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: Jul 27, 2023
Passenger airbag is always off. I saw reports on youtube wiring connectors under the seat are the reason. There’s a home remedy solution. Important air bag issues should be freely be done by manufacturer or dealer. Also steering issues are more common than reported. The electrical devise fails too often rendering driving the vehicle difficult.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2019
My 2023 Hyundai Elantra vehicle displays a low oil pressure message when accelerating. Is this related to the recent recall for the electric oil pump assembly that may overheat and increase the risk of a fire?
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
First the brakes went out, then the AC, now the transmission. It has only 60,000 miles.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
Water pump constantly leaking through seap hole weather or not u get a new water pump or not can't get it to stop leaking .ac cut off due to heat engine .it will not stop dripping i have changed water pumps 3 times and it never has stopped dripping this has costed us alot of money and time if ww only new this we would have bought something else.we have been through 2 computers ecm ans a motor re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
I purchased this truck in January 2023. Drove just fine for 2 months and started having this issue. While driving my 2004 f250 sd 6.0l turbodiesel 4x4, (egr deleted, bulletproofed and studded engine, cold air intake, oil cooler, sct x4 tuner) a "fizzle" noise was heard more on passenger side; acting like fuel wasn't reaching engine; and truck stalled right after noise was heard. Wouldn't rest... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
Have intermittent ABS warning and service electronic braking system. This has happened numerous times in the past 10k miles. Scanning the system shows electronic brake failure. This involves replacing the HCU. I have read of others having this problem I can fix this myself but the parts are discontinued or not available. This seems unusual considering it is only 5 years old. My concern is I pull m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
Shift to park problem. When the car is in park there is an error message stating ‘shift to park.’ I am unable to get out of my car, the car does not turn off or lock and I am trapped in my car in Florida heat with a car beeping or honking if I leave it
Incident date: Apr 18, 2020
I was driving on the highway in traffic with the stop/start function active. It was raining and windshield wipers were on. Engine stalled in traffic and I couldn't turn the car back on, pressed the brake and it wouldn't restart. I put it in park and it started back up. The dash had a low power steering indicator and check engine light was on.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2020
I was driving on the highway in traffic with the stop/start function active. It was raining and windshield wipers were on. Engine stalled in traffic and I couldn't turn the car back on, pressed the brake and it wouldn't restart. I put it in park and it started back up. The dash had a low power steering indicator and check engine light was on.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2020
July 18th 2022 16,059 miles engine issues again. This time was 21 hours from home. Cause reported was oil pump failed. New engine to be installed. Asked if previous engine issues was resolved aka lifters but couldn’t get a 100 precent yes or no. Truck now has little over 30k and from time to time makes noises like lifters chattering. I pray it’s been addressed but fell it may still fail again.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
My car has coolant intrusion problem where the coolant get into the cylinders so I have to top off the coolant after evey drive with a quart of coolant or so. Also there is white smoke coming out of the exhaust beside a faulty engine message that comes and goes on the dash.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
Vehicle experienced an unexplained acceleration while at a complete stop with foot on the brake. This has happened several times.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
Vehicle experienced an unexplained acceleration while at a complete stop with foot on the brake. This has happened several times.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
The vehicle started to exhibit a popping or clunking sound in the steering Column after 125,000 miles. Was told it was not dangerous and continued to drive while albeit was still distracting. At 165,000, the sound became extremely loud at hwy speeds of 70-80mph and cause the steering wheel to shake and pull to the left. Took to mechanic who told me to take it to dealer. Dealer immediately knew wha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
During first recall 18V-666, Kia stated that I received a new PRA in September 2019 per recall instructions. July 2023, my car would not turn on and was sent to same Kia dealership. Recall 22V-836 applies to my car, and my PRA shows sign of thermal damage yet again. Both main relays that were replaced in 2019 were of Panasonic, yet, the PRA was melted to the point that the wire harness also needs ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated when she started the vehicle and attempted to shift into reverse(R) there was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was locked. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
ABS CONTROL MODULE AND HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT FAILING. REPLACED COMPONENTS IN 2021 AND 2022 AND FAILING AGAIN IN 2023. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF THESE UNITS FAIL THEN IT CAUSES LOSS OF ANTILOCK BRAKING AND SPEED CONTROL
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
traveling on S Sterling Street in Morganton, NC on the morning of July 12, 2023. We were going speed limit20 mph on a one way street, then car made rumbling sound and accelerated on its own at approximately 60-70 mph. I put on brakes,but car did not slow down...weaved thru traffic to avoid hitting anyone..could not get car to slow down and unfortunately hit a car in front of us. All persons were ... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
While driving about 75 mph on an expressway using autopilot or just cruise control, the car decelerated to about 40mph within a few seconds. Thankfully there were no other cars behind me. They likely would have crashed into me if so. I believe Tesla calls this problem “phantom braking.” There were no other cars or objects in front of me when this happened. This happened all within 2-3 hours ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
While driving making left and right turns a clicking noise was noticed. Vehicle also felt like it was engaged in 4wd when making turns on loose pavement by skipping, vehicle confirmed to be in 2wd mode. Vehicle has less than 10,000 miles. Dealership was able to determine that the noise was coming from the front hubs and saw metal shavings.Chevy Dealership suggested to have both front hubs replace... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aw... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V218000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
August 1st 2023, my vehicle was parked in my driveway, approx 1pm PST, i heard a loud bang come from outside. I went to the vehicle and found that the cylinder that would normally hold air for hte side curtain airbag had exploded inside of the vehicle. It sent metal shrapnel all over the interiour of the cabin, into the drivers headrest and then thru the roof of the vehicle. The airbag did NOT dep... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that his granddaughter was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that he had the vehicle towed to his residence. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure) 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 not experi... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
I was told that my vehicle has a defective VTC Actuator part per Honda notice 16-088 that will cause catastrophic failure of the engine and drivetrain. After diagnosis with the dealership they confirmed the risk stating, "The VTC does control the timing so it could cause it to jump timing. If that happens there is a possibility of catastrophic failure if you don't catch it quick enough." Despit... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
Last July of 2022, my first issue was an electrical notice that caused the airbag and seatbelt sensor in the vehicle to continuously go off, which took several months to get fixed through the manufacturer of my Jeep Cherokee 2015. As of 2023, I have received two recall notices, and neither of which have been resolved since April of 2023. Since those notices, my check engine light has gone off and ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
Last July of 2022, my first issue was an electrical notice that caused the airbag and seatbelt sensor in the vehicle to continuously go off, which took several months to get fixed through the manufacturer of my Jeep Cherokee 2015. As of 2023, I have received two recall notices, and neither of which have been resolved since April of 2023. Since those notices, my check engine light has gone off and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) and 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made awar... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
There are two issues with my vehicle, both started recently. The mileage is only around 33000 miles. The two front tire pressure warnings keep coming on, and I have tried multiple times to correct this, doesn't matter if it exactly correct on reading for pump, or above or below, it just keeps saying they need adjusting. It is only the two front ones and they have been doing this for about ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Front windshield camera, controls adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure mitigation, front collision mitigation, auto high beam, all the lights came on and all the features stopped working. We were 1500 miles from home when this happened had it repaired at a dealership $1300. I called Honda corporate and after 2 days a customer service representative called me back. He told me t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Front windshield camera, controls adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure mitigation, front collision mitigation, auto high beam, all the lights came on and all the features stopped working. We were 1500 miles from home when this happened had it repaired at a dealership $1300. I called Honda corporate and after 2 days a customer service representative called me back. He told me t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Vehicle is an EV (platform G26) and charger flap door was locked and would not open. Problem is similar to problem reported on NHTSA for BMW vehicles for "fuel filler door will not open", SIB 51 27 20. Safety issue is vehicle can not be charged and creates risk for driver and passengers being stranded. Older BMW vehicles had an emergency release but new models eliminated this feature. Vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
I recently purchased this vehicle less than a month ago and i have more than 15 Forward Warning collisions that come from nothing. Vehicles will be 100 yards out and my tesla thinks i am about to collide prompting the forward warning signal. I am driving passed the mailman and it thinks i will hit, my neighbors cars parked on the side of the road also prompts the message. This has caused my tesla ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
I recently purchased this vehicle less than a month ago and i have more than 15 Forward Warning collisions that come from nothing. Vehicles will be 100 yards out and my tesla thinks i am about to collide prompting the forward warning signal. I am driving passed the mailman and it thinks i will hit, my neighbors cars parked on the side of the road also prompts the message. This has caused my tesla ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
warning lights on the instrument cluster, hesitation loss of power while traveling at highway speed
Incident date: Apr 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) 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 contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light il... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2021
I am concerned with the liftgate/trunk panel latching/operation. On our liftgate/trunk it falls sometimes and comes down on you while you are still in the way. My wife was slightly injured on her head, when it malfunctioned, and she was in the way when it came down. Several times it just started coming down on me while I was unloading items from the cargo hold. Sometimes the lift cargo door will j... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving with the Lane Keep Assist activated in the Cruise Control mode, the vehicle inadvertently attempted to access the nearest exit independently. The contact also stated that while driving in manual mode at 55 MPH, the Lane Keep Assist jerked the steering wheel out of the driver's grip causing the vehicle to drift to the extreme l... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving with the Lane Keep Assist activated in the Cruise Control mode, the vehicle inadvertently attempted to access the nearest exit independently. The contact also stated that while driving in manual mode at 55 MPH, the Lane Keep Assist jerked the steering wheel out of the driver's grip causing the vehicle to drift to the extreme l... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
Driving 45mph on busy street and engine stopped working- locked up. No codes, no warning lights, etc… Coasted to an advanced auto parts store, hooked up scanner- no codes. My Mechanic and Kia both said there is oil in the engine, but it’s locked up. No help from Kia on this issue even though there are similar issues/complaints on this engine problem.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Infiniti QX60. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle wobbled with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle had been both towed and driven to various independent mechanics where the lug nuts on the front driver-side wheel had to be tightened due to the lug nuts u... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Infiniti QX60. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle wobbled with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle had been both towed and driven to various independent mechanics where the lug nuts on the front driver-side wheel had to be tightened due to the lug nuts u... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
I PURCHASED MY 2014 BUICK ENCORE APRIL 2021 THAT NEXT YEAR 2022 MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I TOOK IT TO O'REILLY THEY TURNED IT OFF TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR MY VEHICLE STARTED DRIVING ROUGH I WAS HAVING TROUBLE TAKING OFF ONCE I DID IT WOULD IDLE UP HIGH WHEN I CAME TO A STOP IT WOULD START SHAKING AND IT WOULD TURN OFF CARS WENT AROUND ME I COULDN'T ACCELERATE IT KEPT HESITATING SO NOW I'M SCARED... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. The message "Traction Failure - Stop Safely" and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was no further information provided. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the electronic steering rack and pinion were replaced. The vehicle was re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. The message "Traction Failure - Stop Safely" and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was no further information provided. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the electronic steering rack and pinion were replaced. The vehicle was re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who after 3 days diagnosed and determined there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact spoke with the dealer and was informed that ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
The car was purchased as CPO warrantied and within 2 months of purchase, showed low tire pressure on front passenger tire. Brought the car to a tire shop for what I thought was a nail, turned out was a cracked rim. Read online forums to find out this is a common issue. Mercedes underwent a class action lawsuit for sub-par quality wheels. Mercedes benz does not cover rim under warranty and replacem... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while having a routine service at the local dealer, he noticed that there was a crack on the passenger’s side of the upper and lower control arms. The dealer diagnosed and confirmed the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. There were no warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mil... Read more