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 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (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 available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing engine power and then the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after one attempt. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The dashboard on my car is melting/shiny/sticky. I have tried many things to get it to stop reflecting on my windshield, but nothing helps. I contacted Lexus and this is an identified known concern for this vehicle and a bulletin has been issued, but the bulletin has expired. The reflection impairs visibility anytime the sun is out or lights at night reflect on the dashboard. I am concerned for m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V835000 (Power Train) and 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer and a secondary dealer were notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Forest River Amera-Lite. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V015000 (Equipment, Structure) 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 and informe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Forest River Amera-Lite. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V015000 (Equipment, Structure) 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 and informe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
While my family and I were returning from lunch and pulling into a parking space at my moms apartment complex, my 2015 Ford escape SE eco-boost, had a sudden unintentional acceleration where it basically accelerated forward and we hit a building. During this, the brakes were unresponsive, and there was building and vehicle damage. Luckily, the post to the building prevented us from driving through... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS FAILED IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
I have had my lights to go off at night while driving.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
Took the vehicle in 3/19/2021 @ 6076 Mileage for a steering wheel shake, the dealer has tried numerous times to fix it by trying to balance the tire and rotate the tires, it only masks the problem and the steering wheel shake comes back. The shake can happen at any MPH. I finally took it to another shop called discount tire and dynamic 4x4 alignment. Discount tire said there was coupling in the s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
When opening the sunroof (it opens with the press of a button, a part flew off of the sunroof and it came off of the tracks). After, we could not close it and it made a loud noise when pressing the button. We took it to Kia who said it needed a part that was back ordered. They put plastic over the roof and told my husband it was ok to drive it home. We assumed they had secured the sunroof as they... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
Rear passenger door will not open from outside. Have been told other Kias have had recalls due to this. Also radio will not work and stays on a static screen. And makes driving at night worse by being blinded by the radio screen( gets bright white)
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
Rear passenger door will not open from outside. Have been told other Kias have had recalls due to this. Also radio will not work and stays on a static screen. And makes driving at night worse by being blinded by the radio screen( gets bright white)
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
This is a Braun adapted wheelchair vehicle. It has a lowered floor with a protective under floor. When making a slow turn into a parking lot, a curb was brushed. The passenger side airbag deployed. There was no damage except for cosmetic scratch on outside. There were no injuries. The police attended and couldn't see why the bag deployed. It was examined by Honda mechanic who claimed there was str... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
I was driving back home from errands and during a stop, the entire car suddenly powered off and became unresponsive. I couldn’t even flash my hazards and was stuck in the middle of a busy intersection. Also couldn’t put it in neutral since the gear shifter is electronically powered. Some bystanders tried to jump my car, but it took 6 solid tries before they could restore power. I drove it anot... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
The drivers seat belt does not lock/latch in properly. Everytime I enter the vehicle I reach for my seat belt and buckle myself, well so I thought I did. When I insert the belt it seems as though its buckles however once I start to drive the belt comes un done and it i always have to pull over to put it back on becsuse it locks the seat belt so I'm not able to just buckle back in.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
On three separate occasions while driving the car has shut off while driving. The car and dashboard completely shut off, as well as the radio. This is while driving! The car was in drive and then just shut off with no warning or indication. I've taken the car to be seen by a Hyundai Mechanic and the car had a starter replacement. Yet, the issue has continued. This has put my safety and the safety ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
On three separate occasions while driving the car has shut off while driving. The car and dashboard completely shut off, as well as the radio. This is while driving! The car was in drive and then just shut off with no warning or indication. I've taken the car to be seen by a Hyundai Mechanic and the car had a starter replacement. Yet, the issue has continued. This has put my safety and the safety ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
While driving on a major highway at approximately 65 mph, my car completely shut off. The steering wheel froze, all the lights on the dashboard started blinking and the car's engine completely shut down. The wheel locked as I was able to steer to the median. I got out of the car and another car behind me immediately crashed into my stopped car, totaling it.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 132,899.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2023
Occasionally, the vehicle's front wheels bounce out of control at normal and high-speed. It appears to happen on the right front.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
This is to update case 11541562, submitted electronically to NHTSA on 8/29/2023, 10:48:33 PM and 11537141, submitted electronically to NHTSA on 8/8/2023, 12:54:24 PM Napleton Hyundai of West Palm Beach and Hyundai Motor Services have repaired the Sanata Fe vehicle and replaced the engine along with some other repairs. At this time, we withdraw any complaints we had against Hyundai and Napleton Hyu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 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 contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle sputtered. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine and the battery warning lights... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The rear middle seatbelt has permanently locked and is unusable. It occurred after having the rear seats folded down and was observed when replacing the seat-backs to their normal position. Tesla has refused to repair due to vehicle being out of warranty despite the vehicle not having been involved in any collision.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated violently. The low tire air pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the front driver’s side tire. The contact was informed that bubbles had developed on the tire side wall, requiring a replacement. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle overheated, lost motive power, and stalled. While driving, there was an abnormal clucking noise detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the axle bolt and spacer were missing. Additionally, the exhaust s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The passenger sliding door starting making a squeaky noise and now won’t open or even unlock. The lock actuator is not working causing this to be a safety issue. I know it was a recall on certain caravan but mine was not. Trying to figure out how it can be added in the recall.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The contact rented a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated while driving downhill at approximately 20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Brake Release" was displayed. The contact stated that the braking system malfunctioned, and the vehicle failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pulled over to the side ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Doors lock and unlock by themselves all the time
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
9/28/2023 - As I was slowing the vehicle down at a stop sign, the vehicle suddenly switched from drive to park, and the parking brake was activated. The motor stopped operating and the light indicating the engine was not operating was on. I was able to start the truck without further problem. The truck has a 5.7 e-torque. On 9/11/20213 the truck was left at Moss Brothers Dodge for diagnostic. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
9/28/2023 - As I was slowing the vehicle down at a stop sign, the vehicle suddenly switched from drive to park, and the parking brake was activated. The motor stopped operating and the light indicating the engine was not operating was on. I was able to start the truck without further problem. The truck has a 5.7 e-torque. On 9/11/20213 the truck was left at Moss Brothers Dodge for diagnostic. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control warning light illuminated, indicating that traction control had been activated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power. After a visual inspection, the contact observed smoke coming fr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
Windshield on this Subaru Forester cracked severely shortly after purchasing the car. This happened in the driveway while parked. Nothing hit the glass.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2021
The fuel system hasdid also the water pump and the AC unit.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
The car emitted a very loud, high pitched sound, lasting several seconds when starting the vehicle, which was very painful. At the same time, red and green lights are seen flashing a few times next to the SOS button. This has happened twice in the past month.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
Back up camera failure, image is either: distorted; pink; blank; or scrolling. This is the 2nd occurrence after failing in December 2022. Original fix was to replace the wiring harness.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The ABS/Traction Control light continually goes on and off. I took the vehicle into Tate Dodge Ram Service center in Glen Burnie, MD the first week of January 2023. They diagnosed the problem as the ABS Control Module and Hydraulic Control Units as bad. I was told that it would take 2 weeks to get the parts. I checked back with them 2 weeks later and the ETA had changed to March 16, 2023. I left t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The ABS/Traction Control light continually goes on and off. I took the vehicle into Tate Dodge Ram Service center in Glen Burnie, MD the first week of January 2023. They diagnosed the problem as the ABS Control Module and Hydraulic Control Units as bad. I was told that it would take 2 weeks to get the parts. I checked back with them 2 weeks later and the ETA had changed to March 16, 2023. I left t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who mentioned a recall on the transmission. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contact there was no recall coverage on the VIN. The v... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
"Tesla Vision" is the ADAS sensor system in the car which relies exclusively on video cameras with no LIDAR or ultrasonic sensors to measure distance. It is highly inaccurate and prone to failure. It consistently reports false warnings and fails to identify actual threats.
SUBARU
OUTBACK
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Sep 20, 2023
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control warning light illuminated, indicating that traction control had been activated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power. After a visual inspection, the contact observed smoke coming fr... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
Re: Front left and right Toyo Tires (195/65R15 ) Having passed MA state inspection at the end of August my husband and I headed out for a 500 mile road trip. I purposely went back to the station that did the inspection and asked if the tires looked okay for this trip. I was assured they would be fine. But 100 miles into the trip the front end was shimmying so badly my husband's leg in the passenge... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
VCM causing overflow of oil in cylinders 3 and 6 ruining internal components. Vehicle would not accelerate on expressway had to idle to gas station. Lawsuit and extended warranty place on 07-13 odysseys for same issue .
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while shifting in reverse, the rear-view camera intermittently displayed a distorted or blank image. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the camera wiring harness was rusted. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in an undisclosed recall and advised ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
Check engine light came on while driving. All Advanced Driver Assistance Systems were disabled. Code is P26A3: Thermo Control Valve is faulty. This is a known problem and Subaru has addressed it by redesigning the Thermo Control Valve in 2021. Unfortunately there is no recall on the models fitted with the prior design that have a high rate of failure.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
As I am accelerating to merge onto the highway from an on-ramp, while the gas pedal is depressed, I will get a series of sensor alerts simultaneously (city brake malfunction, park assist malfunction, lane assist malfunction, etc.) and my gas pedal becomes non-functional at 60-70mph. It is terrifying especially when there is other traffic around my vehicle. This exact issue has happened 6 times w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
Vehicle coolant level sensor failed. This is causing the engine to overheat and broke the head gasket.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
Electronic braking system and ABS lights intermittently come on and off an throws a code c0020-01 which many dealers say should replace the HCU and ABS modules and research has shown that this if a short-term fix on a fault component. Please hold ram to task.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
The van has approx 83,000 miles and always maintained by Allen Honda in College Station Texas, and all scheduled maintenace has been implemented. For sometime now the van judders/vibrates during acceleration from a full stop condition till about above 30-35 MPH. The condition has gotten progressively more noticeable. There are no caution / advisory lights on the instrument panel. I took the van t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
Today again shift to park message came on