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: Feb 1, 2023
Im not sure if it’s electrical or what but we lock up car and everything is closed and in the morning we come out and the door is open and it’s the back sliding door not sure what to do about it or if it’s broken but having my van completely locked up and then coming out and the door being open is weird and it’s happened multiple times as well as both sliding doors slam shut and don’t ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2015
The vehicle was serviced not long after I got it as a certified pre-owned vehicle for reprogramming of the transmission, which I told it was a just a reprogramming to make it more reactive. The vehicle would fail to accelerate, or have delayed acceleration. I was not aware at the time that these vehicles were known to have faulty transmissions and if I known this at purchase I would have spent my ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2015
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle was shuddering and rocking uncontrollably, and the vehicle nearly ran off the road. The contact veered to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle, and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
Car shut down without warning while i was driving in traffic. Car locked it shelf out and was not drivable. Had to have it towed to local Jeep Dealer. They looked into it and determined that the alternator failed and fried a fuse block as well. the Repair cost just over $1500. There is a recall out for Grand Cherokee's from 2012 to 2014 for the same issue. P60 / NHTsA 14v634. I know my jeep is a ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2018
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach E. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake fluid warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake pedal floored while depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the calipers had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
On July 7, 2023 I was traveling to home from work. While driving about 50mph the car started beeping at me saying the traction control system and the intelligent awd has turned off. Then I received an error for power steering fault. After that the electronic power steering turned off making massively difficult to turn. Thankfully was able to pull off the road into a stores parking lot where I call... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
As accelerating to pass a vehicle, the car would not accelerate. When it eventually did, it was miss firing and still wouldn’t accelerate properly. This caused a hindrance to the flow of traffic and eventually lost complete power while on the highway. It was towed to an independent service center and he confirmed there was an issue with the engine, with no obvious fault of the driver. No warnin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
While driving on the highway, the passenger side windshield trim flew off hitting my windshield. I've been told by the police that it happens frequently on their vehicles, but never thought it would happen to me. It did. Now. I have to pay for the repair and it could have easily caused an accident, because it scared me so much that I swerved thinking something hit me. Which it did. My own car!
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
My vehicle was recalled for exploding airbag inflators but the manufacturer has no remedy. They suggested i get a loaner car as it isn’t safe to drive. I asked if they would supply a loaner car until they have a remedy and they refused stating that it would be my responsibility to pay for the loaner but again suggested my car is unsafe to drive. I cannot afford to rent a vehicle everyday for an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
My daughter and I just bought this 2022 Honda Accord on 04/29/2023. On 6/28/2023, she was headed home, driving North, and was coming to the busy intersection of a County Road and Highway. She went to brake, but the brakes did not respond. In order to avoid hitting another vehicle, she swerved and blew through the intersection. Thank goodness she did not hit anyone in the intersection AND no one hi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
All side windows and the sun roof have become scratched. This vehicle is garaged, has 28,000 miles and never goes off road. The scratches extend into the door gasket area thus reaching to very top of the glass. Scratching of the windshield and rear window do not show this. We use a touchless auto wash. The paint is near flawless. There are no such scratches. I believe the glass is defectiv... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
Seatbelt on the passenger side did not stop me from hitting the dash board and the air bags did not deploy. Was rearend while waiting to get off an of ramp.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
Seatbelt on the passenger side did not stop me from hitting the dash board and the air bags did not deploy. Was rearend while waiting to get off an of ramp.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
The vehicle is repeatedly shutting down its charging cycle during charging sessions. I am always getting “charging session interrupted” notifications.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle made a rattling sound during start-up. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam phaser 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 Hotline. The con... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that she observed that the front overhead console had detach from the roof and was hanging by the wires. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the upper center console needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no additional assistance. The failure m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the sunroof was rattling. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where after a test drive, the contact was informed that the failure was with the brakes, not the sunroof. Overtime, the failure worsened, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was provided an estimate for the rep... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
Error code (P26A3?)for - Engine Coolant Bypass Valve. Causes the "Check Engine" light to come on and automatically disables ALL of the safety and collision mitigation systems. The Engine Coolant Bypass Valve failure is common and a known issue and Subaru has already updated the part on newer vehicle models. The common failure of the coolant bypass valve should not be disabling the safety features... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Edge. The contact stated while reversing, the back over prevention camera went blank. The contact stated that the “Camera Error – Contact Dealer” message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistan... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Edge. The contact stated while reversing, the back over prevention camera went blank. The contact stated that the “Camera Error – Contact Dealer” message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistan... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2021
I took the truck in for oil change and rotation. One wheel had to have new lug nuts due to then being swollen and had to be drilled off. Which wasn’t a cheap expense. They told me the other 3 wheels were looking a little swollen too. That’s almost 1000$ just for lug nuts and most can’t afford to drop that cost on lugs
Incident date: Mar 12, 2021
I took the truck in for oil change and rotation. One wheel had to have new lug nuts due to then being swollen and had to be drilled off. Which wasn’t a cheap expense. They told me the other 3 wheels were looking a little swollen too. That’s almost 1000$ just for lug nuts and most can’t afford to drop that cost on lugs
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
This is already related to Mazda's recall #23V-275 BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL CONCERN. My car was already involved in crash which I firmly believe that it was related to the brake pedal issue since the brakes didn't hold off the car and the brake assist system was never activated during the accident. Mazda is claiming that my ABS system serial number is a good part, and their dealership claimed that t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
This is already related to Mazda's recall #23V-275 BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL CONCERN. My car was already involved in crash which I firmly believe that it was related to the brake pedal issue since the brakes didn't hold off the car and the brake assist system was never activated during the accident. Mazda is claiming that my ABS system serial number is a good part, and their dealership claimed that t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
Control Module system failure escalated to an extent where the vehicle will not turn off after pushing the off button and cause flickering while the vehicle is in motion. Part #38329-TK8-A01 is currently in the shop due to part replacement on critical backorder. The vehicle has and can shut off during transit making it a hazard on the road. The vehicle had to be disconnected from the battery to be... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
My Jeep was manufactured August 2016 directly after a recall for camshaft position sensory and crankshaft position sensor. For the past 3 years I have gotten a periodical check engine light for the camshaft position sensor in bank 1. Two weeks ago the engine began to stall at random times and the camshaft position sensor light came back on. I replaced it this weekend and the issue is persisting. I... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2021
Cameras not displaying. Backup or surround. Instead, we get a blue screen with message "service camera system). This has happened every other day or so since purchased new in March 2020. In May 2021 it would continually occur (never function correctly). Dealer had it for 2 weeks replacing different components. The radio, the video processing unit, a communication harness, 2 cameras. Finally got... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2021
Approximately 1.5 hours after taking possession of the vehicle, the Nissan Aria Evolve+ experienced a catastrophic brake system failure. Upon driving the vehicle home from the dealership (40 miles), the vehicle was parked inside the garage with the front facing the garage door. That is, it was backed in. 30 minutes later after arriving from the dealership, an attempt was made to drive the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
This complaint is an addendum to a complaint I filed last week regarding the suspension of my same vehicle. 1. Battery: battery died several times without warning and the cause was never found. Took 4 trips to the dealer to get a new battery placed. Dealer blamed various “modules” each time. I believe that electrical system is faulty because the windshield wiper sprayer also stopped working, ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
This complaint is an addendum to a complaint I filed last week regarding the suspension of my same vehicle. 1. Battery: battery died several times without warning and the cause was never found. Took 4 trips to the dealer to get a new battery placed. Dealer blamed various “modules” each time. I believe that electrical system is faulty because the windshield wiper sprayer also stopped working, ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
The code P052E reads at only 49.000 miles....Mercedes wants $3000.00 to repait ir (replace PCV valve ). Car runs and drives normally....its probably a faulty sensor. I have seen a lot of posts with owners havins same issue.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
"Infotainment" touch screen in front dashboard delaminating. What can be described as bubbles or splotches, sponaneously appear, and cause system to constantly register touches. Depending on location of "bubble(s)" highly dangerous and scary as system can randomly navigate, call, play music, etc. as if possessed by a ghost. Back up camera affected too. Anything which is attached to display can ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
1. Airbag warning light is on. 2. Unable to roll down front passenger window from driver’s side master window control switch.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
This complaint with the NHTSA is to bring to your attention malfunctioning Sync 3 systems caused by an Over the Air (OTA) update Ford has pushed out to vehicles without permission from owners that has caused the Sync Systems to malfunction. Backup camera screen view while driving in a forward direction and reocurring pop-up screens which require driver interaction are two primary concerns. Loss ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
I purchased my 1999 Plymouth Prowler in August of 2022. I was told that it has a recall on the front suspension lower ball joints that was issued on 03/28/2003. I contacted a dealership for an appointment to get it fixed and they said they would order the ball joints. They also said it takes a special tool to replace them of which they did not have and the would not purchase on. I contacted anothe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Vehicle has 143,345 and engine started ticking from valvetrain on drivers side. It is a known issue with the 3.6 liter V6. Will probably have to pay out of pocket to have rockers, lifters and camshafts replaced.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Have noticed upon driving brakes on left front side would catch and grab sone shaking as well.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
Death wobble when hitting any bump whilr going over 55
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
A few days prior to this incident, I noticed a crunching noise as I would turn the steering wheel every now and then. As I was turning right to pull into my driveway, I heard the clock spring crunch and finally give up. Airbag light on. Airbag error when I start the car. Steering wheel buttons and horn unresponsive.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
My flex fuel sensor went out at 58000 miles, Transmission always giving problems on all Chevy transmission & should be on recall
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
My flex fuel sensor went out at 58000 miles, Transmission always giving problems on all Chevy transmission & should be on recall
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
The paint on the roof of the car is peeling off excessively.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
Auto stop caused Service Brake Assist warning to pop up on dash. Resolved on its own. A week later, steering assist disabled message pops up while driving and car didn't start after coming to a stop. Service ESC, Traction off, service brake assist messages, all pop up. Car did not restart. Vehicle is currently at Cooley Chevrolet in Irving, TX awaiting results of tests. Obviously, this is a common... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
Auto stop caused Service Brake Assist warning to pop up on dash. Resolved on its own. A week later, steering assist disabled message pops up while driving and car didn't start after coming to a stop. Service ESC, Traction off, service brake assist messages, all pop up. Car did not restart. Vehicle is currently at Cooley Chevrolet in Irving, TX awaiting results of tests. Obviously, this is a common... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Rear hatch has opened while driving. Pulled to side of road and closed the hatch. Another time it opened while in parking lot. First time April 24, 2023. Second occurrence June 27, 2023.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Forest River Prime time Crusader equipped with Trailer King tire, tire line not available, and tire size RST28/80r/16. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH the rear passenger side tire blew out and torn the flooring in the RV and the sliding. The contact replaced the tire. The RV was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and stated that a lift kit needed to be placed under t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Forest River Prime time Crusader equipped with Trailer King tire, tire line not available, and tire size RST28/80r/16. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH the rear passenger side tire blew out and torn the flooring in the RV and the sliding. The contact replaced the tire. The RV was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and stated that a lift kit needed to be placed under t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, while driving at approximately 75 MPH with the ADAS and Adaptive Cruise Control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking with the accelerator pedal depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
Stabiltrack System, Traction Control System, Reduced Engine Power. Since purchase of the vehicle, intermittent immediate failure or previously stated vehicle systems caused critical safety concerns for occupants and other drivers while operating. Vehicle looses power enters safety "Limp Mode" due to faulty engineering. Upon inspection by State Police and Fire/EMS, owners urged to contact vehicle m... Read more
4 injured