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 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light with her foot lightly depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into the rear bumper of a vehicle stopped in front of her. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that her front bumper, radiator, and part of the frame that supports the bumpe... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
The electronic power steering suddenly stopped working while I was turning and I almost got in an accident, then the power steering suddenly came back again while I was turning and since it wasnt working I was having to use a lot of force to turn it so when it came back on the steering wheel turned very quickly and I ended up in the ditch. Luckily no one was hurt this could have been very bad. Yes... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2022
I own a 2015 sport edge that got serviced from the dealership at the beginning of the year 2023 for a rattling noice, loss of power, and a shut off problem while been operated on the highway. Expenses where paid out of pocket twice for the same reasons but now in July 2023 I received a recall letter 22N12 about this problem and after getting another diagnosis from the dealership I've been advised ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
I own a 2015 sport edge that got serviced from the dealership at the beginning of the year 2023 for a rattling noice, loss of power, and a shut off problem while been operated on the highway. Expenses where paid out of pocket twice for the same reasons but now in July 2023 I received a recall letter 22N12 about this problem and after getting another diagnosis from the dealership I've been advised ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
In May of 2021 my 2014 Kia Sorrento had major engine problems. I brought it to Myrtle Beach Kia immediately and after 5 months of back and forth and paying for rental vehicles, I was told that they would not cover any repairs due to the Recall! I then paid $8, 663.63 for a repair that was never fully completed. Immediately after receiving vehicle back, check engine light was on. Numerous call to t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The contact's brother owned a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while her brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle crashed into his driver's side, causing his vehicle to crash into a tree. The contact's brother had no account of what happened the day of the crash. No air bags were deployed upon impact. The contact's brother sustained injuries to his face, was unable t... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
Car would not engage into “Park” while attempting to park car in driveway. Shifter would not engage in any gear. Tried to reset button in center console. Contacted mechanic, he towed to garage. Plastic clip connected to cable broke. Earlier Kia’s had a recall due to this issue, why not all Kias due to it is still happening. I was very fortunate that this happened to me in my driveway and not... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
My car's battery died when I was on vacation. A friend of mine tried to jump start with his car and he couldn't. Then a roadside service jump started the car. After the jump start I was told to drive the car around so that it can charge the battery. The car did two unexpected things: 1- The steering was jittery and sometimes moving to the opposite direction that I was turning. This issue has been ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Was driving the car and it totally lost power to everything. Had to pull over immediately with whatever power I had left to have the car roll to a stop. Multiple lights came on the dash. Notification came on the screen saying car can not communicate, engine is over heating. Tried to turn off car and back on and it would do nothing at all. Car has been at mechanic for 3 weeks they believe it is the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Was driving the car and it totally lost power to everything. Had to pull over immediately with whatever power I had left to have the car roll to a stop. Multiple lights came on the dash. Notification came on the screen saying car can not communicate, engine is over heating. Tried to turn off car and back on and it would do nothing at all. Car has been at mechanic for 3 weeks they believe it is the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Subject: Safety Concerns with Subaru Solterra - Urgent Attention Required I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the safety issues I am experiencing with my newly purchased Subaru Solterra 2023 Touring. Despite my enthusiasm for the vehicle, the problems outlined below have caused me considerable distress and are posing significant risks to both ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Driving down the road in my black MKZ Hybrid -the red triangle sign came on and I had 6 seconds to safely get off the road, the vehicle then was non responsive. The start button was flashing and would not completely turn off. Towed to a local Ford dealer- I was informed today that the hybrid battery's temperature was 190 degrees then stated 145 degrees. The air temperature at the time was 118 degr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
I’ve looked into the steering recall for the 2015 Colorado and my 2016 vehicle is doing the exact same thing. I’ve owned this vehicle for only 3 weeks now and my power steering/stabilitrak has gone out twice. One of those incidents, which was today, was while I was merging onto the highway. This is a major safety concern as it will cause an accident, due to not being able to steer properly. I ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
At less than 10,000 miles, on a curve, my truck began shacking uncontrollably, putting me in to oncoming traffic and into a ditch. I was able to control it enough and an accident didn’t occur. I contacted my salesman and he said it was known as the death wobble. He told me to bring it in. I took it in and they explained that they can put a steering damper on it, but it wouldn’t fix the problem... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2015
The contact's employee owned a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the employee was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. No warning light was illuminated. The brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately, causing the employees' vehicle to rear-end another vehicle. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was received. A... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 1, 2015
The vehicle was serviced not long after I got it as a certified pre-owned vehicle for reprogramming of the transmission, which I told it was a just a reprogramming to make it more reactive. The vehicle would fail to accelerate, or have delayed acceleration. I was not aware at the time that these vehicles were known to have faulty transmissions and if I known this at purchase I would have spent my ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
It is a common occurence on the 2020 models that the driver and passenger side mirrors begin to extrmely shake after being exposed to water. There are rentention clips that just fall out which results in the mirror itself beiginning to shake extremely making the driver disoriented along with making it very difficult to use see traffic coming from behind. Especially in high speed situations such as... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
This observation/complaint is about a 2022 Subaru Ascent automobile, which I own. When the gas cap is loose, the car's computer disables several safety features, including collision avoidance, lane control, cruise control, reverse-automatic-braking control, all occur suddenly, while driving, after the computer processes the fault. Upon securing the gas cap and ostensibly fixing the problem, the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
The PASSENGER side air bag system on my 2015 GMC Acadia is issuing a warning light as of yesterday. The current recall is for the DRIVER seat airbag which I was told by the dealership there is no fix for as this time. I am concerned that the same potential for harm or death is present if the passenger side airbag malfunctions and would like to report the condition and request that a formal recall ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the contact observed water filling the driver's and passenger's side headlights, potentially reducing nighttime visibility. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced both headlights, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I brought car in for oil change and was told the R front axle was leaking. Brought it to dealer for repair and told Both that both front and rear axles needed to be replaced along with PTU. Was informed that the that was ordered was cancelled b/c 800 people across the country were looking for the same part. There were no safety warnings. I was told very unsafe to drive b/c front axle came out of... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I brought car in for oil change and was told the R front axle was leaking. Brought it to dealer for repair and told Both that both front and rear axles needed to be replaced along with PTU. Was informed that the that was ordered was cancelled b/c 800 people across the country were looking for the same part. There were no safety warnings. I was told very unsafe to drive b/c front axle came out of... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado. Upon inspection of vehicle, the contact discovered an abnormal design of the vehicle's exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe had been smashed in and the pipe appeared to be closed shut. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that it may have been designed that way to ensure safe ground clearance while driving the vehicle. The contact... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle had experienced a misfire, and the spark plugs were replaced. The next day, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the coolant warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the conta... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
2018 RAM 2500 6.7l service abs system and service electronic braking system warnings on dash. Took vehicle to mechanic shop and scan showed code C0020-01. Symptom/Vehicle issuse: C0020-01-ABS PUMP MOTOR CONTROL - GENERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. Replacing the HCU and ABS Module seems to be the fix. I bought the truck as a hauler for 5th wheel camper and do to abs and traction control failure it can be ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2018
While driving home from vacation I started noticing my car wasn't letting me drive over 65 mph. It felt like the car need to shift but wouldn't. I pulled over and turned my car off. Opened the hood of the car and everything seemed ok. When I got back on the road and started to pass traffic my car wouldn't engage when pushing on the petal. I had multiple cars behind me that needed to brake for me t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
The car (2022 Ioniq 5, an EV) lost power while driving. There was warning at the same time stating that the car is losing power and need to stop for safety. Minutes later the car completely lost power and can not be turned on. The car has to be towed to Hyundai dealer. It has been 2 months and 2 weeks and the car is till in Hyundai dealer's lot without being repaired. We were told by the dealer a ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
The car has a blue smoke from tail pipe * oil smell when turned on and last for 20 seconds
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
Steering has become hard to turn the wheel. I know there is a recall for steering on the 2013 Ford Explorer but there seems to be the same problem with the power assist steering on the 2014 Ford Explorers. Im afraid this will progress to failure.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
Seatbelt on the passenger side did not stop me from hitting the dash board and the air bags did not deploy. Was rearend while waiting to get off an of ramp.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
I took my 2017 Ram 2500 to my local dodge dealer because my service ABS light has come on. After paying 150.00 for a diagnostic test, they concluded that 2 ABS parts needed to be replaced. My ABS does not work and the parts are backlogged in the supply chain. They said the soonest they could fix it is possibly Jan 2024! On top of the 2000.00 they wanted to charge me. Isn’t this a safety issue an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
I am filing a claim here today because I feel that Nissan has ripped me off in coverage of my Nissan Rouge. I was told by 4 different people about the CVT Transmission problem that has been going on with Nissan Rouge Vehicles. I was stranded on the side of the interstate 84 with two small children. I had to get into an UBER because tow truck couldn't allow more than 2 in truck. Of course I cou... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled an abnormal fuel odor. Additionally, the contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, she observed the front driver's side seat control housing separating, hindering the use of the seat controls. The failure was later observed in the front passenger’s side seat. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
I have need to get 3 oil changes within the past month and a half. Twice I was told I was driving with no oil in my car and the engine was getting ready to go. I notice when I start my car in the morning it is making a rattling noise, this also happens when I try to accelerate and the car will get stuck in gear and hesitate before speeding up. It's been dangerous trying to drive on this highway. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The vehicle has a blown head gasket on its 2.0L ecoboost engine. It has all the same codes as the other vehicles that are affected by the recall #20V469000. It is a 2017 Ford Edge. It is loosing coolant into cylinder number 3. I'm 8000 miles out of my warranty and they want $9600 to fix the issues. I can't understand why this vehicle is not part of the recall. Any help would be greatly appreciated... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine inspection; however, the contact stated that she was informed by the technician that the vehicle failed to shift into gear as needed. The contact stated that she was informed by the technician that while shifted into reverse(R), the technician attempted to shift back into drive(D), but the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2021
My 2016 Chevy colorado z71 power steering/stabilitrack lights turns on and makes it very difficult for me to make turn’s safely.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2021
My 2016 Chevy colorado z71 power steering/stabilitrack lights turns on and makes it very difficult for me to make turn’s safely.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
Error code (P26A3?)for - Engine Coolant Bypass Valve. Causes the "Check Engine" light to come on and automatically disables ALL of the safety and collision mitigation systems. The Engine Coolant Bypass Valve failure is common and a known issue and Subaru has already updated the part on newer vehicle models. The common failure of the coolant bypass valve should not be disabling the safety features... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
2020 - Started experiencing antilock brake light going on/off. May 2020 - Took to Dealer at 13,179 miles. Dealer replaced anti lock brake control under warranty. November 2022 - Took to Dealer at 29,404 miles with same issues that occurred in 2020. Replaced ABS module but issue was not resolved. Dealer said truck needs Hydraulic ABS pump which they do not have. Search of Internet determined th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
This is already related to Mazda's recall #23V-275 BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL CONCERN. My car was already involved in crash which I firmly believe that it was related to the brake pedal issue since the brakes didn't hold off the car and the brake assist system was never activated during the accident. Mazda is claiming that my ABS system serial number is a good part, and their dealership claimed that t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
Error code (P26A3?)for - Engine Coolant Bypass Valve. Causes the "Check Engine" light to come on and automatically disables ALL of the safety and collision mitigation systems. The Engine Coolant Bypass Valve failure is common and a known issue and Subaru has already updated the part on newer vehicle models. The common failure of the coolant bypass valve should not be disabling the safety features... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
While driving my 2015 Kia Sedona LX under normal operating conditions, The vehicle started to drive abnormal with a slight fluctuation of RPMs without any warning lights or other symptoms. I was close to my house and turned off vehicle for 2 hours after getting home. The vehicle was turned on and began making a banging noise from the engine. The vehicle was driven a few miles to a local mechanic w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
The code P052E reads at only 49.000 miles....Mercedes wants $3000.00 to repait ir (replace PCV valve ). Car runs and drives normally....its probably a faulty sensor. I have seen a lot of posts with owners havins same issue.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
Oily blue smoke from exhaust upon start
Incident date: Aug 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized. Additionally, the steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the ECU was defective, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2021
The lifters failed about two months from buying it from the dealership. The vehicle was new and only had 13 miles when it was bought. The vehicle had about 600 miles when the lifters failed. As he vehicle was being driving on the highway it started making a clicking noise and the engine would pull and lost power. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and was in service for about 3 weeks for repa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact struck a sign on the side of the road causing front-end damages to the vehicle and the air bags did not deploy. The contact suffered a major injury to the chest from the seat belt and back pains where she was taken to the hospital and had to seek physical therapy. A police report was not filed. The vehicle wa... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Since buying this car I’ve had a few occasions where the car has not slowed down and feels like the transmission is pushing the car more than it should under hard breaking.