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: Aug 12, 2022
This car constantly stops in mid traffic. I have taken it everywhere and they can’t seem to find anything wrong. I’ve call ford a hundred times and nothing.
Incident date: May 31, 2023
The daytime running light is dangerously dim on one side. Changing the headlight doesn't fix the issue. The housing is defective it's failing to reflect the light outward causing dangerous visibility issues.
Incident date: May 31, 2023
On November 17, 2022, I purchased a 2014 Hyundai Tucson from Premier Motorcars Inc. located at 3110 W. Tennessee St., Tallahassee, Florida 32304. The vehicle was advertised on their website as available for purchase. When I arrived and inquired about it, I was taken to the back where it appeared to be getting detailed. There was no Buyer’s Guide on any window of the vehicle, anywhere on the vehi... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2023
My 2021 Jeep Wrangler shakes uncontrollably if I hit any small bump at higher speed. It’s vibrates the entire vehicle making it impossible to steer or control. It only stops when I come to a complete stop. This is a safety issue and dangerous to drive. The vehicle has been inspected by a service department to replace steering damper, but have read this only temporary fixes the issue. There needs... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2023
ABS Pump Motor Control electrical failure. Bad ABS pump and module.
Incident date: May 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while parking, the vehicle failed to shift to the drive position. The contact opened the hood and pushed the cap back on the bushing. While driving, at an undisclosed speed the vehicle stalled. There were no warring lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer where it was diagnosed transmission bushing cap detached. The veh... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Hydraulic Control Unit and ABS Module need to be replaced for the 2nd time.
Incident date: May 14, 2023
The engine suffered catastrophic failure 2,988 miles after the J02 Saftey recall was performed by Preston Toyota of New Castle, PA. I was travelling at highway speeds when the engine died and would not turn on. I lost all power brakes and could have wrecked and injured myself, others or worse, caused a fatality. The car was towed to a toyota dealership that confirmed the issue was due to the wo... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
The engine seized while driving on the highway. The car is currently at the dealership. It started making gurgling noise and slowed down while driving. This happened in the middle of the road while driving, putting me and other drivers at safety. The dealership inspected the car and they said the engine seized. There is a recall and multiple complaints concerning this car. They have now said that ... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2023
I was in a car accident where all of my airbags deployed. The seat airbag deployed, and the deflation vents were facing me. It melted my polyester shirt into me and burned my the skin across my ribs on my left side (nearest to the door). I was not aware of the location of the vents in the airbag until during the accident. This could be an issue for shorter people, who might have the airbags deploy... Read more
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: May 19, 2023
I was driving my EQS on Thursday May 25th, 2023, at about 1:30 PM heading eastbound on the southern portion of the 202 Loop in Maricopa County AZ at a rate of about 75 MPH on a clear day with minimal traffic when without warning my vehicle locked up the brakes in an emergency stop. The tires left skid marks, seat belts tightened, and the screen in form to me flashed red warning signs. It happened ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at 64 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate then the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
Incident date: May 22, 2023
P052E PCV valve issue, as for many others, this part malfunctioned about a month after warranty has expired. This seems to be a known issue for this model (GLC300) according to many online forums.
Incident date: May 26, 2023
The vehicle was unable to restart after the auto idle stop engaged at a stoplight, shutting the engine off. Upon release of the brake, the engine did not restart and the car was left stranded for several hours in the middle of a large intersection putting the driver at risk. The car was unable to be restarted and stranded for over two hours until police were able to clear a safe path and have the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
ABS & Traction light flickers and stays on. Brakes have pulsed. This is very dangerous for my family and myself. Ram wants to charge me $$ for a manufacturing defect that they are all to aware of. This not fare.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
ABS & Traction light flickers and stays on. Brakes have pulsed. This is very dangerous for my family and myself. Ram wants to charge me $$ for a manufacturing defect that they are all to aware of. This not fare.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2019
First occurrence happened in October 2022 when I was on the freeway at speeds over 65mph. The vehicle suddenly lost speed, all dash lights came on, a loud helicopter like sound started and would not go more than 40mph. I was lucky enough to exit the freeway without causing a collision. Dealer could not duplicate the incident and no computer codes. Second time was almost identical to the first ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2019
First occurrence happened in October 2022 when I was on the freeway at speeds over 65mph. The vehicle suddenly lost speed, all dash lights came on, a loud helicopter like sound started and would not go more than 40mph. I was lucky enough to exit the freeway without causing a collision. Dealer could not duplicate the incident and no computer codes. Second time was almost identical to the first ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Black piano plastic blinds driver when it is sunny outside.
Incident date: May 27, 2023
Transmission gave out twice while driving, causing the car to stop in an unsafe area. (in 2022) Gasket issue again causing he car to overheat, driving, car felt like it was going to explode, had it towed and they now say car needs a new engine. I have spent 15,000 to fix this car in the last two years something is seriously wrong with the quality of this car. Ford needs to stand behind their ve... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
Instrument cluster returned error "warnings and information not available. Drive with greater care!" While vehicle was in motion. Issue resulted in loss of speedometer and other systeam safety features including blind spot monitoring, lane assist etc. Loss of speedometer while in motion was of the largest concern. The car produces audible alerts for errors such as low tire pressure or low wiper fl... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2023
While driving on a relatively straight, 2-lane highway with cruise control set and no autopilot, the car started to brake suddenly and aggressively. This caused the car behind me to almost rear end my car. Luckily I was quick enough to press the accelerator to avoid the accident. This same sudden braking happened a total of 4 times within a 200 mile trip, one of which almost caused an accident.
Incident date: May 25, 2023
Was driving and my vehicle came up and said I had an issue with the electrical power steering assist system and was going to shut off. I was waiting at a red light the vehicle put itself in park and shut down. I restarted the vehicle and it would not move out of park or any of the windows or radio controls would function. I upon restarting four more times was able to get it back into drive and ret... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2023
The gear shift is locked in the neutral position. I took my baby took the aquarium the car drove fine we live 2 hours away. Upon leaving I was unable to shift the car into the drive position. The gear shift moved from park to neutral and would not move. The car displayed it was in neutral even though the car seemed like it was in the parked position. Applied emergency break but was unable to fix g... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2022
2020 Ford Escape drivers door had the check arm fail due to the inner reinforcement bracket breaking off of the outer door shell. The failure caused the check arm to lodge into the window track and the door would not close and the vehicle couldn’t be driven or secured. The door made a popping sound just 1 time before the failure. Ford states an issue with the check arm welds failing in SSM 515... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2023
My 2019 Mazda CX-9 Signature has developed a coolant leak at the back side of the engine that is consistent with Mazda TSB 01-013/21. Coolant leaks down onto the oil filter and the exhaust where it's burned off. Currently, I can drive the vehicle, but I need to refill the radiator and coolant reservoir. I'm concerned about this developing into a catastrophic leak that could seize the engine or... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2023
Car stalled, began to smoke while traveling at a low rate of speed on residential street. Found it had no oil. No warning light indicated oil was low. Bought it used two weeks earlier and seller said oil had been recently changed. Passenger-side door locks began locking and unlocking randomly while in motion. No inspection. The A/C compressor stopped working mid-summer. Mechanic inspected, repai... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 0. The contact stated that the rear wheels locked up and the vehicle jerked and vibrated. The contact shifted to park and back into drive. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
Friday, March 24, 2023 AM: Returned to parked Rogue after an 1.25 hr appt and found the cabin reeking of a fuel smell. No fuel leaks under vehicle to explain smell. Smell dissipated some after driving for 10 mins at low speeds with outside air circulation on. Smell fully left cabin while driving at highway speeds for 15 mins with outside air circulation on. Sunday, March 26, 2023 AM: Return... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2022
The contact's brother owned a 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously driven parked and left unattended a few hours later, the vehicle spontaneously caught fire. The neighbors alerted the owner that the vehicle had caught fire. The fire department extinguished the fire and informed him the fire started in the engine compartment. A 2021 Mercedes Benz CLA 250 parked... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 16, 2023
I have that bad transmission in my fiesta and the car won’t work. Ford said it’s not 2019 fiesta with the issue but it’s a lie. My car won’t drive now.
Incident date: May 24, 2023
April 8th, 2022, we began having concerns with the safety of the vehicle when the vehicle would not turn off after pressing the off button. The speakers were intermittently working (specific zones not working and eventually all sound lost), no back up alert sounds when vehicle in reverse. After multiple attempts, the vehicle turned off. The next day we started the vehicle and it seemed as though e... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2023
On 5/24/2023 while driving with a front passenger, the passenger seat belt warning light, chime and airbag warning came on for no reason. Stopped the car at a red traffic light and turned ignition off and then on to hopefully clear the warning. There was no power to any system. The ignition switch did not work and I could not get the transmission out of park to push the car off the road. Could not... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2023
THE HEADLAMPS CONTAIN AND HOLD MOISTURE, ALTHOUGH THERE ARE NO CRACKS. THIS IS CAUSING MOISTURE, AND THERE IS A CONCERN THAT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS MAY OCCUR IN THE FUTURE.
Incident date: May 24, 2023
Tie rod end snapped/car will stop out of no where
Incident date: May 13, 2023
2019 Sonata is using/burning oil at about a quart every 600-800 miles. We are checking and adding oil constantly. Car is sluggish, especially when accelerating from a stop.
Incident date: May 22, 2023
There is one spot on HWY 29 near me in Lake County CA where the car while driving on autopilot always sees an obstacle ahead and warns of an immediate collision. There is however, nothing in the road it is just the road dips down (a bit like a helter skelter) and the car does not recognize it. It is replicable and happens every time that highway is driven.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
On two different occasions while driving on the highway ( approximately 60 to 65) when I passed over an expansion joint the steering wheel and entire truck started to shake violently and out of control - it was like it hit some harmonic balance and would not stop until I got hard on the brakes and slowed down to approximately 35 mph. ( not fun to do in the fast lane of a highway) this happened ... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2023
The Graco turbo booster lx highback booster Headrest does not stay in place it drops down from proper setting when child is getting into or out of seat and is not touching the headrest.
Incident date: May 20, 2023
I WAS DRIVING AND BLUEISH GRAYISH SMOKE CAME POURING OUT OF MY EXCAUST. CAR LOS5 POWER AND I HAD TO HAVE ITTOWED TO A CAR DEALER. I WAS TOLD IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. I HAVE A EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THEY ARE GIVING ME A HARD TIME NOT APPROVING A NEW ENGINE. I KNOW KIAS HAVE ALOT OF ENGINE RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. WHY WAS MY CAR NOT ON THAT RECALL LIST? THANK you
Incident date: Mar 24, 2020
Power steering suddenly stopped working making it very difficult to steer. I was turning the corner at a stoplight and nearly ran into another vehicle in the next lane. 1) Power steering. Yes, available for inspection 2) Nearly crashed into another vehicle 3) Have not taken it to a mechanic yet 4) Has not been inspected by the dealer 5) No warning lights were on Looking on the internet, this... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH and descending a slight grade and slowing for a traffic sign, the contact drove over a slight bump in the roadway and felt the brake pedal go almost to the floorboard. The contact stated that he pumped the brake pedal and felt the brakes starting to respond and was able to stop the vehicle. The contact state... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Frame beneath driver and passenger doors is rusting through at the welds. Frame is beginning to crack and I suspect it will break in half. I noticed the crack when I changed engine oil yesterday.
Incident date: May 5, 2023
The 2017 ford focus had a 2nd engine installed by ford dealer in April '21 at 56,000 miles due to engine malfunction and seizing. The same thing happened three weeks ago at only 38,000 miles on the new engine. The car would not accelerate then all of the lights came on and stalled. Can not drive.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
I purchased on March 18, 2023 at HGREG West Palm Beach dealership. The salesperson did not disclosure the previous car incident information, I found it later that car has 2 car incidents. After purchasing a car on April 30, after I parked my car, its started unprovoked alarms. I have no control over my car for about 15 min. I knew that my car has an anti theft device so I contacted MagniShield an... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the fan switch failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that upon research, he became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the fan switch failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that upon research, he became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
The engine started making a ticking sound a few days after thanksgiving. I made an appointment with the dealership but they couldn’t take it in for 3 weeks. The day before my appointment I was driving on the highway and the lifter broke which caused the camshaft and a few other parts to break causing sudden lose of power and severe shaking. The parts for the repair were back ordered and it took ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
There are four lights with a warning that shows up and stay on Check Brake, Power Steering, ABS and VBS Systems. These four lights occurs immediately or even occasionally delayed but they appear everytime my vehicle is running. It is the VSA System per service repair shop. This is a known problem for the Honda Civic 2013 and also Honda Accord. My concern is when these lights are present there is a... Read more