Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 35,035 complaints for SUBARU
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
Chevrolet dealer was unable to install software during 2 hour N212345944 recall service. Stated that due to error codes and were unable to contact technical support for assistance with errors. I was told to reschedule and leave the vehicle for another attempt. My concern is that GM/Chevrolet repeatedly lead me to believe they had a Final software remedy and they are not delivering on it. They ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
Chevrolet dealer was unable to install software during 2 hour N212345944 recall service. Stated that due to error codes and were unable to contact technical support for assistance with errors. I was told to reschedule and leave the vehicle for another attempt. My concern is that GM/Chevrolet repeatedly lead me to believe they had a Final software remedy and they are not delivering on it. They ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
2016 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L 4x4 6 speed. Transmission failed at 149000 kms. Highly maintained police fleet vehicle. Never towed any weights. Transmission failed . Both 4th and 5th gear + O/D clutch are bad.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
Since I bought my car in 2000, the dash where the passenger airbag comes out is broken. I have to turn the airbag off if anyone sits there. I'm afraid it will pop out at any time
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
23 Toyota Highlander was in for a routine 10K Mile Oil Change and additional key programming. When I was notified the vehicle was done and taking delivery the vehicle came into the delivery area with the drivers mirror folded away from the car damaged. I asked the delivery driver about it and she immediately called over a manager. Mike Moffitt, Service Quality Control Specialist, came out and gree... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
Component or system failure or malfunction: Delayed or no gear shifting. Transmission sudden downshift at low and high speeds, and failure to shift into lower or higher gear at takeoff, and/or while in motion. Safety risk: Sudden downshift at high speed caused stability and control issue at highway speed. The problem has been reproduced by owner and discussed with dealer by phone. The v... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2023
I had front collision that caused by having difficulty switching my foot from acceleration pedal (gas pedal) to brake pedal, my foot movement from gas pedal to brake pedal has been restricted by friction between my shoe and brake pedal that delayed my foot movement and caused the accident, Automatic emergency brake did not function too. Also air bags did not open at this front collision.
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
I have water leak and mold growing in the passenger side of the vehicle for about a month. I took car to Rockaway Nissan, where i bought the vehicle. The dealer Stated that, they found sunroof drain hoses clogged with water and debris causing back flow of water into cabin which they claimed cleared and tested for leak and should remedy the issue. Unfortunately, i am still having the leak even afte... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2023
Had brake module replaced under warranty at the dealer and less than 10k miles later it’s doing the exact same thing again. Abs is not working, alarm constantly chiming while driving and abs and electronic brake malfunction lights coming on in the dash. Truck still has less than 48,000 miles on it cause I’m scared for my family’s safety so we just don’t drive it anymore. Is a shame we have... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
Once the temperature drops below freezing, the door latches will quit working. If I open the door then it will not latch when I try to close the door. This has happened every winter since i have owned the truck. I have taken it into the dealer multiple times for this issue. I believe they even replaced the door latches on one of the occasions but now that it is winter again this year they are ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
Our 2018 Ford EcoSport with less then 50,000 miles had an engine failure while driving on the highway. This was due to the loss of oil pressure. We were out of the warranty by just a few weeks and Ford provided no help or support. We found out that this was a common problem with the engine on this style car but again there was zero support or help from Ford. The old pressure light came on while on... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
Service abs system immediately popped up on information screen, also abs and traction control lights all at the same time. This disengages cruise control and removes digital speed reading. Almost got tailgated.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
Service abs system immediately popped up on information screen, also abs and traction control lights all at the same time. This disengages cruise control and removes digital speed reading. Almost got tailgated.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping between gears, and there was a significant delay while shifting into third gear. Additionally, the contact stated that when turning the steering wheel while driving, the vehicle failed to respond immediately and responded with a significant delay. There was no warning light... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
When traveling at speed the steering breaks loose. Steering jumps, looses firmness and then corrects. It will do this constantly on the interstate or highway. Feels like steering slack. Similar to hitting ice on a dry road. Started about a month ago and continues. Dealership will not document.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
1) Drivers seat moves while driving. 2) Seat positioning failure. Failure causes seat to move back increasing length from pedals. Made it harder to reach the gas and brake pedal. Unsafe to drive while seat in motion. 3) Problem was reproduced by dealer. 4) No warning or error messages prior to failure. 5) Dealership and Tech support unable to fix problem with multiple attempts.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
1) Drivers seat moves while driving. 2) Seat positioning failure. Failure causes seat to move back increasing length from pedals. Made it harder to reach the gas and brake pedal. Unsafe to drive while seat in motion. 3) Problem was reproduced by dealer. 4) No warning or error messages prior to failure. 5) Dealership and Tech support unable to fix problem with multiple attempts.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
At approximately 50,000 miles I began experiencing a “judder” from my transmission mostly while driving uphill. I researched the issue and discovered that a significant number of ridgeline transmissions (2017-2019) are experiencing the same issue. It is a problem with the torque converter. The dealer was aware of the issue and charged me over $400 to triple flush the transmission(even though I... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
After waiting in car, dash board went crazy with all warning lights scrolling. Two dealers refused to take car because the dash stopped. This happened 3 times. Third time, Autozone x2 and Firestone, independent of one another said computer issue and that a code for rich fuel was coming up. On sixth check, mechanic private used code reader after check engine light came on. Dash went berserk twice. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
After waiting in car, dash board went crazy with all warning lights scrolling. Two dealers refused to take car because the dash stopped. This happened 3 times. Third time, Autozone x2 and Firestone, independent of one another said computer issue and that a code for rich fuel was coming up. On sixth check, mechanic private used code reader after check engine light came on. Dash went berserk twice. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
After waiting in car, dash board went crazy with all warning lights scrolling. Two dealers refused to take car because the dash stopped. This happened 3 times. Third time, Autozone x2 and Firestone, independent of one another said computer issue and that a code for rich fuel was coming up. On sixth check, mechanic private used code reader after check engine light came on. Dash went berserk twice. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
In line at a restaurant drive through around 2pm, raining, wipers on. engine cut off and power steering low message displayed. Car would not restart for several (30 minutes) Cause unknown. All battery, starter, alternator test came back fine.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
In line at a restaurant drive through around 2pm, raining, wipers on. engine cut off and power steering low message displayed. Car would not restart for several (30 minutes) Cause unknown. All battery, starter, alternator test came back fine.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the braking system erroneously activated causing the vehicle to suddenly decelerate. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was temporarily remedied but later reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be repl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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. VIN tool conf... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
When Daylight Savings time changed, I realized that my headlights were not aimed properly. While having them aimed, the tech noticed that the aiming rod had fallen off the track, and the light on the drivers side is shining only five feet from the car, onto the ground, whether on high beams or low beams.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
The door to the charging port is not attached well. I had a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S and now have a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD and in both cases, the charger port door has fallen off before there was 5000 miles on the vehicle. Under the door is a base with numerous holes in it which allows rain and snow to enter the charger port.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The contact owned a 2019 BMW 530E. The contact stated that while stopped due to traffic, the vehicle was rear-ended causing the contact to crash into the vehicle in front. During the impacts, the contact hit his head, and was unconscious. The contact does not remember if it was the steering wheel or the windshield where he hit his head. The only air bags deployed were the side air bags but no fron... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The morning of 9/26/2023 as I was driving on the freeway road and I experienced an intermittent reduction in engine power and had to pull over on the side of the freeway road. This was a very traumatizing experience and I was very lucky that I was not hit while awaiting to be towed. After my mechanic inspected my vehicle we received error code P1233 and advised me to call the dealership as this is... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the highway and stopped the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was a significant amount of smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe and coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
Received error code P2682, a faulty Thermo Control Valve. This happened on 11/17/2023. Car potentially could have quit running in traffic. Subaru has identified the issue with TSB 09-80-21R. They have changed the design of the valve due to the many failures. My car has 74,000 miles. My brother in law has the same vehicle with 57,000, and his car is in the shop today for the same issue. The servi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structurer) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
My 2008 bmw x5 4.8i almost caught fire. The fuel pump connector is burnt into the fuel pump harness. My local mechanic said this was like a ticking time bomb. The issue is these trucks are known for this problem and there was a recall for this but my vin coming up with no recalls when this truck is clearly apart of the bad batch , I have pictures for proof.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
My 2008 bmw x5 4.8i almost caught fire. The fuel pump connector is burnt into the fuel pump harness. My local mechanic said this was like a ticking time bomb. The issue is these trucks are known for this problem and there was a recall for this but my vin coming up with no recalls when this truck is clearly apart of the bad batch , I have pictures for proof.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
This vehicle has some serious acceleration problems. Not only has this vehicle gone into limp mode on me on a very busy city road when it was only a couple of weeks old, but it also takes FOREVER for it to accelerate when pulling into traffic or while going up a hill. I have to press the gas pedal all the way down to the floor and still get nothing until I let up and press the gas again. I have ha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH a deer had jumped in front of his vehicle. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal with force, however, the pedal did not respond and depressed to the floorboard with no resistance. The contact stated that he was pumping the brake pedal when he crashed into the deer. The contact stated that the ve... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The truck down shifted twice and then shut completely off while I was driving down the interstate. I was towed to Nissan in Springfield Missouri (closest to me) and they could not figure out the issue and charged me $500. I then towed the truck to Nissan of Jefferson city, Missouri, where I bought it. They inspected the motor and told me it was a complete loss. Metal in the oil pan from internal ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The contact's mother owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the RPM’s decreased and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated there was a clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was not diagnosed ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, 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. Parts distr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the brake pedal became firm, and it was difficult to depress the brake pedal. The engine oil pressure, engine, and the wrench warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty oil pump. The vehicle had not been repaired. The ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 contact stated that the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. Additionally, there w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
Vehicle has a crack in the windshield, likely from a small rock kicked up while driving on the highway. Vehicle is 5 months old with under 6,000 miles.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
My car Intermittent just shuts down while driving on the road without warning and has done so 4 times now with my family in it as this is the family car. Thank God no one has been hurt or any accidents at this time. When it shuts down you loose control of the vehicle and the steering wheel locks and unable to move safely off the road you have to stop in the middle of traffic and put it in neutral ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
The steering intermittently sticks. While driving, both at speed and slow speeds, there is a noticeable sometimes unnerving sticking that occurs, where I have to push the wheel to get it to return to wheels straight. I can reproduce while stopped when it occurs. When driving at highways speeds it makes keeping the car driving straight difficult and i have to be careful to not over push the wheel f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
Cracked cylinder head which caused engine to leak oil and smoke
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
A lot of oil in the floor. Oil Pressure Sensor Fail Lock of all doors are crazy (lock and unlock so many times)
Incident date: Nov 19, 2023
I recently bought this truck used from a Ford dealership. The next day when I was taking my wife for a short drive. I noticed the engine light was on the dash display. I the same time the truck started accelerating Like it was on cruise control and returning to a higher speed. The cruse control was not set when I tried to access the cruse control I would get the message that it was unavailable at ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
This started in May 2023, warning lights "Service Electronic Braking System", "Service Anti-Lock Brakes". It is an intermittent issue, cannot duplicate. Appears at random, with Cruise control on,, if the issue message appears the cruise control disables. This can go on for several minutes, then all of a sudden stop. Could resume minutes later. Again Random. Don't rely on your anti-lock brake... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
The accident occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 14, which I reported to Enterprise, City of Falls Church, on the morning of November 15. Additionally, I provided to Enterprise email links to the many reports about breaking problems about the CX30 2021, 2022, and 2023 MAZA models and the reasons for their recall for repair. Here are the details about what happened. As I was trying... Read more
Crash