steering wheel is getting harder to turn at times or either to loose. The steering is partially crooked as well. I have had an alignment completed on 8/3/2023, but the issue is still there.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
On our way to a vacation in NJ, we were driving on the expressway and a deer jumped over the rail into the hood of the car. The car immediately started to smoke ( dark black). We got out of the car, retrieved two luggage bags, and the car burst into flames. All within 60 seconds of hitting the deer. About five years ago, same thing happened to my daughter driving a Subaru WRX…. Twice in the... Read more
Crash
Fire