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: Apr 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V337000 (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 had not experienced a f... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2023
Everything was really grate no problems. My brakes sounds like there is LOTS of AIR Coming from somewhere. My key ignition sometimes want turn over or easy to come out. Than the car started running hot. I've had it looked at Few times and can't seem to fix the problem. I've even brought a new coolant box or another name for it.. so now I can't drive it because my fluids keep coming out of the co... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 9, 2023
Everything was really grate no problems. My brakes sounds like there is LOTS of AIR Coming from somewhere. My key ignition sometimes want turn over or easy to come out. Than the car started running hot. I've had it looked at Few times and can't seem to fix the problem. I've even brought a new coolant box or another name for it.. so now I can't drive it because my fluids keep coming out of the co... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
Transmission failure while towing a travel trailer on a busy street on a slight incline. While traveling about 45 mph felt a jolt and truck lost power and would not accelerate. Felt like truck was in neutral. Truck would not engage Drive and was completely disabled in the number one lane. Tried to re engage the transmission and had success at engaging a higher gear with slow speed and high RPMs ca... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Problem is with the BAS/ABS. The problem was confirmed by two (2) separate drivers of the vehicle in question. The problem occurred on 4 or 5 separate occasions, all within the last 120 days. The BAS/ABS light on the dashboard indicated random conditions (off when first starting the engine, then on after approximately 1 to 2 minutes). Regardless of the BAS/ABS light status the vehicle appeared ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
After taking my vehicle to get serviced for the 4th time, the vehicle is is not repaired. I still have the problem two hours later when driving the vehicle on April 7, 2023. My vehicle sometimes get stuck in high idle @1200 RPM when driving. The engine is at operating temperature when it get stuck. It doesn't go away unless I shut off the engine for a few seconds and then start the engine. It sta... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while her husband was depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to regain control of the vehicle and continued driving to the residence but experienced the failure for second time. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
The automatic braking system engaged four times randomly on 4/4 and 4/5/23 while driving on us hwy 70 in Nashville TN. There were no obstructions nearby when this occurred. Two of the incidents occurred while traveling approximately 45 to 50 mph almost resulting in a rear end collision from the driver behind. The other two incidents occurred at slower speeds making the vehicle almost impossible ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
The smell of gas fumes was inside and outside of the car. I took a CO2 blood test and the CO2 levels came back high. The dealership said a recall was coming out soon. The vehicle supposedly was looked over by the dealership service manager. This began shortly after I bought the vehicle. Didn’t know it was an issue until I saw a lawsuit against the company regarding this matter.
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 24, 2022
Unknown origin. Airbag issues started in September October 2022. 2015 Subaru Forester. Vehicle with Heated Seats similar to open recall. Warning notice display as to Airbag dysfunction. Airbag determined to not function by Dealer. But informed not within the specific airbag recall affecting other same era (2015) Foresters now under recall altho symptomatically the same issues as other Vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2022
Oil consumption. 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that she had to add a quart of oil after driving less than 1,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown repair was completed; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; howeve... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
Problem began Dec. 2021. Has occurred on 16 occasions since then. Warning light "Check Hybrid System; Turn off Engine" comes on while driving. The car then shuts off the engine and there is a 100% loss of motive power. Sometimes is associated with very rough braking with the car "knocking'." On 3 occasions there has been partial/near complete loss of braking power. All incidents have occurred w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2023
When in drive the car will not go into 3rd gear. It slips from. 2nd and back passes 3rd gear completely and goes into 4th gear and the engine revs up/rpm. The transmition filter/screen has been replaced and all transmission fluids were drained and flushed and replaced with new transmittion fluids. And this did not fix the issue.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Roof rack design and grommet failure allows for water to flow into cabin headliner and down a-pillars and other areas where curtain airbag and other electrical components are housed. This can cause malfunction and/or failure of the vehicles crucial functions at any given moment. A class action lawsuit is filed on this. You need to step in and make it a recall and hold toyota responsible.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
Park/Emergency Brake system light illuminates and system engages when vehicle is placed from drive to park, and when system is shut down the light illuminates and engages. Also, when vehicle is started the park brake light shows to be engaged. When the vehicle is put in reverse the light is still illuminated while the vehicle is backing up. The light stays on while the vehicle is in backward moti... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Front sub-frame rusted through. Local mechanic said unsafe to drive. Insurance will not cover claim because this is "prior issue" not accident related. Subaru dealership confirmed safety risk and will repair for >$3000.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Driving through town on my way home from work, the instrument cluster display went black and gauges died. I have no access to fuel level, engine temps, speedometer, rpm's, warning indicators, etc. Have to take it in to dealer for a multi-day diagnosis and hopefully free repair. 2two year old vehicle with only 25k miles.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
My service shifter light stays on almost all the time. The gears PRND are all red lights.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
Today 4/7/23 My 2017 Toyota Sienna accelerated on its own. I was driving my 4 children to school and we were at a stop light. When I took my foot of the brake to start making a turn the car gunned it around the corner. It scared everyone in the car half to death. Thankfully no one was hurt but it looks like others on here haven't been so lucky with this issue. I hope toyota does the right thing a ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
Today 4/7/23 My 2017 Toyota Sienna accelerated on its own. I was driving my 4 children to school and we were at a stop light. When I took my foot of the brake to start making a turn the car gunned it around the corner. It scared everyone in the car half to death. Thankfully no one was hurt but it looks like others on here haven't been so lucky with this issue. I hope toyota does the right thing a ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
Panoramic sunroof exploded spontaneously while the car was driven at night. Terrifying and traumatic. Glass everywhere. No rock or anything hit it.
SUBARU
FORESTER
(2019) — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Apr 6, 2023
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond upon shifting into reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating, the clutch vibrated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the TCM neede... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2020
Special Coverage Adjustment N172097060 Side Blind Zone Alert Module Water Intrusion was issued for my vehicle. I took it in to get fixed and was told I was past the 6 year extension (May 2022) but under the milage (79,199). They told me the parts are on back order from GMC. This was on 04-03-2023. On 04-05-2023 I was driving my vehicle and the instrument cluster went partially blank. I lost my spe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Sudden loss of power steering due to steering pump failure. Wife was turning onto a busy road and the power steering went out causing her to almost hit oncoming traffic on the other side of the lane. Very serious and upsetting experience. In doing so research it appears this has been an ongoing issue with this vehicle and the previous model. Life safety issues such as this should be recalled at on... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Edge. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera image was blank. The contact stated there was a message stating that the rearview camera was inoperable was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that an unknown electrical component needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacte... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield trim panel started to detach from the windshield and partially separated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, who informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was ap... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
While driving down the freeway, the steering starting chattering. After a few miles, the steering became erratic and would not stay centered. I exited the freeway, and halfway through the offramp turn, the power steering completely failed. This cause the car to become very hard to steer.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
Constant problems with mass air flow sensor. The traction light turns on and when I’m at a full stop, the car starts shaking and stops accelerating. I fixed this issue, but only for it to come back. Now, I noticed there’s delayed acceleration.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
On October 6, 2021 I took my vehicle to Mercedes Benz of Stevens Creek because ewhen I filled my gas tank there was a very strong smell of gasoline inside the car and in the garage. The service department found the passenger side fuel sender upper cover leaking. The same situation is occuring presently, April 5, 2023, very strong smell of gasoline inside the car and garage after I fill the car w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact was attempting to start the vehicle, but the vehicle intermittently stalled, and the contact smelled and abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed a puddle of fuel underneath the fuel tank. The contact towed the vehicle to a used dealer, where it was dia... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
On 2/14/23 my 2016 Ford F-150 experienced an intermittent loss of steering while driving. There was a total loss of steering. I would turn the steering wheel, and the wheels would not respond. The steering wheel would turn freely, with no connection to the wheels. Upon parking my vehicle and turning it off, and removing the key, the steering wheel continued to "tick" and turn on its own. There w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced unstated electrical failures while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the rear-view camera would activate while the vehicle was in drive(D). The contact stated that the passenger occupant air bag sensor was flashin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
Bought 1/16/23, Failed 4/1/23 Transmission failed at 1,421mi. While towing a light trailer utilizing the tow/haul mode through the mountains of VA traffic. Stepped on the fuel pedal and an audible “Clunk” was heard. Immediately after, we lost all forward momentum and we’re able to slowly creep off the highway. Safety of all was put at risk as a dead vehicle was now blocking traffic on the h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
Trailer disconnect error. Trailer wire fault error. Resulted in near accident causing trailer brakes to engage randomly at highway speeds.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
Vehicle has, on multiple occasions, had blinker lights flicker while vehicle is turned off. Vehicle has locked by itself, without anyone touching the lock buttons. Vehicle has had multiple issues with the fuel injectors, where the vehicle will read “reduced power engine.” Vehicle has been to a Chevrolet dealership for repair, although the issue still persists. I believe there is an electrical ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
Warning signs: VEHICLE WILL SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS ON INITIAL START AND GOES AWAY AFTER THAT. I’ve had the car for a little over 6 years now and this began approx 2 months ago Mechanic said coolant was leaking into engine due to the design of the engine and causing it to misfire and fail. The car would require a new engine with an updated design to fix the problem
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
48v mild hybrid system failed, car went completely dead in rush hour traffic putting me and other drivers in danger.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
On 4/4/23 I stopped at a traffic light the Stop/Start system engaged. When the light changed to green I took my foot off the brake to put on the gas and as I did so the car cut completely off. I got a check engine light on the dash and a loud beep. As other cars started accelerating I did not know what to do. I eventually figured out that I needed to put the car in Park and restart with the k... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
While driving at 70 mph on freeway, driver experienced a sudden loss of power/rapid deceleration with no throttle response and no acceleration. Vehicle drivetrain seemed to be disengaged. TCM Gauge control error indicated on dash, also indicated on dash: ACC Adaptive cruise control system problem, collision mitigation breaking system problem, road departure mitigation system problem.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
I received a check engine light for the secondary injection system. Toyota extended the warranty but wont honor issues after 10 years, even though the truck has less than 100K miles. This is a safety issue as the trucks performance is altered and concerned about passing a car on a two lane highway. The repair can range from $2K to $4K pending on the dealer.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
The horn doesn’t work. Everything mechanically works great. Concern is if airbag works Never worked since purchased in January 2015.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
I purchased this vehicle from a private party and insured it and my insurance offers free carfax after checking through its history i see that it has 2 pending recalls and one of them has a buyback program, i called dealerships and the Chrysler warranty phone number but they do not want to buy it back even though that is one of the remedy's , the main problem is with the driveshaft which can separ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Service indicator on the driver information center stating to service vehicle detection AKA blind spot alert the system has failed once already was taken in for repair to GM was repaired and it has now failed again and is going in for service on April 4th 2023
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
I was parking the car it suddenly accelerated jumped the curb and was heading towards the building entrance dore. I could not stop it. To avoid entering the building I turned the vehicle tight and it collided against the wall. The air bags inflated.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while that vehicle was parked, the vehicle was turned on that there was a message on the instrument panel stating that there was a taillight malfunction. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the driver’s side rear taillight had not illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it wa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
Motorcycle has brand new battery. Sudden loss of power, engine sputtering, gauges moving sporadically like they were loosing power. Engine backfiring. vehicle would die. be able to be restarted. Known issue with this vehicle. part reported is to be a faulty stator. manufacturer recalled earlier and later year vehicles that use this same part, but did not recall this specific model for recall warra... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to provide sufficient illumination. Additionally, while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed there were small cracks on the headlights. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and ref... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
The vehicles adaptive cruise control is unreliable. Guidance system goes haywire and cannot stay on track to destination. Carplay becomes inoperable. Have had Tameron Eastern Shore Honda who sold car to me check problem on multiple occasions and they cannot find problem.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2020
THE VDC SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTION REPORTING AN ERROR WHEN TRAVELING EAST IN THE EVENING SHOWS A COLLISION WHICH NOTHING HAPPENED