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: May 18, 2023
* After parking on a hill (with the car facing uphill) and putting the car in Park, as my wife was gathering her things to exit the car, the car suddenly released from Park and lurched backward, rolling into the parked car behind it. This caused a dent on the back of the ID4, fortunately no damage to the other car. And especially fortunate that no people were hurt. * We called the dealership and a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 18, 2023
* After parking on a hill (with the car facing uphill) and putting the car in Park, as my wife was gathering her things to exit the car, the car suddenly released from Park and lurched backward, rolling into the parked car behind it. This caused a dent on the back of the ID4, fortunately no damage to the other car. And especially fortunate that no people were hurt. * We called the dealership and a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
Charging randomly stops before completion
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door failed to close fully. The contact also noticed corrosion inside the license plate light. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V285000 (Exterio... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
The engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the Auto Start/Stop function engaged.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
There are times when I brake, my brakes will jump or skip before completely braking. My brakes have been checked and replaced. I have seen recalls on the Kia Sportage for the braking system and I believe that the Kia Sorento has the same issues.
Incident date: May 4, 2023
Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 P255R20 A/S BSW Tires 23,041 miles 2017 Ford Explorer Sport. These are the tires that came on the vehicle, there is only 23,041 miles on the vehicle and the tires are prematurely wearing on the outerside of all 4 tires. Chunks of the tire is pealing off. Hazardous to drive. The vehicle is not out of line, tires are rotated on schedule, and tire pressure maintained. L... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Keystone Outback RV. The contact stated that the awning on the front passenger’s side had separated from the RV. The dealer was contacted and stated that the failure was not under recall and the repair would not be covered under warranty. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Keystone Outback RV. The contact stated that the awning on the front passenger’s side had separated from the RV. The dealer was contacted and stated that the failure was not under recall and the repair would not be covered under warranty. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
I was rear ended on the highway going 65 mph. The rear driver side was completely crushed. The air bags didn't go off. Seat belts didn't lock up and the driver's seat broke.
Crash
Incident date: May 18, 2023
While driving on the highway using cruise control, the car unexpectedly and rapidly slowed down. This has happened several (5-10) times, day and night, generally in low traffic areas (mostly with no traffic anywhere nearby). I have experienced this issue throughout my ownership of the car. In the most recent case, the car seemed to think that the speed limit had dropped to 35mph, perhaps seei... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2015) — SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 13, 2023
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
It has been 10 days and 1400 miles on this vehicle. suddenly i got the emergency brake light warning to get the brakes checked. emergency brakes is always ON.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
I was rear ended and the air bags didn't deploy. The police and body shop said they should have. The car is unmodified and dealer serviced
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle vibrated violently and lost motive power. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic failed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manu... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the instrument panel went blank. The contact stated that the vehicle was running; however, the instrument panel was inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repair... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Known jeep problem- my screen is delaminating which is causing the radio stations to change, climate to turn on and off, phone calls to be made, etc. all whilst the vehicle is in motion, creating distractions.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
When starting my jeep my service shifter light comes on. I shut my engine of and the light goes off. Next morning start my engine service shifter light come on. I have to restart my jeep 5 times before the light goes off. I've called a jeep dealership and they inform me that I'm the third person within the last week to inquire about this information.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
2018 Dodge Ram 2500 with Cummins turbo diesel. When driving, the dash warning light for the ABS and the Traction Control System intermittently come in and spontaneously reset. If the cruise control is on and set, it turns off without driver input. Dodge dealer states that the hydraulic control unit needs to be replaced, but they have been on back order for over a year.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
THE 2017 CADILLAC XT5 HAS A DEFECTIVE THERMOSTAT, WHICH SENDS A FALSE SIGNAL THAT THE ENGINE IS OVERHEATING. THEREFORE, YOU GET A "STEERING ASSIST IS REDUCED DRIVE WITH CARE", WHICH YOUR STEERING TO BE HARD AND NOT AS EFFECTIVE AS IT SHOULD BE. GMC IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT FAILED TO REMEDY IT, BUT ISSUED A BULLETIN #17-NA-158 IN MAY OF 2017. THIS PROBLEM IS SO WIDESPREAD THAT THE PART TO FIX T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
Hit a deer causing extensive damage to the front end. The driver airbag released a smoky substance and the display read that the airbag had deployed yet it did not come out .
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
I am having issues with my touch screen. My screen will go black every other week, for about a day and the the SNYC will update. This time, it’s been over a week, and the screen is still black. I have tried changing fuses to no avail. Also, the rear camera does not work. Along with the blind spot warning or the rear cross traffic warning. How should I proceed? I believe it may be a faulty chip i... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
The paint is peeling off from the vehicle, exposing the body to rust and reduce the vehicle lifetime and durability significantly. When I contacted Honda about the issue, they told me it is a Paint defect from the manufacturing plant. They asked me to get a quote from the dealer to fix the issue, after getting the quote they denied the request saying it is outside the warranty period even when the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Lexus RX 350H. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, when a vehicle on the shoulder, to the right suddenly began to cross in front of their vehicle to get to the median. This caused the contact's vehicle to T-bone the corner of their vehicle. The front passenger side fender had been damaged causing the door to no longer open. No air bags deployed. There... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
While driving 70mph down the highway, warning lights on the dash flashed but I’m not sure which ones, windows automatically rolled down and the emergency brake tried to engage. This could have absolutely caused an accident if traffic weren’t light. This same morning when getting ready to leave the exact same thing happened, prior to the highway incident. After googling this issue I see it has ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that during cold starts, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the dealer that there had... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that water was leaking from the bottom of the front driver’s and passenger side doors. Additionally, the seat belt warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not und... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front passenger’s side windshield trim detached from the vehicle. The contact also became aware that the front driver’s side windshield trim was loosened and almost detaching from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the windshield trims needed to be replaced. The v... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2023
Unsuccessful correction of recall of instrument panel. The panel flickered shortly after we purchased in 2018 and have been told by Ford dealer the manufacturer replaced with the same part that was malfunctioning. They will only attempt to correct the problem one time. The same bad fix was applied to the recall. I feel like I have to 'tip toe' so to speak driving this car. There's no way to kn... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
Complete engine failure at 129k miles, 3k miles after purchasing used off Hyundai car dealerships.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Over the last couple years the Service 4WD warning light would come on causing the vehicle to drive erratically. However this was intermittent and the light would go out after turning the truck off and then on again. Dealers could not diagnose the problem unless there was a code showing. Finally my local dealer found a stored code and diagnosed the problem as a failed front axle actuator.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
Driving on a clear, sunny day in Arizona on interstate 8 at highway speed with the Tesla AutoPilot engaged. There were no vehicles in front of me and no obstructions in the road when the car did heavy braking (aka phantom braking) for no known reason. I immediately had to override the braking with pressing on the accelerator. This occurred multiple times on the same road. If a vehicle had been tra... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2023
Please see attached further information as to complaint recently filed, NHTSA ID # 11525685
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
my jeeps (2020 4door wrangler unlimited sport JL) VIN does not come back to any recalls on the NHTSA but it has the old aluminum steering gear part# (P68250506AE) and needs to be replaced by the new part# (68507569AA) and a EHPS software eopdate per TSB 08-003-21 REV. A. some dealers are not honoring the TSB if the VIN does not come back to a recall. this issues causes unsafe steering wander and ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2023
The backup camera turns blue and makes it unusable. I took the car to fix this under a safety recall. However it is still not fixed. This has been going on for 6 months which is unacceptable. Both the dealer and Lincoln (Ford) says I will be contacted when a fix is available. As I said it has been over six months and they still say that are working on it. Unfortunately it will probably take a kid ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2023
The backup camera turns blue and makes it unusable. I took the car to fix this under a safety recall. However it is still not fixed. This has been going on for 6 months which is unacceptable. Both the dealer and Lincoln (Ford) says I will be contacted when a fix is available. As I said it has been over six months and they still say that are working on it. Unfortunately it will probably take a kid ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
In Tank Fuel Pump, problem was leaking at top of pump @ the inlet at the outlet & return valve, crack in the plastic mold. Was giving off fumes, totally unhealthy and waitin for someone to light up a cigarette for a total car explosion and death for all occupants. I have replaced the pump myself. Local Dealer wanted 1100 plus to replace out of my budget This in my view it should have been done by ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
Upon acceleration from a stop the transmission seriously shutters and stalls the vehicles engine seriously putting the occupants life and safety at risk as well as others. I also noticed that the vehicle shutters badly at speeds 3mph through 25mph bucking and stalling the engine all the way through making driving the vehicle a real danger and threat to the safety of others on the road. This is a s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
BMW Headlight wiring on the 530 series is defective. Wire Insulation throughout the headlight assembly crumbles. The design and wire specification were not fit for use. Heat may be an issue but has nothing to do with climate. The vehicle has spent most of its life in Michigan where the problem was first noted when the age of the vehicle was approximately 8 years. High heat within the headligh... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
Vent valve failed and needs repair. I could smell gasoline from my car weeks up to the check engine light going off. These leaking fumes are a hazard to the population and environment. This problem is quite common on Mercedes forums such as MBWorld. This car was diagnosed at an official Mercedes Benz dealership (New London, CT). The check engine light came on weeks after symptoms started t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
Hi , My wife and I purchased a 2021 Venture Stratus in December 2020 from Stoltfus RV located at 1335 Wilmington PikeWest Chester, PA 19382. Since our purchase, we have traveled from our home in Wilmington, De. to Cave Creek, Az 3 times (and return),Wilmington, De. to Mebane, N.C. 2 times (and return) and Wilmington , De. to Cincinnati, Ohio once (and return). The total number of miles travele... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
Car keeps going into limp mode. The VTM and VSA light flash on and the car will not accelerate. Happens at different occasions. It has happenstance while driving on highway and I’m traffic. The only way to reset is to cut car off and turn on. Sometimes, it doesn’t work with that and you have to sit and wait. It has been checked but no one see no faults and it’s never on the dashboard if you ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
Driving home for 15 minutes. parked on left turn lane, slight incline. when traffic light turned green, i stepped on the gas and the engine stalled. I remember seeing "eyesight disabled" warning light come on. I put vehicle in park, shut it off, and turned engine back on. I was able to drive home. possible system failure - fuel system, auto/stop feature? yes, available to inspect safety - 5:30pm h... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
The Uconnect 5.0 screen (which controls all safety and operating systems) and system continues to malfunction with a black screen. This seems to happen more frequently when the car is put into reverse and the backup camera is activated. There have also been times when the screen freezes requiring a "reboot". Thus when malfunctions occur, there is no backup camera nor is there any ability to opera... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds, there was as abnormal humming noise detected. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) 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 a... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2023
Thermo control valve needed replaced. Check engine light and all safety lights turned on. All safety features were disabled when light came on. Subaru has has a recall on 2019 but not 2020 .
Incident date: May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to third gear. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle downshifted to first gear with the service vehicle warning light illuminated and DTC code: P0720 (Powertrain Control Module) was illuminated on the instru... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ural Gear-Up Motorcycle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V507000 (Wheels) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact was informed that the parts were ordered. 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 cont... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
“Engine power reduced” service message “Stabilitrack” service message “4x4” service message Vehicle is available for inspection Vehicle jerks and loses power while driving at highway speeds causing 18-wheelers and other drivers to swerve around me, vehicle accelerates very slowly while in city traffic. Intersections and traffic lights are difficult to navigate due to reduced engine p... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated, and the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle shut off. The battery warning light, the oil warning light, and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
Thermo control valve needed replaced. Check engine light and all safety lights turned on. All safety features were disabled when light came on. Subaru has has a recall on 2019 but not 2020 .