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: Jun 19, 2026
The vehicle experienced engine failure due to coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, requiring complete engine replacement. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Prior to diagnosis, the vehicle exhibited engine misfires, rough operation, and noticeable “jumping” or jerking when starting the engine and when shifting into reverse. Warning indicator lights were also present... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
Hi, I have a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport and I recently went to the dealership to get my brakes done and that day they did the recall 9C2 which is a software update on the engine/transmission and the next morning when I drove my car the rpm’s were going up and my mph wouldn’t go past 15 mph for about a block down the road and the car jerked two times and then drove like normal. I call the deal... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
Component/System: Integrated Control Module (ICM) CPU — software defect identified under NHTSA Recall 25V-785 (Honda Recall TN2). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: While driving on a California highway, I attempted to accelerate to pass another vehicle and the car failed to accelerate normally — it did not respond with expected drive power. This is consistent w... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
My jeep wrangler is currently having a very strong of fuel and when the ac is on the smell is very strong inside the cabin i came across a article stating that alot of 2020 jeep wrangler with 2.0L motors were recalled because of the same issue but my car was not recalled and im having the same issue of why the recall was done. What can i do is there anything you can help me with??
Incident date: May 14, 2026
On Saturday, June 20, I was driving my son to soccer. We stopped at a stoplight. When the light turned green, I pressed the accelerator and we went forward. However, when I took my foot off the accelerator, the car continued to accelerate. Luckily it slowed down when I pushed on the break. But every time I took my foot off the break the car continued to accelerate. I did not have a good place to p... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
A year ago while driving on the interstate, my Ford Maverick suddenly threw a "Stop Safely Now" alert. I was able to turn the ignition off and back on to safely exit the highway. The alert came back once I made it to a parking lot and stuck around for a while. I was able to get it started and drove to a Ford dealership that told me it was just a software update. The same issue happened 2 more time... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
A year ago while driving on the interstate, my Ford Maverick suddenly threw a "Stop Safely Now" alert. I was able to turn the ignition off and back on to safely exit the highway. The alert came back once I made it to a parking lot and stuck around for a while. I was able to get it started and drove to a Ford dealership that told me it was just a software update. The same issue happened 2 more time... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the transmission shifted unusually rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed catalyst converter. The contact was informed that the catalyst converter needed to be replaced. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
The vehicle advanced warning stystems are all failing. After multiple repair attempts this continues. Previously it resulted in failure where vehicle would not move due to advanced brake assist.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
Transmission with known defects failed at 72,000 miles under normal driving circumstances and a vehicle only six years old.
SUBARU
TRAILSEEKER
(2026) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally with the message "Service 4WD" displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and info... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
I think that ford needs to a recall on these 10r80 transmissions, I was driving a week ago and suddenly I went to limp mode. Went to gear one now transmission is hesitating
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
I think that ford needs to a recall on these 10r80 transmissions, I was driving a week ago and suddenly I went to limp mode. Went to gear one now transmission is hesitating
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
I own an Infiniti with fewer than 45,000 miles on it. Recently, the airbag warning light illuminated, so I brought the vehicle to an Infiniti dealership for diagnosis. I was informed that the issue is a known problem involving the seat frame and that the recommended repair is replacement of the seat frame. I was then quoted approximately $11,000 for the repair. I purchased this vehicle less than... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
Steering wheel has been “sticking” and getting worse the last six months. When I look up recalls online, it shows this specific issue for 2018 Honda CRV but not my VIN. From reading online this could be a serious issue so I’m going to have to go ahead and get the car fixed but would like to be advised if and when a recall comes out to fix the steering issue.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his son was reversing, the vehicle crashed into a stop sign. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera was inoperable during the crash. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The local de... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
I had taken the Kia Sorrento to a local shop to get an oil change, and Mavis tire had discovered that the rear suspension and rear subframe were severely corroded with rust and I was told that the car is unsafe to drive. I had noticed as well that my brakes would not normally stop when I go to press them as a bit of a kickback and the traction sensors and ABS sensors and emergency brake sensors wo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
I had taken the Kia Sorrento to a local shop to get an oil change, and Mavis tire had discovered that the rear suspension and rear subframe were severely corroded with rust and I was told that the car is unsafe to drive. I had noticed as well that my brakes would not normally stop when I go to press them as a bit of a kickback and the traction sensors and ABS sensors and emergency brake sensors wo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
My 2018 Lincoln MKZ began misfiring on startups. Eventually the check engine light came on with a code of P0302. About a week later while driving, the engine temp gauge reached the hottest temp reading on the gauge. I had to immediately pull over. Upon pulling over I immediately checked the coolant level in the overflow reservoir and it was empty. After refilling with coolant I was able to drive t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
The engine stalled when I was exiting the freeway due to the charging system failure. This is the second time the charging system failed. The first failure has been documented on NHTSA complaint number 11746092. I paid the Harley Davidson SLC dealership in April 2024 to have the charging system repaired and replaced. Harley Davidson had released a service bulletin acknowledging charging system def... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
I am retired and have always bought GM vehicles which are taken care of with required oil changes etc. This one I have only owned 25,000 mi each year (I have owned two years). So, when purchased it has high 50,000 miles not sure of exact, and it has only been driven 2 years. When calling escalation at GM, they act as though it doesn't matter and too bad. 110,000 miles and the truck needs a new... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
The leather-wrapped dashboard on my 2021 Ram 1500 is bubbling and delaminating on both the driver and passenger sides. The material is lifting and separating from the base, creating glare and reflections that impair forward visibility while driving. It also raises potential concerns with passenger airbag deployment due to the distorted/bubbling surface over the airbag module area. This is a widesp... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the radio was inoperable, and the audible alerts failed to operate as needed. The start-of-trip and seat belt chime failed to operate while the seat belt was unbuckled. Additionally, there was no chime while the key was in the ignition or while the door was opened. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed Audio Control Mod... Read more
SUBARU
TRAILSEEKER
(2026) - LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Jun 22, 2026
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
ACC and LKAS light come on and blink non-stop in sequence
SUBARU
TRAILSEEKER
(2026) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Jun 22, 2026
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
ACC and LKAS light come on and blink non-stop in sequence
SUBARU
TRAILSEEKER
(2026) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 22, 2026
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
I was driving to work when all of a sudden I heard a loud noise which caused me to stop and panicked. It sounded like a gunshot. My PTSD and anxiety kicked in. Seconds later I felt the glass on my arm and I looked up and my back sunroof exploded
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
Vehicle is experiencing rod-knock and engine performance issues along with a P0420 code for the catalytic converter. After using a diagnostic tool to retrieve code, a recall was present for the existing code, that explained the exact symptoms my car is experiencing. I have had the car since 2021 and have not received any notification regarding a recall for the engine; it was only after I ran a d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that parts had been unavailable for a year. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
The rear camera view is skewed resulting in inaccurate reference angles of the vehicle. When used to assist in reversing results in improper placement of vehicle and can cause collision of vehicle with objects.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
Infotainment system has been rebooting and disabling the cars ADAS momentarily. Most recently, this resulted in the car turning itself off while making a turn. Happened a second time while pulling into the dealership on the same day.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
Passenger side door lock became unresponsive to the vehicle's key FOB, and any attempt to open the passenger side door triggered the alarm system. Shortly afterward, the horn began sounding at random while the vehicle was started and being driven.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
My vehicle is confirmed affected by three active NHTSA safety recalls, none of which currently have an available remedy: • NHTSA Recall 25V741000 – High Voltage Battery May Fail and Cause Fire. Issued October 2025. This is the third recall issued for this same underlying defect. I have been monitoring this recall since it was issued — now over eight months later — with no resolution. •... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The primary failure involved the engine. The vehicle experienced a major engine failure that resulted in an engine replacement under a manufacturer recall. After the replacement engine was installed, the vehicle later developed additional engine-related problems. An independent mechanic advised th... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Auto braking same location regardless of traffic
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
B1760 code for ODS AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE LIGHT FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF is On. There is a recall open for many other Subarus, same make, model & year. Safety concern for my daughter as she rides passenger. I had the problem diagnosed and documented receipt from ACS in Roseville California. I contacted Maita Subaru of Sacramento and they said there is not and wasn’t a recall for my S... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Backup camera stopped working and displays a blue screen stating “service backup camera.” This was an issue when the vehicle was under 3 year manufacturer bumper to bumper warranty and was fixed by dealer at no cost. Now this same issue has occurred again approximately 3-4 years later. I thought at first this was an issue specific to my vehicle but now after doing research I see this is an iss... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
12 volt electrical system no power. Dealer changed battery cable wiring harness. Received vehicle back. One week later vehicle exhibited no 12 volt power. Informed that it could be the Thinkware dash cam. Which was purchased from Ford and Ford dealer installed. Now informed that it could be the dash cam itself. The dash cam was installed via the OBD port which is always powered. This will drain th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
Driveshaft spinning freely no power transfer , vehicle is currently all-wheel-drive condition indicate severe connections between transmission and transfer case . both components are damaged vehicle need replacement of transmission and transfer case . Serviced at McGrath Acura Morton mGrove, Illinois. 06/19/26
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
Driveshaft spinning freely no power transfer , vehicle is currently all-wheel-drive condition indicate severe connections between transmission and transfer case . both components are damaged vehicle need replacement of transmission and transfer case . Serviced at McGrath Acura Morton mGrove, Illinois. 06/19/26
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
The clock spring went bad causing failure of horn and all buttons on the steering wheel including cruise control. It also caused the airbag light to illuminate.
Incident date: May 15, 2026
While traveling straight on the interstate (free of debris and potholes) I experienced the death wobble at 75 mph. I was unable to control the bike and entered a curve where I side swiped a concrete barrier. There were only 1,090 miles on the stock tires. No issues with the bike prior to the crash.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
On multiple occasions the center screen has been non operational when we start the car and just shows a black screen. The volume knob and screen power button are non-responsive. When this occurs the backup camera is inoperable, which is mandatory safety equipment. the HVAC also cannot be adjusted which could cause a windshield fogging condition which is a safety concern. The vehicle has been to th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
No check engine lights prior to this, car started to make a noise pulled over to check it out as I was merging over low oil pressure showed and coolant level over temperature, gear then dropped to neutral, managed to pull over without any accidents car then shut off, oil leaked, it makes a horrible engine noise when starting, had to tow it back. only had the car a year maintenance was up to date.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Coolant Water Pump and Thermostat -- Coolant temperature indicator gauge runs from normal to high after about 10-15 miles drive. Coolant levels are good and no signs of leak. Engine light is activated along with warning messages. Engine Warning: Drive System Malfunction. Please call for service. The vehicle goes into "Limp Mode" and warns to not exceed 4,000 rpm. I am in the process of havin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
While driving at normal operational speeds, the vehicle suffered a sudden, un-commanded, and catastrophic loss of motive power while navigating a live traffic intersection. The transmission completely disengaged all gears without warning, rendering the vehicle entirely stationary and immobilized in the path of oncoming traffic. This failure created an immediate, severe safety hazard, exposing the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
While driving at normal operational speeds, the vehicle suffered a sudden, un-commanded, and catastrophic loss of motive power while navigating a live traffic intersection. The transmission completely disengaged all gears without warning, rendering the vehicle entirely stationary and immobilized in the path of oncoming traffic. This failure created an immediate, severe safety hazard, exposing the ... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for tire repairs and was advised that an alignment was needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was determined that the alignment could not be performed because the required bolts were missing. The alignment was not completed, and the vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
COMPONENTS THAT FAILED: Multiple systems failed in a connected chain. (1) The DPF aftertreatment differential pressure sensor — a CONFIRMED manufacturing defect per Cummins recall T7186/T7187 (Jan 2026). (2) The Allison automatic transmission — catastrophic internal failure: torque converter destroyed, flexplate warped and cracked, metal fragments throughout. (3) The transmission control unit ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
Supervised FSD does not have a remedy if it assigns an incorrect speed limit to the current roadway. The only action available is to disengage FSD. This incorrect speed limit happens quite often, especially in construction zones with temporary speed limit changes. Tesla used to have a ‘max speed’ setting that the driver could use to override an incorrect speed limit, but they removed that c... Read more