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: Jul 15, 2023
When I came to a stop sign the car died and would not start for several minutes, causing traffic to back up and a dangerous situation at a busy 4 way stop. This has happened on multiple occasions when the auto stop feature is not disabled.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated driving 75 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently and veered into another lane, nearly causing a crash. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the message disappeared. Additionally, the power ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
Passanger side pillar broke off while traveling about 60mph. Hit window and almost hit a motorcycle traveling in adjacent lane. Looking for a replacement online and found several forums requesting it to be reported for a possible recall.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. While in reverse, the vehicle failed to shift into another gear. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was slow to accelerate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who stated that the ve... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal, b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
ABS Module failed, affects the braking system. Problem confirmed by mechanic. Braking lights on dash all lit up including the "LDW Failure" and "FCW Failure" message on the dashboard. The dashboard warning lights go on and off (not constant, but every time I drive).
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
Driving on the freeway, speedometer starts randomly sensing different speeds like the output speed sensor is not reading correctly. Transmission then downshifts to the speed that the OSS is reading and downshifts to 1st gear while im driving on the freeway going 65mph. It was so abrupt that it locked the differential and chirped the tires, again all while going freeway speeds in traffic! Could ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
Air bag light will not go out. Had it “repaired” twice by Nissan dealership in past 2 years. Light again on and will not go out. I saw a couple of recalls pertaining to air bag sensors (16V911000, 16V244000, 22V024000) but was told these do not apply to my VIN. Also, since August 1, 2023, the rear hatch back door will not stay up and came down unexpectedly on my head. I saw there was a re... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
It happened on July 29th 2023. Coming home from visiting my son my engine started to make a loud knocking noise. There have been no warnings, no light indicators came on, just nothing. Luckily made it home safely. Car has just a Lil over 97,000 miles on it. The coolant, oil,transmission fluid all are good. Took to a shop on August 2nd and said the motor is blown. With low miles and only 6years ol... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The power steering assist went out while driving and Ford has a recall for it but when I took it to the dealership (Seth wadley ford) said it’s not that part and I don’t believe them
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while her grandchild was seated in the third-row driver-side seat, the seat belt became twisted around the waist and he became stuck in the seat belt. The contact unbuckled the seat belt but the seat belt failed to retract and loosen the child from the restraint. The child began to scream in pain as attempts to loosen the belt made it ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
ODI #11516361 I bought this 2009 Toyota Tacoma with 20,990 miles on it on 11/22/2019. Then the pandemic hit the USA and the truck sat for many months. Then in April 2023 I brought the truck in for repairs and the mechanic told me t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) message was displayed; with the “Default See Owner’s Manual” displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The dealer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The vehicle had not b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The headgasket is blown at 90,000 miles.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear passenger’s side door opened unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact she had to pay for the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V393000 (Electrical System, Lock/Latches/ Linkages) f... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was slow to accelerate. After refueling, the fuel dissipated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the throttle body and valve needed to be ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and brake functionality. The contact stated that the instrument panel went blank. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred. Additionally, the vehicle was hesitating and jerking wh... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and brake functionality. The contact stated that the instrument panel went blank. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred. Additionally, the vehicle was hesitating and jerking wh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
While driving the vehicle it will start shaking. This has happened at different times and speeds so it I am unsure what the cause is. The check engine light will also come on. The shaking is very concerning and scary. The first time it happened I immediately pulled over and turned the car off. When I turned the car back on the problem was gone. When it happened again at a later date, I made ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2019
Repeated front brake failure, motorcycle is available for inspection. Front brake failure is an unsafe riding situation, prevents the motorcycle from stopping and exposes the rider, passenger and drivers of other vehicles and pedestrians to potential serious injury or death through loss of braking and loss of control of vehicle. Problem was confirmed by independant service dealer. Many reports of ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
My airbag sensor started flashing for no reason. With estimated repairs at $6000, I don’t understand why there isn’t a recall. I see that this is an ongoing problem for Rogues/Rogue Selects.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
1) AC Compressor and components. 2) Puts me at a health risk because of no AC it’s hot outside. I shouldn’t have these issues with a 2023 vehicle. 3) My vehicle has been sitting at the dealership since June 12th and no one has touched it. 4) The dealership “claims they are just extremely behind, however I think they don’t have anyone that knows how to work on EV’s! 5) Coincidentally, aft... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
I purchased this truck in January 2023. Drove just fine for 2 months and started having this issue. While driving my 2004 f250 sd 6.0l turbodiesel 4x4, (egr deleted, bulletproofed and studded engine, cold air intake, oil cooler, sct x4 tuner) a "fizzle" noise was heard more on passenger side; acting like fuel wasn't reaching engine; and truck stalled right after noise was heard. Wouldn't rest... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
Every since I purchased this car in 2013 I have had nothing but trouble out of it I have called the Kia company numberous times and they never respond all I asked them to do is replace the car I trusted in Kia I love my car but it is severely dangerous please help me before it gets me and my family hurt
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
The vehicle applied sudden and strong braking in clear road for no reason. It has done it on many occasions in the 2000 miles we have had the vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
“Temporarily lost communication with the Climate System” error. Alert suddenly came on while driving, no prior issues or signs of error. Windows will not go down, air conditioner will not come on, cannot use climate touch screen or control volume from dash.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2020
I purchased the lease for the vehicle in January 2020. I first notified Subaru in Austin of an obvious "glitch" with the computer operating system in April 2020. The "glitchy" OS challenges came and went, I would notify Subaru and they would remedy the issue with a "patch" update at the service center. On April 29 2022 a clear night and a suitably clean vehicle, the RAB system completely failed to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2020
I was driving on the highway in traffic with the stop/start function active. It was raining and windshield wipers were on. Engine stalled in traffic and I couldn't turn the car back on, pressed the brake and it wouldn't restart. I put it in park and it started back up. The dash had a low power steering indicator and check engine light was on.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2020
I was driving on the highway in traffic with the stop/start function active. It was raining and windshield wipers were on. Engine stalled in traffic and I couldn't turn the car back on, pressed the brake and it wouldn't restart. I put it in park and it started back up. The dash had a low power steering indicator and check engine light was on.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
I've experienced problems with the center Infotainment screen about 2 months after purchasing a 2022 Outback Wilderness edition. It seems to happen when I use Apple CarPlay (as this is the only way I listen to music and must plug in my phone using the USB to start CarPlay). The Infotainment screen has a long lag time to respond to clicks on the center screen, will freeze, and crash the system sudd... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
Electric power steering warning light which indicates a malfunction in the EPS system comes on almost every other week. If there is a software update for this problem why Toyota does not fix it? Are they waiting for an accident to happen?
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
During first recall 18V-666, Kia stated that I received a new PRA in September 2019 per recall instructions. July 2023, my car would not turn on and was sent to same Kia dealership. Recall 22V-836 applies to my car, and my PRA shows sign of thermal damage yet again. Both main relays that were replaced in 2019 were of Panasonic, yet, the PRA was melted to the point that the wire harness also needs ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
I noticed that the airbag light was continuously illuminated on the dashboard of my Subaru Forester. I promptly took my vehicle to a certified Subaru dealership to have the issue diagnosed and resolved. After a thorough inspection, it was determined that the passenger seat bottom occupant seat mat required replacement to rectify the problem. Otherwise, my airbags would not inflate in the event tha... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
headlights too dim And won’t pass inspection
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
Vehicle experienced an unexplained acceleration while at a complete stop with foot on the brake. This has happened several times.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened; however, no furt... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
it is a case of sudden acceleration when parking the car in battery , goin forward very slowly, the subaru impreza accelerate , jump the curve and crash agaings a tree 5 ft away from the curve, the results extensive damage in the left front , airbags did not deploy
Crash
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
While driving about 75 mph on an expressway using autopilot or just cruise control, the car decelerated to about 40mph within a few seconds. Thankfully there were no other cars behind me. They likely would have crashed into me if so. I believe Tesla calls this problem “phantom braking.” There were no other cars or objects in front of me when this happened. This happened all within 2-3 hours ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
While driving about 75 mph on an expressway using autopilot or just cruise control, the car decelerated to about 40mph within a few seconds. Thankfully there were no other cars behind me. They likely would have crashed into me if so. I believe Tesla calls this problem “phantom braking.” There were no other cars or objects in front of me when this happened. This happened all within 2-3 hours ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that he had filled the coolant reservoir and a month later the message to check the coolant level was displayed. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle was running rough and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. There was no sign of a coolant leak. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an indepen... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
While driving on the highway, there was a sudden beep sound followed by the ABS light, the brake lights turning on, and the traction control light turning on. The vehicle keeps moving and the breaks are not working, and the brake pedal is too tight to press. To avoid a collision on the highway, I used the emergency brake to stop the vehicle If I turn off the engine and then turn it back on, I can ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
while backing into a parking spot between 2 cars in a parking lot the reverse auto braking engaged. when going into forward the car accelerated and crashed into cement wall about 10-15 feet ahead. Just occurred so no other info available.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
On many occasions, rain pours through overhead lights and buttons when driving or sitting in a rain storm. Safety at risk to drive when raining inside car—very distracting also risk of shock because pouring through lights. A dealer has seen the car after incident. Not inspected by police or others. No warning.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V218000 (Electrical System) 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 manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
Last week, my 2018 Ford Ecosport had the engine pressure oil light come on as I was merging onto the highway. I stopped driving immediately and had it towed but it didn't matter, the engine is ruined. I looked it up when I got home and FORD knows about this! They could have easily issued a recall. Luckily I was able to leave the highway right away or god knows what would have happened. Heather:... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
Last July of 2022, my first issue was an electrical notice that caused the airbag and seatbelt sensor in the vehicle to continuously go off, which took several months to get fixed through the manufacturer of my Jeep Cherokee 2015. As of 2023, I have received two recall notices, and neither of which have been resolved since April of 2023. Since those notices, my check engine light has gone off and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
Engine pinging Hesitates when pulling out at times
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
2 instances occurred where the auto start/stop initiated in the midst of driving resulting in a stall and required the car to be restarted in order to start driving again. One time occurred while backing up and another while taking a turn both at low speeds. There was a recall on 2021 Volkswagen Taos’s for the same problem. I brought the car to the dealership to be assessed and the car remained ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
2021 Subaru Ascent with 15,735 miles on it with the factory Falken tires. The tread and metal was showing and separating from the tires. 2 tires, original to the car off the lot. Tires should last 30-40-50 miles. The other 2 tires were labeled as a 4-5 category. The car did not steer to the left or right, no noise at all. If driving on the highway and 2 tires failed, I could have been injure... Read more