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 16, 2023
The rear lug nuts have sheared off on the passenger side. This is the second time this has happened in a year creating an extremely dangerous condition. The first time we lost the entire wheel. Ford continues to deny that this recall is only limited to certain vans and continues to deny our request. I cannot believe this has happened once again to the tune of $1000 per incident and endangerment of... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The vehicle has always had a bit of a breaking issue especially in cruise control. In may had an incident where it slammed on the brakes so bad that everything in the backseat flew up to the front. Again the driver did not break. I went in for it to be repaired which took several weeks and spent 5 hours at the dealership. Two days later the car completely shut down and I had to have it towed t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
This complaint with the NHTSA is to bring to your attention malfunctioning Sync 3 systems caused by an Over the Air (OTA) update Ford has pushed out to vehicles without permission from owners that has caused the Sync Systems to malfunction. Backup camera screen view while driving in a forward direction and reocurring pop-up screens which require driver interaction are two primary concerns. Loss ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
I’ve been with my car for 2 years due to engine failure.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Rear coil spring is broken. Normal driving conditions and we noticed a significant vibration. Upon inspection of rear suspension we found a broken rear coil spring. I researched this issue and found that VW recalled several other 2015 models for rear coil springs breaking. This is a major safety issue. Currently we cannot use the car due to this safety issue.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
When setting cruise control to speed limit then pressing brake and then resume the jeep sone times accelerates to a higher speed the. Having to break again. Has been reoccurring nervous when driving and setting cruise or resuming. Have not taken it in as of yet.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 PJ Trailer LD. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V319000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and several other unknown dealers were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled after start-up. Additionally, all the windows and sunroof inadvertently opened while the vehicle was parked and shut off. The contact related the failure to a faulty electrical system; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the fa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
A few days prior to this incident, I noticed a crunching noise as I would turn the steering wheel every now and then. As I was turning right to pull into my driveway, I heard the clock spring crunch and finally give up. Airbag light on. Airbag error when I start the car. Steering wheel buttons and horn unresponsive.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT GO UP ON 7/05/23. I WENT TO DEALERSHIP TO GET AN OIL CHANGE AND WHILE SERVICE ADVISOR WAS PULLING CAR OUT HE PUT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW DOWN AND IT WOULD NOT ROLL UP. I HAD THIS WINDOW DOWN 2 HOURS PRIOR AND HAD NO ISSUES WITH IT GOING UP. HYUNDAI OF ORANGE PARK SAID MOTOR AND WINDOW REGULATOR ASSEMBLY STRIPPED DUE TO ASSEMBLY BEING CHEAP PLASTIC. COST TO... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
Infotainment System will change stations, stop navigation / change navigation destination, stop / start playing on its own. Examples of recent issues: 1) While driving from southeastern Ohio to West Lafayette, IN, the navigation system (Apple play through the infotainment system) stopped navigation to entered destination and changed destination to home. This occurred while in Indianapolis and caus... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed a thick cloud of gray smoke coming from the exhaust pipe and that had spread throughout the neighborhood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that an unknown fluid had leaked into the engine. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
Auto stop caused Service Brake Assist warning to pop up on dash. Resolved on its own. A week later, steering assist disabled message pops up while driving and car didn't start after coming to a stop. Service ESC, Traction off, service brake assist messages, all pop up. Car did not restart. Vehicle is currently at Cooley Chevrolet in Irving, TX awaiting results of tests. Obviously, this is a common... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that the front passenger’s and driver’s side doors were difficult to open due to large gaps in the doors caused by improper welding. The contact also stated that an abnormal line had formed on the moonroof without incident while the vehicle was stationary. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V508000 (Stru... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Rear hatch has opened while driving. Pulled to side of road and closed the hatch. Another time it opened while in parking lot. First time April 24, 2023. Second occurrence June 27, 2023.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Rear hatch has opened while driving. Pulled to side of road and closed the hatch. Another time it opened while in parking lot. First time April 24, 2023. Second occurrence June 27, 2023.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
When Filling the truck up with fuel, after 1-2 gallons the pump would shut off and I would have to repeat this process to fill up my 32-gallon tank. When I took it to the mechanic, it was found that the tank and filler neck was not properly preventing the pressure, causing the pump to think the tank was full and shut off. By the time we figured out the issue Stellantis had already developed an upd... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
On 7/8/23 while taking a trip to North Carolina the AC unit stopped working. I was struggling to do anything and making a rattling noise. This occurred from 7am-3pm. We had shut the vehicle off many times to see if that would allow the AC to begin working normally again and it did nothing until 3pm.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
Stabiltrack System, Traction Control System, Reduced Engine Power. Since purchase of the vehicle, intermittent immediate failure or previously stated vehicle systems caused critical safety concerns for occupants and other drivers while operating. Vehicle looses power enters safety "Limp Mode" due to faulty engineering. Upon inspection by State Police and Fire/EMS, owners urged to contact vehicle m... Read more
4 injured
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
Stabiltrack System, Traction Control System, Reduced Engine Power. Since purchase of the vehicle, intermittent immediate failure or previously stated vehicle systems caused critical safety concerns for occupants and other drivers while operating. Vehicle looses power enters safety "Limp Mode" due to faulty engineering. Upon inspection by State Police and Fire/EMS, owners urged to contact vehicle m... Read more
4 injured
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
I was driving on a paved two lane rural route and hit a small bump in the road. Immediately, my check engine light came on and all the safety features turned off. Control panel showed multiple safety features off and the Sport mode indicator light blinking. My car only has 17K miles on it and I have had it just over a month. I was able to drive it safely home and when I called the dealership t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
My vehicle has the Pentastar engine tick indicative of a rocker arm issue. I’ve been having performance issues with the vehicle at only 124,000 miles and less. It’s escalating to the point in afraid of complete engine failure while I’m driving. This is a known issue with these vehicles and needs to be repaired by Dodge as it’s a manufacturing defect.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
The contact's company owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The company received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V250000 (Visibility) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
The oil housing unit has cracked and has to be replaced. The Jeep is currently in the shop and they discovered that it is made of plastic and cracked. I had oil pouring out when I took it to the shop. After doing some research, apparently this is a problem with Jeeps.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
The driver's door opens while the cat is moving. I spoke to the Service Manager at Vision Kia in East Rochester, NY and he told me this is a safety feature. I don't believe the doors are supposed to open when the car is moving at highway speed. They do lock o once the vet moves but still open from inside.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to report a safety issue with my 2019 Subaru Forester, which I believe may affect many other Subaru vehicles as well. Specifically, I have experienced a problem with the thermo control valve, which has caused the EyeSight safety features to be disabled and potentially poses a safety risk. I first became aware of this issue when th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
The contact’s friend owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact who is an independent mechanic stated that his friend had taken the vehicle to be repaired after the key became stuck in the ignition. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the key cylinder lock housing had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V502000 (Electrical System, P... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
The contact’s friend owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact who is an independent mechanic stated that his friend had taken the vehicle to be repaired after the key became stuck in the ignition. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the key cylinder lock housing had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V502000 (Electrical System, P... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
Auxiliary battery which manages auto start/stop fails. First time battery was tested and replaced under warranty. Failed again two years later - out of warranty. Unsure about risk but depending on who you ask, the failed auxiliary battery can be a parasite to the main battery, leading to potential breakdown. Also misleading fuel consumption numbers due to auto start/stop not functioning
Incident date: May 23, 2023
Have tried repeatedly to get the CPV recall performed however all dealerships or authorized repair locations have been giving me multi month waits since it started showing the alarm code for it in Dec. 2021. Due to it being the only vehicle my family has we were out in a wait list to bring it in when they had the parts and never got called back. Now the Transaxle is not engaging 4/5/6th gear inter... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
My 2008 BMW X5 was taken to a shop to be diagnosed due to Diagnosis as followed:( low coolant light coming on) “coolant crossover pipe from timing belt cover leaking” it is available for inspection, although it is not safe to drive. The low coolant light went off after I put more in it and did not come back on. Me and my then 10 month old were picking my 14 year old up from school and I notice... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
2022 Lincoln Navigator L Reserve has many issues with Modules one of them that keeps goes bad is Apin which controls the screen and all other features like Massage seats Running Boards and Music and all other controls that gets disabled when it goes bad it’s a frequent problem which I has been having often changed 3 times but the problem is persistent Lincoln hasn’t made a recall for this part... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, when she depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle did not accelerate as required, and she was rear-ended, causing her vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front. The vehicle was towed to the repair facility; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
Unintended Acceleration. I was driving back from a place in brand new Tesla, drove around 11-12 miles and was fine. We went to ice cream place and I stopped my vehicle in parking spot. Car was completely stopped at that time. To fix parking I put steering in reverse (don’t remember putting my foot on acceleration at all) and car went back at fast speed. I was completely taken aback and before I... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
I’m an owner of a brand new a 2023 Kia for less than one year. While driving home from work which is 8 miles drive on a Friday, while sitting at a red light I heard a crack or pop to see that my windshield had spontaneously cracked on the driver side. When I got home, I measured it to be 8 inches, starting at the frame. It’ll probably need replacing as opposed to repair. It is and always has b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Vanguard National Trailer. The contact stated that while reversing into a docking area, a spotter informed him that the axle was moving from side to side. There was no warning light illuminated. The trailer was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the bushings were worn. Additionally, the sub frame and spring hangers were cracked. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
My 2015 Jeep haslocked up on me twice now. The power brake system comes on automatic and I cannot accelerate. The first time it happened it about threw me into the windshield. This second time it jerked me forward. It has been in the dealership once to fix the problem. Now it has done it again. The warning lights come on the dash as power brake system malfunction, check engine soon, do not engage ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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 attempting to res... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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 attempting to res... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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 experien... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Dashboard pad cover is wrinkling and detaching from the dashboard top. The area most effected is on the passenger side. The covering has detached about 2 inches away from the windshield and has detached from the air vent cover. The detachment has caused the air vent cover to rise. The air vent cover is no longer flush with the top of the dashboard. While driving, the distortion in the dashboard pa... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2023
The brakes failed and the yellow light that comes on as you are approaching another vehicle failed to come on along with the car not slowing down. The drivers foot was on the brake but the car wasn’t stopping. This caused the driver to rear end another vehicle causing a car crash. The dealer was asked about reading the computer to confirm brake failure but was advised they do not have the eq... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
During a cross country trip, failure of tire valve extender, resulted in loss of tire pressure. This sudden loss of pressure could have resulted in a vehicle highway accident. This problem occurred twice (each incident within 2 hours of each other). Our RV, has dual rear tires, and was not detected until we stopped for fuel. We did not receive an alert from the tire pressure sensor that pressur... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
Whenever I press the brake pedal the brakes GRAB. It is not smooth, and is very uncomfortable, and even dangerous!
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
Our thermo control valve (TCV) assembly failed and caused dangerous loss of speed and control while on the highway. Subaru is fully aware of the defect in their design as they issued a service bulletin to inform their service centers of a new, fixed TCV assembly that is retaining the same part number (a notice only sent to their service centers, NOT to owners). Please see attached. Despite being ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
I keep having electrical problems with my my radio UConnect and my powertrain. I take great care of my car only let the dealership handle my issues. I've read online that there was a recall for dodge chargers powertrain, but I've never been notified.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
I keep having electrical problems with my my radio UConnect and my powertrain. I take great care of my car only let the dealership handle my issues. I've read online that there was a recall for dodge chargers powertrain, but I've never been notified.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
On July 4th, my vehicle lost engine power and flashed a quick prompt of "engine warning" before turning off completely, smoke from under the hood which resulted in a fire. I was able to extinguish it fortunately. I have since discovered there are three open recalls, which I received no notification about. I frequently check for recalls and all sites say there are none.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
IBC errors while towing. Serious safety issue.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
IBC errors while towing. Serious safety issue.