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 23, 2023
At approximately 55,000 miles I started to experience intermittent heavy vibration at Highway speeds. According to the Volvo technical journal this is a known issue called the Ghost Shaker. There we no warning lamps or car messages that displayed while the shaking occurred. Typically, the car would shake when above 45 MPH, especially on interstate. While the Ghost Shaker is happening, it was very ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
Wipes stop working no safety and happen to a lot of them wipes transmission need replaced
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started shaking violently. The contact stated that there was smoke inside the vehicle. The accelerator pedal failed to depress as needed and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who referred her to the dealer. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
UNCONTROLLED RELEASE OF FUEL FROM TANK THRU TANK BREATHER SYSTEM WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS ON IT'S SIDE ON GROUND. DESIGN FLAW -- REDESIGN REQUIRED -- 2022 KLR 650 RELEASES FUEL FROM THE TANK BREATHER SYSTEM IN EVENT OF INTENTIONAL OR ACCIDENTAL MOTO BECOMING HORIZONTAL TO GROUND WITH NO MEANS OF FUEL SHUTOFF AVAILABLE EXCEPT BY TANK DRAINING TO LEVEL OF BREATHER WITHIN THE TANK. OCCURRENCE HAPPENS WITH... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. No information on parts availability was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made awar... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
Driving on Friday July21 on 495 beltway in northern VA , and i was in the middle lane of the highway with no object, car, and others in front with at least 150 yards. the CRV breaks automatically without warning. it was very terrifying, luckily no car was following me.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
Both the driver and passaged (front seat) head rests have deployed. When looking inside them (parts are exposed since they have pooped and stayed open in a projected position) broken pieces are visible. Therefore, the headrests cannot be popped back into their proper position. This is extremely dangerous because the headrests could have deployed while we were driving. Also, the headrests no longer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
Air bag not working, horn not working properly. And other functions. Was told clock spring needs to be replaced.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
When stopped at a stop light and using the auto off feature the Highlander stalls. The automatic shutoff repeatedly keeps draining the battery unless I manually turn the automatic shutoff feature off so it does not shut off when the vehicle is stopped. This has continued to happen over the last year and a half.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
My c300 2018 only has 50k and suddenly the engine light is on, when I check it shows that I need the Positive Crankcase ventilation valve replaced. it cost $2300. As I know a lot of people who own Mercedes have the same problem. Three mechanics claim it on almost all C, CLA, and GLA models. Please make Mercedes recall it finally.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The vehicle has a brake light over the hatch but no bottom brake lights. Replaced bulbs and fuses and brake light switch and still no brake lights. Took it to a shop and they don't know what's wrong. After getting gas I crunk car, put it in drive and car started going in reverse and front air wouldn't work either but back air did. It seems to be an electrical issue. Just got vehicle in June of 202... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
March 2023 Master Warning Light symbol on dashboard and Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) Warning Light symbol on dashboard. Warning Malfunction See Owner's Manual and Warning Parking Sensor Error See Owner's Manual. June 2023 Warning No Key Detected, Check Rear Seat for All Articles and Parking Sensor Off. VDC Settings Menu illuminated light dims while accelerating and returns to normal. Vehicle is av... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
Driving down the highway. My vehicle notified me that it would shut down soon and to stop safely very unsafe. I felt I was lose control of the vehicle
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Another issues with this truck and ram needs to do a recall! Besides shutting off now I have major suspension issues! I have gotten an alignment pretty much every other month. Been through three sets of tires due to this suspension issue. Truck is maintained and has always been to dealer.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
My wife and family left Evans, Georgia, on 06-Apr-2023 for their first cruise that departed from Miami, Florida. As they traveled down the interstate on 07-Apr-2023, the cruise date, the vehicle's right brake came off. My daughter steered the CR-V to safety without causing a major accident on a major Interstate Highway. They contacted the local Honda, Brickell Honda, 690 S. W. 8th Street, Miami, ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2023
Vehicle stalled loss power on highway while driving 70mph almost got rear ended. Was able to exit highway and park vehicle. Shut it off for 10 minutes started back up put in reverse car would move at all put it in drive still wouldn’t move. This is very dangerous I couldn’t have been killed. Check engine light came on and stayed on. Stop/Start stated unavailable and service engine soon
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
Vehicle warning system notified operator of engine overheating. Operator took vehicle to repair shop where mechanic identified a cracked cylinder head. Mechanic mentioned no reason crack should have occurred, potential manufacturer defect with forged aluminum casing.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
My steering started locking up and now my vehicle will stall and shut completely down while doing 65 miles an hour and now it won't run at all
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms pa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
There is a crack in the flange causing a fuel leak in my C300 2011 Mercedes-Benz built March 2011. A strong gas smell fills the car. This situation is extremely dangerous and should be included in the recall that was approved for vehicles C300 manufactured from April 2011-July 2011. Please include my vehicle in this recall. There is only a one month difference.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
There is a crack in the flange causing a fuel leak in my C300 2011 Mercedes-Benz built March 2011. A strong gas smell fills the car. This situation is extremely dangerous and should be included in the recall that was approved for vehicles C300 manufactured from April 2011-July 2011. Please include my vehicle in this recall. There is only a one month difference.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2019
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to replace all four tires, the contact became aware that the lug nuts were swollen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the lug nuts needed to be heated to remove from the wheel studs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
Seat belt has slack in it and does not tighten up and the Airbag light on the dash comes on intermitently
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
The vehicle constantly activates the collision warning system any time on a 2 lane road and a car approaches the opposite way. The steering wheel shakes and flashes the brake on dash. Not only is it annoying it is dangerous because it catches you off guard nearly cause accidents. I’ve had in for service one dealer said it was bugs on the camera and another told me they would only look at it if I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
The vehical when engine is cold. Has delays and lags. I didn't think much of it when I first bought it, I assumed the computer was trying to learn. Well car has 12000 miles on it and still does it I've been to the dealer several times. They have told me this is normal?. Until I went to a different dealer. Service Manger states the vehical has a software problem and none repairable at the time ( I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
3rd break lights start loosen by the nuts inside the break lights. The third brake light may become loose, possibly allowing the light to detach from the vehicle. Trying to contact BMW of North American and they said even the same model and years but not under the same production line and they won’t cover. The same issues happened with different production line means the car design has problem n... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2023
In regards to the recall S89 that has NOT been issued for my 2016 Dodge Journey - the crankshaft sensor has been replaced 3 times. While traveling on the highway, at highway speeds the vehicle will just die with little to no warning. Most recently 7/20/2023 - this is the 3rd time this has occurred.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03: (Cam Phaser). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the cam timing unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failur... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The sunroof draining is designed in such a way that if the holes get clogged, the water can back up and flood the comfort control module in the rear of the car rendering it useless. That module controls critical parts of the driving of the car like turn signals, the on/off starter motor, which if they fail while on the road make it incredibly dangerous to drive. Audi has already recalled the c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
Car would not engage into “Park” while attempting to park car in driveway. Shifter would not engage in any gear. Tried to reset button in center console. Contacted mechanic, he towed to garage. Plastic clip connected to cable broke. Earlier Kia’s had a recall due to this issue, why not all Kias due to it is still happening. I was very fortunate that this happened to me in my driveway and not... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Was driving the car and it totally lost power to everything. Had to pull over immediately with whatever power I had left to have the car roll to a stop. Multiple lights came on the dash. Notification came on the screen saying car can not communicate, engine is over heating. Tried to turn off car and back on and it would do nothing at all. Car has been at mechanic for 3 weeks they believe it is the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Control Contact Tour A/S Plus, Tire Size: 215/50/R15, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the rear driver’s side tire. The low tire pressure message appeared on the instrument panel. The rear driver’s side tread had separated, causing the vehicle to ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Control Contact Tour A/S Plus, Tire Size: 215/50/R15, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the rear driver’s side tire. The low tire pressure message appeared on the instrument panel. The rear driver’s side tread had separated, causing the vehicle to ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
I’ve looked into the steering recall for the 2015 Colorado and my 2016 vehicle is doing the exact same thing. I’ve owned this vehicle for only 3 weeks now and my power steering/stabilitrak has gone out twice. One of those incidents, which was today, was while I was merging onto the highway. This is a major safety concern as it will cause an accident, due to not being able to steer properly. I ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
while driving i smelled what i thought was strong exhaust from a vehicle in front of us. It was actually gasoline fumes entering the cab from my truck's engine compartment. I pulled over and investigated the smell, we had to let down ALL the windows and turn off the AC. There were no warning lamps. There was, however, gasoline dripping from around the transmission area of the underside. It was dr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The transmission failed without warning. The vehicle was perfectly fine. I've found articles recalling the JX 35 for transmission issues. The car is available for inspection. Our safety was put at risk when the vehicle would not accelerate as I was going through a main intersection while vehicles were coming towards me. This issue came out of no where. No check engine light warning came on to... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and inadverten... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
My vehicle sustained catastrophic, permanent engine failure while I was driving, in two-way city traffic. Cars backed up behind me, I had difficulty opening my door because of oncoming traffic, and eventually was able to push it (and get help pushing) to the intersection gas station. No warning lights appeared on my dashboard before, during or afterward. Independent service center reports no bat... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
Condensation is getting in the High Def headlamps, and causing headlights to blow. It's a known issue and the assembly is between $1,200 and $1,500 dollars
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at night at an undisclosed speed, the lights on the instrument panel and the headlights became inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the headlights and instrument panel lights turned on independently. The contact stated that while attempting to unlock the vehicle with... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact discovered that oil had splashed throughout the engine. The contact also stated that while at a complete stop white colored smoke was coming from underneath the hood. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he was informed that the oil separator had cracked. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer who informed him that... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2022
Parking brake electronic module experienced water corrosion, automatically engaged right electronic parking brake & brake would not release. This issue has been reported on the same makes/models as my vehicle and a recall was issued- my VIN is not covered in the recall, though it’s apparent it should be. This is a dangerous issue as the water corrosion caused the parking brake to automatically... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
Started smelling coolant through AC and noticing that temp would momentarily spike to 240 before going back down to 200. My independent mechanic diagnosed it as a coolant leak in the cylinder head related to Mazda Tech Service Bulletin 01-002/23 (https://www.tsbsearch.com/Mazda/01-002-23). Took it to Mazda dealership, they confirmed a coolant leak and wish to replace the whole engine. Problem is t... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond as needed, causing the braking distance to be extended. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the rear brake pads had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact learned that the rear brake pads was worn from 8mm to 3mm within 3,400; while the fr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
My Honda Accord car has warning sign came multiple times . SRS -Airbag LF side impact . B0020-13 Honda dealer has suggested to replace Left side airbag module . I have contacted Honda but he has denied for any recall or repair cost. Vehicle mileage is around 26K and 2019 year model accord.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the contact observed water filling the driver's and passenger's side headlights, potentially reducing nighttime visibility. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced both headlights, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
Car stalls after fill up. NUMEROUS online Jeep forums have noted this issue for years. There seems to be an issue with the “vapor canister”. Recall was apparently issued for 2011 model - but not older models. It is intermittent yet consistent problem over past few months. Please note that an Engine stall leaves steering wheel LOCKED and unable to maneuver car for a period until can restart.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
Car stalls after fill up. NUMEROUS online Jeep forums have noted this issue for years. There seems to be an issue with the “vapor canister”. Recall was apparently issued for 2011 model - but not older models. It is intermittent yet consistent problem over past few months. Please note that an Engine stall leaves steering wheel LOCKED and unable to maneuver car for a period until can restart.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
While driving I put my rear defroster on and minutes later there was a loud pop noise and my entire rear window was shattered. I have an appt on Friday July 21, 2023 for the dealer to inspect it. Not having clear visibility while driving last night was a safety hazard. There was no warning at all.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I brought car in for oil change and was told the R front axle was leaking. Brought it to dealer for repair and told Both that both front and rear axles needed to be replaced along with PTU. Was informed that the that was ordered was cancelled b/c 800 people across the country were looking for the same part. There were no safety warnings. I was told very unsafe to drive b/c front axle came out of... Read more