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: Feb 22, 2023
Car speed up on it on, and would not stop ,tried to push brake pad car still didn't stop car cash into another car air bag catch on fire shot some kind of metal piece in my leg and put a hole in my leg and metal pieces hit my face and burn it had to go to hospital with injuries due to this
Crash
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 19, 2023
On March 17, 2023 at approximately 4:00 pm MT, I was traveling at approximately 75 MPH with adaptive cruise control and auto pilot engaged when the car suddenly applied brakes with no obstruction ahead or behind or on the side. The car quickly slowed down to approximately 55 MPH, released the brakes and began to accelerate back to the speed limit of 75 MPH.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
I was attempting a U-Turn and the steering ratio was cut short and it locked up briefly.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2020
There is a recall for the trailer hitch that has no solution. Hyundai just pulled the fuse and you can not pull a trailer which is why I purchased the SUV.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
I was completely stopped at a red light. I have just left work and was 2 miles down the street. My rear window completely exploded. Glass flew everywhere. The noise was so loud that it caused ear pain. I have requested a complete inspection from the dealership along with a review of the EDR system and SDR. This happened on Wednesday 3/15. I am concerned this was electrical given the car had only b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Land Rover LR2. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making either a right or left turn, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not ex... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact noticed that the speedometer erroneously displayed that the vehicle was driving at 150 MPH. The contact also notice that the climate setting changed, and that the rear camera was not working property. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,0... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
My Tesla model Y reports that cameras are blocked or blinded nearly every trip. This happens day or night, and seems to be related to condensation in front of the camera. There is no other condensation in the vehicle; and there is nothing I can do to remedy this. I have brought it to the service center multiple times. On the last visit, the manager informed me that this is a known/common issue and... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
I was riding my motorcycle on 2-11-23 heading home on the I75 highway and suddenly the engine stop working. With the bike losing speed I moved towards the shoulder pointing with my hands, the motorcycle stops and never started again. According a preliminary revision the Motor Oil bypassed into the primary due to a defective or failing seal, running out of oil and seizing the engine.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ENGINE STALLING WHILE DRIVING.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
ENGINE LIFTER FAILURE AT 17K MILES. SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF POWER AT TIME OF FAILURE. ROUGH IDLE AFTERWARDS WITH TRUCK VIBRATING. NO WARNING LIGHTS AT TIME OF FAILURE. STOPPED VEHICLE AND SHUT OFF ENGINE. NUMEROUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED UPON RESTART. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. PASSENGER SIDE BANK OF LIFTERS AND RODS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. SUBSEQUENTLY, DRIVER SIDE BANK OF LIFTERS FAILED AT 23K MIL... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Second failure of ABS system in 2 years. Error code c0020-1 for failed ABS HCU part number 68143491AB. Replacement parts are currently unavailable from manufacture and has been in the status for nearly 6 months. Service center is unable to restore functionality of brake systems and vehicle has been un-driveable due to ABS safety concerns since October 2022. As stated this is my second failure with... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
I have dash lights going on and off for the ABS and traction control. This is very intermitted. On two occasions I have experienced times where I had to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident. Both times the ABS failed to work causing me to come to near collision with another vehicle. One of the times this caused me to go off into a ditch. This was with slick roads and snow covered in areas. Have... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
We never missed a service on the vehicle and with 1,000 miles until the next oil change the engine light came on. The oil had dried out with nothing leaking. The engine seemed to just be burning through oil far quicker then the recommended time to get your oil changed.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
On the driver's display, some Vehicle Settings menu pages do not display properly. The text either appears too dim to read or displays legibly but then disappears. The problem is inconsistent and difficult to replicate. This behavior prevents proper setting or adjustment; and may confuse the driver when vehicle is in operation.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Seatbelt does not latch properly. Reported to dealership at last oil change appointment.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate and exceed 45 MPH. While driving, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact stated that the brake pedal remained depressed. The ABS warning light was flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
My 2016 Kia Sorento has large places on the body (hood, roof, door rails) where the paint has peeled off extensively. We noticed the paint peeling on the hood in August 2022 and the roof and door rails were noticed this month, March 2023.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
My own words, That my vehicle didn't stop, the car driver in front stop short my vehicle just ran behind the car. My 2018 Chevy equniox I have purchase last year for it safety reason pay extra now and days, those safety is not there very disappointed with GM What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Automatic Emergency Braking - Togethe... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the dashboard was melting and was sticky. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that an unknown letter was sent to vehicle owners regarding the failure; however, the contact had not received the letter. The dealer informed the contact that the dashboard needed to be replaced and referred the contact to the NHTS... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2021
I awoke to find the passenger side windshield cracked from the bottom, near wiper, extending upward and the moving horizontal in an Upside down L shape. I did a search and found that this incident is similar to others who own Subaru Foresters which is the vehicle I own. It is a 2021 model. I called my Subaru dealer and recommended that I take it to Wilson Auto Glass in Wheeling WV where I live. H... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
my vehicle (Ram 3500 w/ a 6.7 liter diesel engine) has less than 38,000 miles and the ABS Hydraulic Control Module has to be replaced. I’ve been told the part is on back order and cost to replace the unit is over $500 with another $400 plus to install this part. The dealership stated they could not place more orders until late March and since I’ve been researching and found out that this is a ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
Received a recall notice from Porsche yesterday regarding a potential wiring problem with the climate control coolant pump that, under certain humid conditions, could result in an electrical short and engine fire. In the notice, they recommend “out of an abundance of caution” to “park the vehicle outside and away from other vehicles or structures”. Sounds serious. Called my Porsche deal... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Battery - Subaru battery failed. Purchased a new aftermarket battery that failed after 5 months. No warning. Completely dead. Taking to dealership for "diagnostic" test on March 20, 2022. This is a known issue with a class action settlement. I was told I did not qualify for reimbursement of any kind. Subaru does not have any "fix" for this problem and numerous owners of these vehicles are h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Several 2023 BMW models now feature a new infotainment system called iDrive 8. This new iDrive 8 contains a crucial bug that I believe affects the safety of the driver. This new infotainment system randomly loses the car’s exact GPS location, which makes the car think it’s somewhere else. The location marker just slowly drifts away from its real coordinates to nearby roads for example, withou... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. Additionally, the EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as a module and steering motor sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
It's like the transmission has hesitation before it decides to go. I step on the gas and it doesn't go right away, it takes a couple seconds and then the rpms go up really high. There has been no accident but this has happened many times.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a Safety-First car seat, Model Type: Onboard 35 LT, Model Number: IC354GAJ, Manufactured Date: March 23, 2022. The car seat was being utilized in a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that the car seat failed to fit securely into the stroller and car seat base. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The car seat was not repaired or replaced.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
In the last year, randomly, when starting the vehicle, the yellow check engine light comes on. Turn the vehicle off, it is gone. The side view mirrors have the yellow lights lit up on them when driving down any road, the red warning lights that tell you there's something behind or in front of you start going off for no reason while driving down any road, all the "safety" and lane assist feature... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
Vehicle position in drive waiting for for a Walmart customer to vacate parking spot when I tried to proceed into the parking spot the car just stopped,tried to restart after putting the truck in park, when the key was turned to start, nothing...hazard lights would not come, could not move the shift into neutral to push to safe location, passenger door and backdoors would not unlock, truck would no... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
Engine repeatedly fails to restart after automatic engine idle stop. Failure is unpredictable but seems to occur more frequently when the ambient temperature is high (summer) and the engine has been running for a while. Failure to restart disables the vehicle in a vulnerable position, particularly to rear end collision from another vehicle in the same travel lane. The dealer has not confirmed no... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
Check engine light comes on vehicle shuts down has occurred 2xs now with in 25, ooo miles!
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
Exploding sunroof. While driving on a normal day no rain or bad weather on open highway I here what was like a gun shot and see glass explode upwards and out of vehicle then I hear pebbles falling on my sunroof visor. My back sunroof window exploded for no reason.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
At the low speed, the car suspension failed (most likely the control arm) and the vehicle swung to the right and crashed into the car bridge rails. As a result of this, the right front wheel dislodged completely, which would not be possible if there were no mechanical problems with the suspension. Tesla Dublin had worked on my suspension three weeks prior to the accident. The full video from the d... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
At the low speed, the car suspension failed (most likely the control arm) and the vehicle swung to the right and crashed into the car bridge rails. As a result of this, the right front wheel dislodged completely, which would not be possible if there were no mechanical problems with the suspension. Tesla Dublin had worked on my suspension three weeks prior to the accident. The full video from the d... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
When wipers are used on higher settings during moderate rain it will maintain speed for a short period of time then automatically go to a very slow intermediate speed on its own. This caused zero visibility without warning. My understanding is they do this to protect the wiper motor and do not value lives by causing obstructions in my vision. I have video of the issue.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
Special Coverage Adjustment 15682 Primary Tank Module Flange Fuel and Vapor Leaks The above Special Coverage Adjustment was issued by General Motors regarding fuel leakage problem in certain Corvette and Cadillac vehicles. General Motors established a date certain for the vapor and/or fuel leakage involving a failing plastic located on the left side top of the fuel cell. Unfortunately, the conditi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches); 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... Read more
SUBARU
OUTBACK
(2022) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:HOSES/VALVES/SENSORS
Mar 13, 2023
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was pushed into the driveway after stalling on the street. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a leak in the evaporative emission control and EVAP purge valve. The contact stated that the check engine warning ligh... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) — ENGINE
Mar 13, 2023
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
vehicle has 5500 miles on it, bought new in July 2022, driving on the interstate at night, vehicle shut down without warning, no warning light or check engine lights came on. Had to have it towed to the dealership and they said it had complete engine failure and have to replace the engine. Barley got it off the interstate, lucky no one was hurt.
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mar 13, 2023
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal odor detected. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
A Unknown component has failed with the vehicles fuel system. The service center at the Kia Dealership was unable to clear the associated Check engine light after numerous attempts. This is the Third time I tuned in for this same reason. The First time they attempted to resolve by replacing O2 sensor. After a Few weeks the Check engine light returned. Then I was told it was my Spark plugs. After o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2023
Purchased the vehicle in 2015. That same purchased date I filled the vehicle with fuel. The following day my garage was totally covered with gas fumes. No tech could find the problem. On Feb 22 2023 while filling up, gas was pouring out the bottom left side . This is very dangerous. Come to find out that many others have had the same problem. There is a manufacturer defect of the gas tank housing ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
Rear passenger seat belt exploded
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
I was traveling on the interstate at a rate of 75 mph. I signaled a lane change and pressed the gas pedal. I heard the engine respond and the rpm surged. The drive train went dead. There was no power at all. I checked it was in drive and it was. The car began to slow and I began trying to get off the road. Suddenly with a bit of a jerk, it drove normal.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2023
Excessive vibration, speeds above 50mph vibrates the entire vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2023
Excessive vibration, speeds above 50mph vibrates the entire vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
Passenger airbag sensor mat is malfunctioning Leaking water from passenger side AC, drain line or structure
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated while exiting a parking lot, the front passenger’s side door opened independently. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to stop and close the front passenger’s side door. The contacted stated that the front passenger’s side door failed to lock as designed. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the ve... Read more