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 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the engine had been replaced six times since ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
I recently purchased this vehicle less than a month ago and i have more than 15 Forward Warning collisions that come from nothing. Vehicles will be 100 yards out and my tesla thinks i am about to collide prompting the forward warning signal. I am driving passed the mailman and it thinks i will hit, my neighbors cars parked on the side of the road also prompts the message. This has caused my tesla ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
8/1/23 - the Electronic center console display as well as the display behind the steering wheel continually fails. The center console controls all electronics such as defroster, heater, and of the advance safety features. The display behind the steering wheel controls the odometer, speed etc. The inability to control any vehicle functions is a huge safety risk. For example, the defroster can no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
There are two issues with my vehicle, both started recently. The mileage is only around 33000 miles. The two front tire pressure warnings keep coming on, and I have tried multiple times to correct this, doesn't matter if it exactly correct on reading for pump, or above or below, it just keeps saying they need adjusting. It is only the two front ones and they have been doing this for about ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
There are two issues with my vehicle, both started recently. The mileage is only around 33000 miles. The two front tire pressure warnings keep coming on, and I have tried multiple times to correct this, doesn't matter if it exactly correct on reading for pump, or above or below, it just keeps saying they need adjusting. It is only the two front ones and they have been doing this for about ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
My vehicle is a 2016 Ford Fusion SE VIN3FA6P0H79GR130351. There is currently a recall (20V177000) on 2016 Ford Fusions, however it appears that the recall does not cover my specific vehicle per Ford. In 2021 we had an incident where the driver side door latch broke/stopped functioning causing the door to swing open and the door not securing properly. Upon that incident occurring, I took the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2021
My mother was involved in a fatal crash on August 30, 2022. We believe there was something unusual that occurred with the Tesla Model Y as it was on a quiet residential street and the car seems to have accelerated suddenly and she hit a pole. We are still waiting on the California Highway Patrol report.
Crash
1 deaths
Incident date: Apr 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, he smelled an abnormal coolant odor. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The coolant warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was related to coolant leaking from the turbocharger; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I had just got back from a trip where my Jeep Compass ran perfectly fine. I had to go to work the next morning and my Jeep would not start. A warning came on that said "coolant temperature to high" and would not let me start my car. Keep in mind that the car had not even been running to have a high temperature. The engine would not turn over and the power steering locked up. This came without warn... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I had just got back from a trip where my Jeep Compass ran perfectly fine. I had to go to work the next morning and my Jeep would not start. A warning came on that said "coolant temperature to high" and would not let me start my car. Keep in mind that the car had not even been running to have a high temperature. The engine would not turn over and the power steering locked up. This came without warn... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
While driving, the 2020 Forester, the check engine light, collision light, eyesight function lights all went on at the same time. I brought vehicle to check diagnostics and it is showing Engine Coolant Bypass Valve "A" Control Circuit low in Power Train System. Their were no messages prior to all the lights turning on and I was able to bring into the dealer for oil change but not able to make an a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V194000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ig... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
The car was purchased as CPO warrantied and within 2 months of purchase, showed low tire pressure on front passenger tire. Brought the car to a tire shop for what I thought was a nail, turned out was a cracked rim. Read online forums to find out this is a common issue. Mercedes underwent a class action lawsuit for sub-par quality wheels. Mercedes benz does not cover rim under warranty and replacem... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
On or about June 15, 2023 I put my 2019 Honda Pilot in reverse and observed the dashboard screen displaying an assortment of green and purple colors, which is blocking the rearview image, making backing up unsafe. My vehicle is just shy of 5 years old and only has 33,000 original miles, has never been involved in an accident and is always garaged. This image occurred at the same time that NHTSA is... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
Pinion separated from front drivers' side of truck while driving, almost causing accident.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
The engine was making a knocking sound and the check engine light came on. I did not have the time to get it to a mechanic (approx 2 days of driving with knocking) before the knocking stopped and the engine stopped. The car stalled out in the middle of the street and I was able to coast to a complete stop on the side of the road and push it to safely back home.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
I have been having continuous problems with engine light coming on w the wheel skid light also. I went to Auto Zone and the codes P000D, C1422,P00700 and others. I took vehicle to Subaru to inspect for repair September 11, 2021 The oil temp, traction control light, ABS, and hill control light went off, but the engine light came back on. I left it alone didn't bother with it, figured nothing could ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel display was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V058000 (Elec... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. The message "Traction Failure - Stop Safely" and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was no further information provided. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the electronic steering rack and pinion were replaced. The vehicle was re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
Immediately after purchasing the car I stopped for gas. When pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road, the transmission stalled. The car did not move, the rpms jumped to 5-6 and the lurched and jerked forward then stopped and lurched forward again with the rpms jumping high. This had happened numerous times to various deplgrees since purchasing the car 48 hours ago. There were and continue... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
Power steering yellow light on
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
My vehicle was idling and came to a complete stop and stopped the engine and then an electrical malfunction message appeared and the car wouldn’t start back up. Various error messages started to appear on the drivers display (tpms, abs stabilization, lane assistance disabled)
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
Continental Pro Contact size 245/35 R 20 sidewall blew out with 265 miles on a brand-new car. Blew out leaving a parking lot at a very slow speed. The tire did not hit anything, it just lost all air pressure, and the warning light came on. Goodyear Tire employee came to the scene and determined the sidewall leak. There is no damage or marks to the tire. We purchased a new tire at the new car de... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
All of the buttons on my steering wheel including the horn stopped working. I hear a clicking noise when i turn the steering wheel and the passenger air bag light randomly goes on and off. This leads me to believe the clock spring is broken. If the clock spring is the problem, this could create an airbag malfunction causing it to not deploy when needed or randomly deploy while i’m driving.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
This is for a 2022 VW Taos SEL. Vehicle is mildly driven commuter vehicle. Purchased NEW from VW in February 2022. It is end of July 2023, vehicle has now 10,300 miles. Issue presented as engine coolant low warning (red symbol) in October 2022, approx 8,000 miles on car. Vehicle has not shown any evidence on enclosed garage of dripping/leaking coolant. Contacted local VW dealership, upon ins... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
I was driving on the highway and my Jeep shook for a moment and then the D started blinking and there were 2 lights that came on. One was the battery light and the other one was the charging light. There was also an on screen message about a charging problem and to pull over safely. I was on the highway and this was very dangerous as the car was slowing down with cars behind me. I managed to pu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
I was driving on the highway and my Jeep shook for a moment and then the D started blinking and there were 2 lights that came on. One was the battery light and the other one was the charging light. There was also an on screen message about a charging problem and to pull over safely. I was on the highway and this was very dangerous as the car was slowing down with cars behind me. I managed to pu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
Driver experienced an unexpected uncommanded sudden acceleration upon application of the braking system in the driveway, which caused a collision with the garage/house. The safety of the driver and other were put at risk. Significant damage to the house/garage occurred. This is a first time occurrence. Owner has not yet had the opportunity to have the vehicle inspected by dealer, independent s... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
My mercedes GLK 350 4matic has a strong gas smell every time I fill up and I am afraid to park in my garage because of the very strong gas smell, and I am afraid of a fire.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
My windshield cracked in March 2023 from a small stone on passenger side. In June 2023 I had the windshield replaced by Kia. 2 weeks later, windshield cracked from under the A post on the driver side. Kia dealership has said it was an outside source of impact, but it broke while driving, normal conditions and only vehicle on roadway. Kia is refusing to replace windshield again. 1st windshield... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Windshield spontaneously cracked at top. I came outside in the morning after a temperature fluctuation and there was a crack at the top with one piece of the glass sitting lower… it has since grown. I have been forced to drive with the crack as Subaru will do anything to not honor a warranty, ever. The eyesight I am learning is necessary for the vehicle to avoid front end collisions and to pro... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds with the front windshield wipers activated in inclement weather, the front driver’s and passenger side windshield wipers operated in an untimely manner. The contact stated that the front driver’s and passenger’s side windshield wipers failed to operate at high-speeds and failed to properly cle... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The windshield wipers go wayyyyy to slow for heavy rain. I live in Florida so the rain is basically unpredictable. The wipers on the highest setting possible is medium to light speed to other cars. It is very dangerous in rain at all. I don’t feel safe driving in any kind of rain with how slow the wipers are because of the almost no visibility of the road. There are many others that I have reach... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
My blind spot cross traffic system alert activates and deactivates on its on and warning of electrical issues post to my Ford App. Air Bag warning comes on send message to Ford App stating Air bag not functioning due to electrical issues. Alarm goes off multiple times throughout the day sending messages to Ford App stating Hood Open when hood is not open and some messages state electrical issu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
The timing is not working correctly. And have to pay 2500 to repair. I can see that is open safety recall for this par for the same model that I have. But when I enter the VIN say that not have that recall
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
Bridgestones Alezna A/S 02 275 / 60 R 20 I was driving on the highway 17 on the far left lane when the tire suddenly blew out and we had to pull over, the entire sidewall of the was blown out we had a spare and a Jack so we were able to change the tire
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The power steering in my 2013 Explorer went out on the road, and a light came on. My I am having my steering assembly replaced. 2800.00 plus. Please advise, as there was a recall on this model for same, though I received no info regarding the issue. My car was made in Chicago as well. The recall number was 14S06, but for some reason, my car was not covered. I filed a verbal complaint as well. Than... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
When passing a vehicle on the highway, engine light came on and power was reduced. After, diagnose was informed of needing new engine. Took to get 2nd opinion and same thing was needed.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
I was driving to a friends house when my car start to make a dinging sound, and on the dashboard it said that power steering was lost, and to pull over safely. When i tried to turn the car on and off again to see if it might have been a glitch, the wheel locked up and I couldn’t turn it, without almost breaking it. If i want going to my friends house when it happened, my car would have been in a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
The steering angle sensor has faulted, at around 60,000 miles. This fault results in possible airbag failure, in conjunction with inability to perform safety breaking mechanisms, as well as disabling the cars 4x4 stability control features. BMW as well as other BMW third-party mechanics have told me this is a reoccurring problem and could pose a serious danger if in an accident. BMW officially tol... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to park, when the brake pedal was depressed, it became spongy and was inoperable. As a result, the contact crashed into a building and damaged the aluminum siding of the building. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with front left caliber failure and needed to be replaced. The manufactur... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
Clicking and knocking when turning or just parked turning the steering wheel. I hear it’s a steering coupler issue with lots of Kias and Hyundai’s that can be dangerous. Did I miss a recall, how do I get this taken care of?
Incident date: Jan 10, 2021
When truck is connected to a trailer with electric brakes, intermittently a check trailer wiring warning flashes on the dashboard screen. When this happens you do not have trailer brakes. It has happened on multiple trailers with 7 pin connections. I have taken it to the dealer twice with no fix other than GM recommending a non GM trailer receptacle. I have taken my trailer to the dealer and t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The car's dashboard will flash break and will use its emergency braking system to stop when there isn't anything in the way. Thus, the car stopping short and potentially causing an accident while there isn't a reason to break.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Had to replace the entire engine with only 65,000 miles on it
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
Car smells like gas inside the cabin. Many people have posted throughout varies forums about the occurrence. I took the vehicle to my Nissan dealership and they had a bulliten saying replace the PVC blower hose assembly. Part is on order until next week when I will have it installed. One person in a forum suggested checking the oil dipstick to see that the oil itself smells of gas. I did so on my... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local service center who replaced the steering column and rear suspension tow link. Recently while driving approximately 40 MPH, the power steering failure reoccurred, and the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
My 2014 Acura RDX only has 24,000 miles on it and the headlight are so dim I cannot even tell if they’re on at night!!! This is extremely dangerous!!! To replace these headlights through my local dealer cost over $850! I’ve found on the internet that this is a very common problem that thousands have had! I cannot believe that the government has not forced Acura to recall for this problem!!!
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
My wife was driving her 2019 Subaru Forester (purchased new) and the Eyesight disabled and the check engine light came on. The car was still running, but not as it normally would. It had less power but would still maintain the speed limit. At home the car idled differently, like it was running too rich or too lean. The exhaust also smelled funny.