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: Oct 8, 2023
When going over 30mph, the steering wheel will freeze into a static position, requiring a few pounds of force to unstick it and steer again - similar to the force needed to interrupt lane assist. This happens consistently for several days, then will stop for a few days, then start for several days again. Because it sticks, it is impossible to smoothly make adjustments while driving. Instead, every... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
At first, the yellow electrical system malfunction warning light came on. After a short time of driving, the light turned red, and very shortly after than (within five minutes as I was trying to drive the vehicle to the dealership for repair), all of the electrical systems in the vehicle failed. It created a very dangerous driving situation. I brought the vehicle to the Audi dealership, where t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
On July 5, 2023 my front passenger seat assembly was replaced due to a passenger safety restraint system fault. Two days ago I discovered two black self tapping bolts sitting behind the front passenger seat on the floor mat. The front passenger seat assembly was only connected to the car chassis by the two front mounting bolts. It was possible to tip the seat forward by pushing on the headrest. I ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
When reversing, the center screen that contains the backup camera freezes, with no indication it has stopped functioning. This leads to a situation where you are seeing a camera image that is not related to the actual view behind you. This can cause crashes and pedestrian hazards if you do not realize the screen has broken. Attached photos show what the camera was showing and what the actual si... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
When reversing, the center screen that contains the backup camera freezes, with no indication it has stopped functioning. This leads to a situation where you are seeing a camera image that is not related to the actual view behind you. This can cause crashes and pedestrian hazards if you do not realize the screen has broken. Attached photos show what the camera was showing and what the actual si... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The steering feels off when driving on the highway. It feels stuck when I try to make minor adjustments on small curves. I have to force it to release.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Discovery. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V393000 (Electrical System, Latches/Locks/Linkages) 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... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Transmission Fluid Pump failed, and is needing to be replaced. The car only had 200 miles on it and was bought 5 days prior before the issue began. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car immediatley reduced my speed to 30mph. I was driving on an expressway, and caused ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was hesitating with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated while entering the vehicle, she became aware that the driver's side door was squeaky and difficult to open. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the driver's side door check arm attachment point. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
Issue I have is when its raining - any water in the doors is to to drain out the 4 drain holes at the bottom of the doors. On my 2022 Pathfinder it is coming out the 4 drain holes but also coming out from behind the inside door panels and all 4 doors causing the inside liner/insulation to get wet. If you see water drops on the black plastic piece in the kick plates /doorways then you have an issue... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
Where the motor mount sits the bracket below collapsed into the Frame itself causing the engine to lower
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
Tail lights with BLIS crack at the Manufacturing Seam of the light, causing critical safety features to not function. Additionally, water penetrates light and causes electrical shortage. Well known issue amongst truck enthusiasts.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
2018 RAM 2500 diesel purchased brand new in October of 2018. Continuous issues with the ABS Module and hydraulic control unit starting at approximately 23,000 miles. This was unfortunately past the 3 year bumper to bumper warranty. This affects the performance of the ABS brakes, including the brakes freezing up in the closed position, along with a constant chime and notification on the dashboar... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2023
I have Airbag failure. I had it diagnosed by a local mechanic. My Jeep had Airbag failure in the past and the repair was done by Jeep. Jeep refused to pay for it, although the same year of Wrangler was recalled for the Airbag failures. They returned my money almost 2 yrs later. The current Code is B1B02 (Clockspring). In addition to my Airbag light being on, due to failure (defect), my other ga... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2023
2023 Silverado 1500 3.0 Duramax. Transmission failure and engine overheating at 5k miles. I was towing a trailer when the 1st transmission failure occurred. The engine shut off, and said shift to N to start while coasting with loss of power braking. I was able to get started but transmission would slip when shifting above 1st gear. I had to tow to the nearest level point to safely park the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) 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 manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made awa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I was on my way to work and as I approached a 4-way intersection, the auto-stop feature on the vehicle shut the engine off. The vehicle's instrument panel started blinking then went completely black. The vehicle became completely disabled... the hazard lights were only functioning intermittently. I tried to re-start the vehicle without success and was not able to shift to neutral. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
My truck is experiencing the “hemi tick”. Upon research, this tick is a common defect in RAM trucks that was supposed to be fixed in later models. Not true. Not only do I need to pay thousands for replacing the manifold, it will be a problem again. The hot/cold engine melds the aluminum and steel, creating a warped or split manifold. To replace it is immense labor, hence costly fees, as t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
My truck is experiencing the “hemi tick”. Upon research, this tick is a common defect in RAM trucks that was supposed to be fixed in later models. Not true. Not only do I need to pay thousands for replacing the manifold, it will be a problem again. The hot/cold engine melds the aluminum and steel, creating a warped or split manifold. To replace it is immense labor, hence costly fees, as t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
As you increase your speed your steering wheel becomes hard to steer. It acts like it gets stuck. Almost caused an accident as wheel would not respond quickly.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Some of the times when the function Autostart/Stop is on and the windshield wipers are active the car shuts down and throws engine lights on the car and the car won’t start after releasing the brakes, the car panics , and only will start again when moving from D to Park again and pressing the button .
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Check engine light came on and had mechanic look at it and it was diagnosed as an electrical "misfire" issue. We were told to take the Edge to the dealership to get fixed. Scheduled a service appointment with the dealership soon after, and the dealership called me that afternoon and diagnosing issue as the coolant intrusion on caliber #3 is defective. Dealership said we need a new engine, and i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Vehicle is sputtering and jerking while driving When slowing to a stop vehicles engine will shut off. I do know that the 2021 Tahoe has recalls on the fuel pump issues but not sure why my vin number isn’t covered under this recall. This is a 2 year old vehicle and already has recalls on this year model on its fuel pump. At this point it is barely driveable and is a danger for myself and my... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the vehicle released gasoline fumes inside and around the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not under recall for the failu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2016
The screen for the radio and other function is not operable. Occasional glitches to work but has lines all over the screen or is completely blank. I am unable to see navigations or use majority of the functions for the climate controls at all. I have taken it to a Jeep dealership and they have advised needing a whole new replacement which is going to cost a little ove $1,000. I have searched onlin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
See attached document from complainant
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the infotainment screen failed to operate as needed. Additionally, the back-up camera image appeared on the screen while driving. The contact stated that the Blind Spot sensors failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed there was a Service Bulletin in... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
through due diligence it was found this complaint is related to NHSTA campaign # 15V340000 “Failure of Electric Power Steering Assist”. The "Power steering assist fault" messaged appeared while the Owner being [XXX] lost control of the vehicle. Thankfully she works close to home and was able to get the car to her driveway with help. A Dealership diagnosis was Hard steering/lack of assist. and... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2023
Lights go off unexpectedly while driving at night. The rear break light has been changed 3 times and continues to work intermittently. Lights come on after the car has parked and turned off.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
The computer screen jumps around with the dash data when you are driving. The radio changes functions and channels. This is a huge distraction and dangerous when driving. Additionally, when you turn the radio off the screen keeps jumping around to different functions and channels.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
*coolant level stand pipe and sensor. *the car just start doing the overheating while I was on the highway and the car just slow the running while I was there. *yes I bring the car to and authorize ford dealer. *no *yes a warning light saying that the coolant level was low but the coolant was full. Is being and issue since I buy the car. I bring it to the dealer where I buy it twice and they s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
*coolant level stand pipe and sensor. *the car just start doing the overheating while I was on the highway and the car just slow the running while I was there. *yes I bring the car to and authorize ford dealer. *no *yes a warning light saying that the coolant level was low but the coolant was full. Is being and issue since I buy the car. I bring it to the dealer where I buy it twice and they s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the engine revved significantly, and the vehicle experienced hard shifts. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted from 1st gear to 3rd gear, and from 3rd gear to 5th gear. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
Rubber front windshield trim is deteriorating in the sun. Pieces are braking off while driving & causes a whistling sound.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
225/65R17 SIDEWALL BLEW OUT AND TOOK TO MAVIS THEY SAID YOUR OTHER 3 TIRES ARE GOING TO FAIL THEN TOOK TO DEALER THEY SAID SIDEWALL INDENTATION IS NORMAL.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
225/65R17 SIDEWALL BLEW OUT AND TOOK TO MAVIS THEY SAID YOUR OTHER 3 TIRES ARE GOING TO FAIL THEN TOOK TO DEALER THEY SAID SIDEWALL INDENTATION IS NORMAL.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
We enabled Tesla Auto-pilot on the highway. We were driving in the middle lane and there was a truck on the left of us and another vehicle on the right. The truck on the left moved a little towards us but stayed in its lane. The autopilot suddenly turned sharply left. But since there was a car there, it suddenly turned right towards the truck. At this point, I hit the brakes and disabled the auto-... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
Rear restraint system malfunction. BMW states it’s a faulty airbag that is not under warranty. Car has never been in an accident and only 4 years old so there should not have been any issues. It is a safety issue for passengers.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
I was backing up in a parking lot with steering wheel turned to the far right. Steering wheel started to shake then froze up. I could just barely turn it. I can't remember how I got it to work, maybe I had to restart the car. No one was at risk since it was just me in the car and I was going really slowly, but if it were on a street it could be risky. The dealer replaced a steering part and i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
I was traveling on a nearby road at approximately 40mph when another vehicle ran a stop sign causing me to t-bone his vehicle and spin around. There was no time for evasive measures so the vehicles collided at full speed. I hit my head on the left side as a result of the collision. The point of impact on my car was the entire front end. Neither my front nor side airbags deployed during the coll... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
For now the fifth time in the last 16 months the HEV light and engine light has lit up while the car jerks and sputters and dies. Below is the incident report that I filed on or about August 8, 2022. Again at the end of the day yesterday on October 20, 2023 the same issues still arise for the fifth time. See below for a re-cap of the issues I am once again experiencing after Hyundai claims to h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
Recent failures of Blue OX tow bars have cropped up on Recreational Vehicle blog sites. These incidents are very similar in that the tow bars or baseplates suffer weld failures. In the NHTSA database Blue OX has 14 complaints. None of the other major manufacturers of tow bars has a single compliant (Roadmaster, Demco, Curt,...). This is a huge statistical deviation and suggest that NHTSA should i... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
Transmission stutters and slips between 1-2k rpms, especially at low speeds and in stop and go traffic. I took my vehicle to the dealer. At less than 20,000 miles they said transmission wear is at 85%. Unacceptable performance and concerning that this will continue to degrade.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
The truck has had its major service to replace all fluids at 70,000 miles. One of the services was a notable vibration and shaking through the steering wheel and on the brakes. Higher the speed the more the vibration. When brakes are applied the vibration gets worse. The vehicles brakes and rotors were checked and good. The mechanic said that the brake pump was slightly loose and it was tightened.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
- Vehicle was operating as normal. Slowed down to a complete stop as normal. When attempting to accelerate from stop, vehicle had no throttle response and slowly idled into the intersection. Would press pedal down and nothing would happen. About 5 seconds later, vehicle gained throttle response and took off quickly. Unable to duplicate issue at this time, appears to be intermittent. - Safety was r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the driveshaft detached. Due to the failure, the gear oil and rear differential fluid leaked out of the vehicle. The contact was able to temporarily repair the driveshaft. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Additionally, the VIN was included in NHTSA Ca... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
Hybrid System Failure due to overheating Overheating due to coolant leak into resorvoir My car started having white smoke come from exhaust during driving Took to the repair shop, repaired the coolant reservoir next day, same issue took back to the service tech stated they couldn't find the leak, but the reservoir was empty. Took the car for a second opinion, the service people had my car all d... Read more