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: Sep 25, 2023
When taking curves the vehicle is making a cracking noise but, mechanic said they don’t see anything. My W213 Mercedes Benz E300 just like all other Mercedes is have a “Crankcase” issue, it failed the engine keep revving but, not catching speed. I’ve seen multiple Mercedes is having that issues and it’s very common. My vehicle computer communication system failed to communicate with t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the crank and camshaft valve position sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Bought the car on 08/20/2022. On 09/07/2022 we took the car back to Allen Turner because the engine light was flashing and the car would not go over a certain speed. There were metal shavings in the oil. It was throwing code P1326. They did an update on car and told me the cylinder walls were scored but the motor had a lifetime warranty no matter what happened to it. Every time we would have the o... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
While driving the vehicle on the highway, the check engine light began flashing and the car immediately lost almost all power. We had enough power to pull off of the highway off-ramp where the vehicle began jolting before stalling on a side road. We started the car back up and had just enough power to drive into the hospital parking lot next to the side road, where we had it towed to the Hyundai d... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
While driving the vehicle on the highway, the check engine light began flashing and the car immediately lost almost all power. We had enough power to pull off of the highway off-ramp where the vehicle began jolting before stalling on a side road. We started the car back up and had just enough power to drive into the hospital parking lot next to the side road, where we had it towed to the Hyundai d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
With headlights set to “auto”, the high beams will intermittently turn on and off even when the headlight switch is not pushed forward to activate high beams. When headlight switch is in the high beam position and set to “auto”, the high beams will not deactivate with on coming traffic. Both scenarios could blind on coming traffic potentially causing a collision. No No Vehicle purch... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
While driving 50mph the transmission downshifted to 2 gear and the rear end locked up and I slid. I was able to shift to neutral and gain control. This has happened twice at that speed and you can feel a jolt like it’s happening at lower speeds. I believe this is an electrical issue in the transmission as the gear indicator on the dash will flicker between “D” and “2”. I have a video of ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
I started directing the car to the side of the road to park. As I was guiding the car to a stop, with my foot on the brake, I was about 12 ft. from the car in front of me when the car suddenly accelerated. The vehicle accelerated for approximately 10 ft. before the anti-collision system auto-braked the car just prior to impacting the car in front of me.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
I started directing the car to the side of the road to park. As I was guiding the car to a stop, with my foot on the brake, I was about 12 ft. from the car in front of me when the car suddenly accelerated. The vehicle accelerated for approximately 10 ft. before the anti-collision system auto-braked the car just prior to impacting the car in front of me.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,500.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
Vehicle was towing a trailer and the vehicle would not apply the trailer brakes. Further, the vehicle showed on the driver information screen that the trailer was disconnected.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the brake pedal was released; however, the vehicle started shuddering and jerking significantly. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to shift into the intended gear while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while dri... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the brake pedal was released; however, the vehicle started shuddering and jerking significantly. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to shift into the intended gear while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while dri... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the brake pedal was released; however, the vehicle started shuddering and jerking significantly. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to shift into the intended gear while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while dri... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) 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 mad... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the vehicle started shuddering significantly and lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact came to a complete stop at the traffic light and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact's brother assisted him in pushing the vehicle to a safe location, where the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
After the vehicle sits idle for about two contiguous days and you open the driver's door, there are not lights on inside or outside. Normally when you open the driver's door, the center dash and console light up as well as the ambient lighting in various areas of the interior. There is no mention of the 'battery deep sleep' anywhere in the online user manual for a non electric vehicle (ICE). Ent... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Just noticed a loud bang sound from back and got it checked. Finally found out that the rear subframe has all rusted out which is very dangerous.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked; however, after entering the vehicle, the contact smelled an abnormal smoke odor. The contact opened the hood and became aware that there were sparks coming from the battery terminals and the starter. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with internal starter failure. The vehicle was n... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
Accord LX dash says vehicle requires a software update. Car was taken to dealer. Dealer says they hooked car to a computer and says there is no software update available. Dash continues to say vehicle requires software update.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who determined tha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
ok so i dont know how to answer this so im just gonna tell you whats happening well my car is dieing out at random times and the check engine light came on i had it read and it was the crankshaft sensor i then replaced it and then right after the same thing happens again well i had gone bacj=k and the guy sead its not reading anything els so he just changed my oil and sparkplugs and said it should... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
I bought the car in March 2023 and took the car for maintenance of 5k at Acura dealership at north Orlando and after that the car came never the same. The car is making so much noise skewing and clicking noise every time you turn the streering wheel. The dealership said the noise is from nuts and bolt and they did change it and noise became more loud 2nd time they said it is the front break and th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
REAR SUSPENSION HAS FAILED OR IS FAILING, CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS AND RISK OF LOSS OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLES RIDES SHAKES AND BOUNCES ON NORMAL STREET CONDITIONS. AFTER REPAIR OF FACTORY RECALL FOR TRAILER HITCH, VEHICLE REAR SUSPENSION FAILED AND IS UNSAFE FOR CHILDREN ESPECIALLY IN REAR OF VEHICLE IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS>
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
ABS and Traction Control code warning lights appear intermittently on instrument panel stating “service electronic braking system” and “service ABS system.” These indicators flash consistently on the IP but do not stay constant currently. Failure of these systems could result in loss of control of the vehicle during emergency breaking by allowing the tires to lock up during breaking. Co... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
ABS and Traction Control code warning lights appear intermittently on instrument panel stating “service electronic braking system” and “service ABS system.” These indicators flash consistently on the IP but do not stay constant currently. Failure of these systems could result in loss of control of the vehicle during emergency breaking by allowing the tires to lock up during breaking. Co... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
This is the second engine that has been replaced for the same issue. It had a connecting road bearing failure & went into limp mode.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
The piston in my front cylinder cracked while traveling causing safety issues including, inconsistent speeds, poor acceleration, engine cutting off while driving. While no accident/injury occurred while driving in this instance, it would have been easy for something to happen. The garage I took it took recommended against driving it as it could shut down at any time on the road.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
Check engine light came on while driving down the highway. Vehicle lost power to approximately 20 mph even though the throttle was pressed. This was a hazardous situation as the speed limit was 55 mph and no place to pull off. Was told by a mechanic the throttle body was defective and needs replaced.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The contact stated that a puddle of water was found in the front driver's side seat after a heavy rainstorm. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where an inspection was performed. The result showed that the adhesion around the windshield was defective which led to water intrusion inside the vehicle. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
I experienced unintended acceleration while parking my car. The car surged ahead, over a curb and collided with a metal lamppost. Damage was on the body of the car’s right front. While no one was injured the car went across a space used by pedestrians including schoolchildren. There was no warning before the car surged. A friend later told me that she had experienced the same thing when she had ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power before stalling. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure has since become a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was repai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
My car has been operating fine. No complaints or any reason to believe there was any problems. I pulled up to a stop sign at a 4 way intersection and my just car shut off. The indicators on my dashboard panel were blinking on and off. It also said my car was on but it was not. The MPH gauge when i tried presssing the stop/start button would slightly move up and back down again. I was able to get... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2023
When cruise control is engaged, the vehicle suddenly decelerates, (at times dropping speed by more than 20 mph in less than 2 seconds). This occurs as often as 5-10 times in a single 60mi trip, and occurs at least once per trip on this same route (divided highway, sometimes with hills, often with no other cars ahead of or around the vehicle, speed 60-70mph) These events are unsafe because unexpect... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle slowed down and lost motive power. While pulling over, the vehicle shutoff and failed to restart. The oil light illuminated, and the low oil pressure message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent me... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? In the past few months (My 23 to current Sept 23) the idle stop system would occasionally not restart when gas was applied. This mostly occurred when stopped for a traffic light and I would have to go through a complete restart procedure taking a good amount of time. and causing the folks behind me... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2023
At first the check engine light was on and the car would not start. The dash would display all the lights and at one point it turned off while driving luckily I was going 20-30mph. Took it to the dealership and they said an Intake Valve had to be replaced and it was covered by the warranty. Next the engine light was on and a MAP censor had to be replaced which wasn’t covered. Once again the engi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
The frame under neath is rusted in two in several places and the springs are broke off I just bought a month ago and owe 19000 on this truck and it's not safe to use
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
I was told that my muffler needed to be replaced and not covered under warranty this vehicle is not even 3 years old yet and I need a new muffler my car sounds LOUD and the check engine light is now on.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
My brake line was extremely rusted and broke while driving. I I discovered this when I got home after I felt a Difference in the brake pedal and the responsiveness which quickly lead to no response at all with the brakes and brake light coming on right before I pulled into my driveway
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
Door actuator malfunctioning on 2019 Honda Accord. Won't lock at times, won't unlock at times either.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
We bought this used vehicle from Toyota of Peoria Dealership in April 2023. Was in the middle of traffic when my vehicle stop almost getting into a accident.Due to a clutch recall that we were not informed of. When we got it into a Ford dealership they told us that we would have to pay for theses recalls that ended going bad in the vehicle. Told us that recall only last for 5 years or 100 thousand... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The car was parked and turned off, not being driven and ignited on its own. The entire front end of the vehicle was on fire, according to the fire department it was some type of electrical short that started the fire. Vehicle was totaled out as it was a complete loss.
Fire
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, intermittently the steering wheel became firm. The Service Stabili-trak warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle hesitated while accelerating with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The Service 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and refe... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle lost significant motive power and struggled to attain speeds of over 30 MPH. The contact also stated that there was an excessive amount of smoke coming from the exhaust that contained the odor of oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that when she arrived at her destination her husband noticed something hanging from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a rusted rear fuel tank strap. The contact was informed that the fuel tank strap needed to be replaced. The ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that when she arrived at her destination her husband noticed something hanging from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a rusted rear fuel tank strap. The contact was informed that the fuel tank strap needed to be replaced. The ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle erroneously experienced unintended braking. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V509000 (Parking Brake). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.