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 24, 2021
Loss of power while driving. All error lights on the dashboard came on and the car lost all power. Car had to be put in park and restarted to restore power. After restart the check engine light stayed on with code PO65312. This has happened 4 times in the last 6 months with 3 trips to the dealer for repair.
Incident date: May 20, 2023
On May 20th, 2023 @ approximately 9:50 P.M. we struck a deer head on. Impact was severe enough that the passenger airbag should have deployed, but failed to deploy. I looked at the wiring guide for this vehicle after the incident, and I believe that in photo #4, it shows the path of the airbag wire and the airbag wire was cut at the time of impact.
Crash
Incident date: May 22, 2023
The maker of my vehicle cannot solve an open recall on a timely manner. An existing open safety recall is registered to my vehicle for about 1 year and due to this recall I am currently exposed to a safety issue as well as lost of income as this vehicle is used for Business Purpose.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
Car was parked in garage. 14 inch crack appeared in windshield with no impact. Crack just appeared while car was parked.
Incident date: May 20, 2023
A couple week ago noticed fluid on my garage floor. It seemed to be dripping from the left front of the car. Also noticed this oil on the garage shelf which is closed to the car when I park it in the garage. Today, May 23, 2023 went to have the oil change in the car, and was told the power steering fluid was low .
Incident date: May 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that the electrical system failed intermittently. The contact stated that the failure caused the HVAC system to fail, causing the defroster to become inoperable. Additionally, the lights on the instrument panel failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not m... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
It started with a check engine light stating I needed to replace a fuel injector. I had that replaced and continued to have the same problem. I had a compression test performed and stated that I had a cracked cylinder leaking compression in cylinder one. The engine needs to be replaced or rebuilt. As you can imagine that is expensive. After finding this out, I continued to drive the vehicle hoping... Read more
SUBARU
OUTBACK
(2022) — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
May 23, 2023
Incident date: May 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact heard a rattling sound coming from the vehicle, and the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the PCM was reprogramed but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was unformed that ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
The contact owns a Holt industries Deluxe Manual Fluid Extractor and Dispenser Unit. The contact received recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E006000 (Equipment) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a rea... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2023
While driving on the highway the car started to shake violently as if one of the wheels was about to fall off. Pulled over to call jeep service and they said it was most likely a faulty steering dampner and that this has been a major issue for many new wranglers. So much so that parts were on back order at most dealerships. Only way to get expediated was to call Jeep Cares and plead my case. A... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2023
While driving on the highway the car started to shake violently as if one of the wheels was about to fall off. Pulled over to call jeep service and they said it was most likely a faulty steering dampner and that this has been a major issue for many new wranglers. So much so that parts were on back order at most dealerships. Only way to get expediated was to call Jeep Cares and plead my case. A... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the conta... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
"What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?" -Transmission Failure, already repaired as of 05/23/2023, and as such is no longer able to be inspected. "How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?" -My safety, and others were put at major risk as the transmission completely gave out at 94k Miles as I was crossing the road. As I ... Read more
SUBARU
OUTBACK
(2022) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
May 22, 2023
Incident date: May 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made rattling sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotl... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made rattling sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotl... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to shift into drive, the gear selector failed to shift out of park. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the shifter cable was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The ma... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
Difficult cold start ups. When the bike is cold or has been sitting for 1-2 weeks and I start it up intermittently the bike has problems starting up and running. Will stall out and need to attempt to restart it several times before it will run. Appears to be running on a single cylinder for 30-45 seconds when it does finally start up then will run as normal. This does not occur when the motorcycle... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Incident date: May 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle however, the ignition switch failed to turn. The ignition switch warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately ... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
We were on a drive back from Nashville like normal. My mom had picked me up from work at around 07:15. The car started making strange sounds as we were driving down the highway. It started yelling at us to pull over to a safe spot and slowing down. All of the lights had come on flashing at this time. It didn’t even make it to the shoulder; We made a stop on the triangle area for when cars come i... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Per the dealership: The engine wire harness ws not sitting where it should have been, and was melted by the cadillac converter. This caused the auxiliary battery to fail, and the jump fuse block to blow.
Incident date: May 21, 2023
Last year I had to have the electric power steering pump replaced as it completely locked up almost causing an accident while trying to turn, this year now the steering shaft froze up while driving in traffic. Totaling $3,100.00 to fix when I was told this is something that should never need to be replaced and I drive my vehicle very carefully with my children in it .
Incident date: May 21, 2023
My Hyundai Sonata 2015 built in Alabama in on December 13, 2014. I recently found out that a problem I've been having for the last five years with my driver's seatbelt not retracting when it is disengaged, was a recall issue for Hyundai Sonatas 2011 through May 2014. I also found out when I contacted the NHTSA, that an auto manufacturer has the discretion to determine which car models are anticipa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
-The windshield has cracked in the same place for no apparent reason. -The cracked windshield can affect the use of the safety systems built into the windshield. -I'm not sure how this can be "reproduced" as we are talking about a broken windshield although the windshield has been fixed already once and now, the second break has occurred. -Not inspected but replaced once. It is currently broken a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. 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 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 contact had no... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The component that is malfunctioning is the emblem on the airbags. Nissan has known of this issue for a while. In the event of a crash, when the airbags deploy, the emblem will also explode with the airbags and send shrapnel from it flying towards the driver and nearby passengers. If the crash wouldn't kill the driver, then this issue could as it could hit the driver in a vital part. They are taki... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
In the morning of Jan 28th, I drove this car off highway(North bound MoPac) to the ramp to frontage road to 360 in Austin TX. the vehicle lost control out of sudden and crashed to the left side of the road. the accident caused total loss of the vehicle but luckily a>the passages and the the driver on the car are OK. b>no other vehicle was involved . As the drive of this vehicle , I feel the c... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
I am writing in regards to our 2017 Honda Ridgeline. We have purchased 6 Honda vehicles over the years from Shockley Honda in Frederick Maryland, and this is our second Ridgeline. However our truck has been in the shop for almost a month and we do not know when it can be repaired. On April 29th at 4:30 AM our alarm system repeatedly went off. We got it to the dealership to learn that we would nee... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
The shadows are serious issue. They are distractive, annoying, irritating and dangerous. It is a safety issue. As car go up and down on the road, they are longer or shorter (because of the light angle) . They are tiring and fatiguing. Eyes are drawn to it at night. Constant distraction. Not acceptable on a new car. Problem reported to the dealer. Dealer won't do anything. Went to 2nd dealer. They... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
I HAVE HAD 3 BROKEN WINDSHIELDS IN 9,400 MILES OF TRAVEL. I AM PRETTY SURE EACH WAS CAUSED BY FLYING ROCKS, BUT AT ONE REPAIR THE TESLA SERVICE MANAGER MENTIONED THAT THE WINDSHIELDS ARE VERY THIN TO SAVE WEIGHT. I BELIEVE THE WINDSHIELDS ARE VULNERABLE TO DAMAGE. I HAVE A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3 WITH 90,000 MILES THAT HAS NEVER HAD A CRACKED WINDSHIELD DRIVING IN THE SAME LOCALE. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
This is allegedly related to the Balmar relay system installed by Winnebago in the Ford Transit van.It is currently at the dealer, Colonial Winnebago, in Millstone Twp., NJ. Dealer can be contacted for inspection. We began traveling at a 25 mph speed for about 2 miles when smoke began to flow from under the hood. We pulled over to inspect; 911 was called. Smoke and flames under the hood were visib... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
On May 15, 2023, our 2017 Ford Expedition rolled while in Park and unattended. It had been parked for approx. 2-1/2 hours before rolling down our inclined driveway. It collided with our granite mailbox post, snapping it off. Thankfully, no one was hurt, however, the vehicle suffered significant damage.
Crash
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Windshield started cracking and crack doubled in size within a few hours, we did not hear a rock chip the window and don't know where the crack came from. Car is available for inspection. This is a safety issue as it can impede the drivers clear view of the road. Will call dealer Monday to have windshield replaced. The windshield has not been inspected by manufacture or insurance. Did not see any ... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
I purchased the vehicle on 2/17/22 and shortly afterwards started noticing problems starting with acceleration car wouldn’t go past 45 mph or lower. The car radio system has static can’t get reception; the battery died requiring a jump. On 9/21/22 and January 10, 2023 I took car to dealer about these problems and other concerns and they said couldn’t verify my concerns. On 5/9/23 I set out f... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
Electric assisted power steering failure. No warning lights, no warning of failure whatsoever. Unable to steer vehicle while driving. Problem was confirmed by mechanic that the steering rack needed replacement.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
seat collapse. Available to be inspected. Unable to see over wheel or reach the acceleration and break pedals. Airbag light comes on due to the collapsed seat either cutting the airbag electrical cable, or puncturing the airbag itself. Vehicle has only been inspected by our fleet manager, our in house mechanic, and the dealership. No prior warning(s) before the failures.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The "cone of light "projected forward by the headlights is too narrow. When turning right or left from one dark road onto another dark road, one cannot determine if it is safe to turn. The light cone is blocked by the escutcheon around the headlight, which are set inward too deep. In addition, the light intensity of the main beam is insufficient for proper night driving on dark roads, Note:this ca... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
Rattling noise is occurring when accelerating and on cold start. This has been occurring for quite some time.
Incident date: May 13, 2023
The blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning features are listed on the VIN for my vehicle which I purchased new. However, they are not on the vehicle, I was not told they were not on the vehicle, and I didn't sign anything saying they were not on the vehicle. How can the ADAS (adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning) work without these key features? I don't trust VW to tell me... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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. The contact had... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
My car got hot and just stopped on me crazy and I just had work done on my rotates and brakes.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The top of the dashboard instrument panel keeps cracking in several places despite trying to prevent any or further cracks. It is very visible and it is now cracking towards the steering wheel and the cover to the passenger air bag area. concerned that because it is in close range to passenger airbag component area as well as the steering column area that eventually there will some malfunction in ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
Jeep caught fire by passenger visor
Fire
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Car has been not able to roll up driver side window for a year randomly. Suddenly 3 years old and battery is draining and RAB and Eyesight and engine light on. Took in and saying can’t replicate window after they DID replicate it 3 months ago and did not solve issue. Did battery parasitic draw and numerous parts of car are draining battery. Cannot find source.
Incident date: May 12, 2023
When using cruise control the car decides to randomly hard-brake dropping instantly 40+ mph OR it increases speed higher than the set cruise control for no reason. We literally have had our bodies slammed into the seats during braking and we will inevitably be rear-ended for this faulty “phantom” braking. We submitted a service request to Tesla on 5/18/23 and were told there’s nothing to be ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
When using cruise control the car decides to randomly hard-brake dropping instantly 40+ mph OR it increases speed higher than the set cruise control for no reason. We literally have had our bodies slammed into the seats during braking and we will inevitably be rear-ended for this faulty “phantom” braking. We submitted a service request to Tesla on 5/18/23 and were told there’s nothing to be ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and at various other speeds, the contact heard an abnormal whirring sound like an electric motor engaging coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated with the brake pedal going to the floorboard while being depressed. The contact stated that ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
I am the original owner of a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. My front windshield has been delaminating around the edges. It began as only a small pop, but nothing loud to investigate. But today the separation of the epoxy from the windshield is visually evident. The popping sound happens daily. I have taken good care of my Volkswagen Passat with only a little over 39000 miles. My concern is will my ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, while driving in the rain, the steering wheel seized. Additionally, upon starting the vehicle, the key failed to release from the ignition. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The v... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
Good day on may 14, 2023. Driving on the highway in NYC and axle broke almost causing a major accident. My model car and year and also region is listed for a recall on the same part however my vin was not included.