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: Jan 15, 2025
Right side rear passenger seat belt malfunction as it won't retract and when pulling it around your body there is no resistance as it just hangs loose.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
"We were notified by Toyota that it was unsafe to transport our children in the second row seats in November 2025 and the vehicle was under a recall. This puts our children at risk. A letter from NHTSA stated Toyota would have a remedy by 12/6. The manufacturer (Toyota) confirmed this recall. Given that Toyota has not indicated a solution date for this and the problem was discovered in October 202... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
"We were notified by Toyota that it was unsafe to transport our children in the second row seats in November 2025 and the vehicle was under a recall. This puts our children at risk. A letter from NHTSA stated Toyota would have a remedy by 12/6. The manufacturer (Toyota) confirmed this recall. Given that Toyota has not indicated a solution date for this and the problem was discovered in October 202... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
RE: FORMAL COMPLAINT–RECALL FRAUD & VIN TAMPERING SUBJECT: Falsified Recall N252494000 & 18 U.S.C. § 511 Violations VEHICLE: 2023 Chevy Silverado (VIN: [XXX] ) INCIDENT: March 7, 2026 FROM: [XXX] | [XXX] I am reporting severe Federal Recall Fraud and VIN tampering by Kunes Auto Group (WI). GM records and physical evidence prove Kunes falsified Safety Recall N252494000 (L87 Loss of Propulsion)... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
Vehicle driving 32 miles an hour had sudden brake failure. The brakes did not work. Then, the vehicle had the following faults; ESC fault, traction and stability control fault, brake system fault, air conditioning failure (blowing hot air while 92 degrees out), lane assist fault, power steering fault. The vehicle almost slammed into traffic as it could not stop. The vehicle has 14872 miles.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
The recall for the loss of signal from the tone ring in recall 66A was supposed to allow the vehicle to use the signal from the camshaft positioning sensor. This recall was completed on my truck but the loss of signal from a bad tone ring has resulted in the same condition as the original recall which is inoperability of the vehicle. This still poses a safety threat as the recall did not correct... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
0 The vehicle has a CVT transmission failure causing severe shuddering, jerking, and progressive loss of acceleration. Initially the vehicle would not exceed 20 mph, then worsened to 15 mph, then 10 mph, and now will not exceed 5 mph. The issue consistently occurs after the vehicle has been driven for more than approximately 2 minutes. There are no warning lights or alerts prior to the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
On [XXX], I was involved in a serious motor vehicle collision in Arkansas while driving my Dodge Challenger. The crash was severe enough that the vehicle was declared a total loss. Despite the severity of the collision and significant front-end damage, none of the airbags deployed at any point during the crash. As a result of the collision and the failure of the airbag system to deploy, I sustain... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
Passenger front seat. Airbag light is on when someone is sitting in the seat and seatbelt indicator dings when nothing is in the seat.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The engine temperature gauge was reading cold when driving for 40 minutes and the fan was running on high. Also said steering assist reduced. Brought it in and had to replace the thermostat, because of the code they received. That fixed the issue.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
While entering the freeway at approximately 45 MPH not towing the rear wheels locked for a second, truck went into the Limp mood, and dash said reduce speed, service transmission. Dealer pulled codes, P0700 and P0747...the order says cause document #6998510."replace spacer plate, check balls and valve." Correction: DTC P0747 set Dealer told me the put the new updated valve in but I don't see... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
While driving on the highway at approximately 65-70 mph the Automatic Emergency Braking system engaged for no apparent reason, no vehicles were around or near our vehicle. The sudden and unexpected braking could have cause a major accident resulting in serious injuries or worst had our vehicle been rear ended.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
My horn stopped working. Not under warranty but I believe it is a safety issue. A replacement horn is not available and not under warranty. Online search revealed this is a common issue
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Was in an accident and no air bags deployed.
Crash
5 injured
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
Driving on a 45 mph road and brakes felt squishy, like air was going out of them. It was slow to stop and had to pump then stomp to get it to stop before crashing. Was fortunate to not hit anything. Pulled into gas station and had it towed to Volvo. There were no warning lights or other indication of problem- the brakes just failed. Volvo said the vacuum pump failed which pushed oil into the brak... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
National Highway Traffic Safety Admin March 9, 2026 I am submitted a vehicle safety complaint regarding a 2011 Subaru that I recently purchased on [XXX]. I purchased a used 2011 Subaru Impreza from Clear Cut Auto {241 S Dupont Hghwy – New Castle, DE 1920 (302-322-2050) on [XXX] for $5,147.04. The dealership person name was Erika Fernandez which reported the car was recently dropped of by a femal... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
My Acura was not sending power to the rear wheels. The car was driving as if it was front wheel drive only. I feel that the safety of not knowing your vehicle is not acting as they all-wheel-drive vehicle when it’s supposed to an impact safety because the vehicle would not be able to handle as it was intended to. After inspection from the Mechanic shop, the failure was deemed to be the internal... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota Camry. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 90,328, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 294,568.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
I can not gain speed. The dealership says it’s the catalytic converter and there is an active recall for this on Kia souls. They previously did recall work to my car but now the catalytic converters not showing as a recall
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
I can not gain speed. The dealership says it’s the catalytic converter and there is an active recall for this on Kia souls. They previously did recall work to my car but now the catalytic converters not showing as a recall
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
Within 10 days of purchasing this vehicle a certified Subaru dealership documented the following safety defects. Both front CV axles failing and clicking on turns creating loss of vehicle control risk. EPS electronic power steering fault codes creating safety critical steering concern. CAN bus communication fault U0073 affecting multiple vehicle safety systems simultaneously. CVT transmission flui... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the cruise control mode and the lane mitigation systems became inoperable. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The Parking Brake, Hill Assist, Traction Control, TPMS, and the Electronic Stability Control were illuminated, and other unknown systems inoperable messages were di... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
The “check engine” light came on - after shutting off the engine a couple times - it still came on. Took the 2020 Nissan Altima Platinum to Glendale Nissan - after a 3 hour wait they said I need a new Cam Shaft for $6,000. The car only has 42,000 miles. I took the car to get a second option - they want $9,000 to fix it. So I called Nissan to enter a claim on February 20. It took Nissan until M... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Both front headlights are making an abnormal loud whining noise which started intermittently about 6 months ago and became continuous January 2026. Took vehicle to dealership where the dealership reported that the noise may be due to contamination by a foreign matter during the manufacturing process getting inside the adaptive headlight system causing the fan motor bearings inside the headlight to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
All of my safety systems malfunctioned. On a Subaru vehicle it is called “eyesight.” in order to make all of them work again, the dealership had to perform an ECM update. They did not have to replace anything or repair anything. They had to update software. This is on a two-year-old car with 38,000 miles. Because it was 2000 miles out of the base warranty I was charged $400 for them to do an u... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
On February 18, 2026, my 2019 Subaru Impreza displayed an “Emergency Service” alert and sent a MySubaru app message stating that Automatic Crash Notification, SOS Call, Stolen Vehicle Locator, and Roadside Assistance may not be available. A red SOS light also illuminated, and STARLINK sent alerts to Subaru each day I first started the car, prompting repeated dealer calls. I tested the SOS butt... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
The power steering unit started to break up switching on and off making steering difficult.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
My safety is currently being put at risk by Honda due to my EPS Motor/Rack assembly being faulty. I have taken it into the local Honda dealership who has confirmed this in their paperwork. I have reported it to Honda and have been told no fix will be performed at this time. While my steering rack is becoming louder each day and thudding under my driver side floor panel. A failed steering rack can ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
stalling/shutting down at stoplights with the auto start-stop feature has occurred continuously for the last 2 years I’ve taken to dealer, and multiple mechanics and they can’t find a problem
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
I took my car to complete Recall NumberPC945, I was told that my car has an issue with the driver side air Bag - Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: REPLACE SPIRAL CABLE - C1163/B1049 and also another issue related to the driver side airbag that is under the steering wheel. I was quoted over $2000 to fix the issue. The recall is to replace the decal over the airbag and I think the issue is bigger... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
A "clicking" or "knocking" noise when turning, a defect in the axle/CV joints.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
Bought the car used in 2021 from a non Ford dealer, 3 months after purchase the engine failed due to coolant leak in the 3rd cylinder, was told Ford had created a new engine to fix the problem so went $5,000 in the hole for the new engine by Ford and had it replaced by a Ford certified mechanic. Now in March 2026 the car started having issues with skipping limited power. Took it to the mechanic a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Genesis GV70. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH after charging the vehicle, an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle automatically called Genesis Connected Services, which advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The Mobile App displayed Diagnostic Tr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Wheels / Tire Pressure Monitoring System The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on my 2020 Ford Explorer intermittently fails to detect the tire pressure in one or more tires. The system will show missing pressure readings or fail to display a reading for a tire. The vehicle may operate without accurate tire pressure information being displayed to the driver. This creates a potential safety ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Unable to stop the car. Luckily no accident. Brake pedal was very hard to press and car didn't stop. Brake pedal became normal again in few seconds (5- 7 sec). Inspected car. nothing was stuck under brake pedal.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety issue involving a Volvo VNL truck. The vehicle was purchased new on December 12, 2025 and currently has approximately 22,000 miles. Since shortly after purchase, the truck has experienced a defect in the braking system. While driving, the vehicle has unexpectedly applied the brakes on its own and has displayed warning messages related to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety issue involving a Volvo VNL truck. The vehicle was purchased new on December 12, 2025 and currently has approximately 22,000 miles. Since shortly after purchase, the truck has experienced a defect in the braking system. While driving, the vehicle has unexpectedly applied the brakes on its own and has displayed warning messages related to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
When shifting from reverse to drive there was a loud pop towards the back up the car. A check electrical system warning popped up, and then eventually a Check Power Supply stop now warning came up. The vehicle would not go above 26MPH and had to be stopped in a parking lot to be towed to the dealership. The ICCU went out and needed to be replaced, was at the dealership for 2 weeks for replacemen... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the infotainment screen was touched but went black and failed to respond. The vehicle was turned off and restarted at the next traffic light, and the infotainment screen was touched and remained black and failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed; however, t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
There has been at least 4 times that the vehicle was not responsive to acceleration (stalled for a few seconds) then picked back up. Problem has been intermittent. There is no dash indication of an issue. Because concern is intermittent I haven’t taken vehicle in. There is NO CHECK ENGINE light on. My wife experienced it once, I’ve experienced it 3 times. Once going up steep hill, once on a st... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V091000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue 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 manu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The car was purchased on 8/15/2026. On November 6th 2026 with 3051 miles on all the gauges, electronic dashboard, gps , climate controls, heads up display failed while car was in driving. There was no way to tell what speed the car was going, the gas level, rpms, engine temperature, etc. Navigation failed, Cruise control failed, I was unsure if the emergency braking system failed. The dealershi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the touch screen on the radio failed to properly operate. The screen was delaminated, causing unintended operation of the radio, distracting the driver. This failure caused the back over prevention to become inoperable, and the HVAC defroster options were inoperable. The touch screen and the func... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
2025 Subaru Outback onyx edition purchased 3/2025. Approximate mileage at time of incident 7000. On 2/10/25 around 6am car is remotely started with Subaru app from iPhone on flat gravel surface. Car was in park. Go out car not there moved almost a car length down a hill left turn then over an embankment into a ditch where it finally rested still running in park when found it. Why or how is this po... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
2025 Subaru Outback onyx edition purchased 3/2025. Approximate mileage at time of incident 7000. On 2/10/25 around 6am car is remotely started with Subaru app from iPhone on flat gravel surface. Car was in park. Go out car not there moved almost a car length down a hill left turn then over an embankment into a ditch where it finally rested still running in park when found it. Why or how is this po... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
2025 Subaru Outback onyx edition purchased 3/2025. Approximate mileage at time of incident 7000. On 2/10/25 around 6am car is remotely started with Subaru app from iPhone on flat gravel surface. Car was in park. Go out car not there moved almost a car length down a hill left turn then over an embankment into a ditch where it finally rested still running in park when found it. Why or how is this po... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
Passenger side valve cover gasket and spark plug seal failure.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 89,000. It was later discovered, when the title arrived, that the mileage on the title was 134,000.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after the vehicle was not started for approximately five days, the battery was completely drained. The battery was replaced two years previously because of the same issue. The vehicle remained at the residence and the battery was charged. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was no... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
- What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The ICCU failed. It is not available for inspection. - How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Minimally. The car alerted me that it was power-limited and that I should stop the car immediate and get it towed to the dealer. - Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a ... Read more