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: Jan 1, 2023
Driving at highway speeds, with steering wheel at center position, steering wheel tends to get stuck when attempting to make small adjustments. Once it starts to happen it happens at all speeds.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
Vehicle was stopped at a traffic light (transmission in Drive) and the automatic idle shutoff engaged, turning off the engine. When the traffic light turned green, the brake was released and we found that the transmission had shifted to neutral and would not shift back into Drive. We had to restart the car. Being stalled at a green light is a serious safety hazard as approaching vehicles woul... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2023
Vehicle shut off on interstate while slowing for a wreck and almost caused our own ACDA crash. Entire gauge cluster flashed and started back up after stopping in the roadway for approximately 5 minutes without restarting. The vehicle was able to be driven home and was taken to a local Kia dealership where after 3 days has not been able to replicate the issue.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
Seatbelt is not functioning adequately. The seatbelt itself that’s contained in the column near the door is not retracting or staying taught when in use. It’s very loose and something inside is rattling when ejected, and it has to be manually assisted to retract.
SUBARU
OUTBACK
(2017) — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
Feb 22, 2023
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that on various occasions, there was water coming from the passenger’s side of the instrument cluster rainy weather. The contact also stated that the infotainment screen intermittently failed to display as designed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two local dealers, Gosch Ford Escondido (1717 Auto Park Way S, E... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
Hitting a bump when greater than 50 mph the front end would begin "death wobbling". I would have to slow down and pull over to the side to prevent losing control of vehicle. Took car to shop and had front end alignment and this did not fix problem. We then took the jeep into a specialist shop and they stated that they had not seen this on a non-modified jeep but had heard that the issue was happe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
While driving on the freeway the engine suddenly lost power, stuttered, misfired, ran very rough and "buckled". I was unable to maintain speed and had to turn off the freeway a the next exit. I was able to reach a safe location in "crawl mode" from where the car had to be towed to the dealership. The check engine light was not lit before but stayed on during and after this incident, which was th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
Recently I saw the Collision mitigation Breaking system problem and Adaptive cruise control system problem in my car. Honda has not resolved this issue, so taking it to the dealer will not resolve the issue and it is a safety issue because without any reason at any speed the car can abruptly stop and cause accidents. I asked the Honda dealer if they can disable this function and they said th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
On 11/26/22 while driving on the interstate at approx 65-70 mph, my left front tire hit a bump in the road. This caused my truck to violently shake side to side with the front axle. The shaking was so extreme that i thought i was in an accident and could barely hold on to the steering wheel. The shaking only stopped when I reduced speed to about 5 mph. I was almost rearended by a vehicle behind me... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
On 2/18/2022, having the car around 36,500 miles, the steering wheel started "sticking" when making minor adjustments while driving on the highway, with no warning lights or anything abnormal. At slower speeds it's unnoticeable, but at highway speeds the steering wheel jerks while I am turning it to follow a curve in my lane. I took it to the shop to get the wheels aligned and inflated the tires t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
Auto safety systems compromised with illumination of check engine light and engine temp warning light. Subaru dealership service department determined problem with Thermo Control Valve. Engine was not overheating as the vehicle was being driven in winter time, February in Alaska. Only indication of problem was indicator lights and reduced heat from cabin heat system. Vehicle went into "limp" mode ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at high speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the rear suspension was unstable and felt loose. The contact pulled to the side of the road before continuing to drive. The contact notified an independent mechanic of the failure and was informed that the rear subframe needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not diag... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
ABS / HCU System Failed. My safety was directly impacted. I was driving 70MPH on the expressway and had a SUDDEN deceleration, which nearly caused a rear-impact collision. Various warnings and lights on the dash lit up with "Service Electronic Braking System". When the ABS / HCU system has an issue, it deactivates the cruise control, ABS System, traction control, and parking detection system. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2023
2015 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE SEIZED AFTER FOUR MONTHS OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. AND THERE IS AN UNADDRESSED/OPEN RECALL THAT WAS NEVER REPAIRED.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I was accelerating to get on the freeway and there was a slight bump or crease in the pavement and my front end started to bounce and warble uncontrollably, fortunately I was able to pull off of the on-ramp and come to a stop with out incident. This was not the first time I noticed this, but it was definitely the worst.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Auto safety systems compromised with illumination of check engine light and engine temp warning light. Subaru dealership service department determined problem with Thermo Control Valve. Engine was not overheating as the vehicle was being driven in winter time, February in Alaska. Only indication of problem was indicator lights and reduced heat from cabin heat system. Vehicle went into "limp" mode ... Read more
SUBARU
IMPREZA
(2018) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:SOLENOID/ACTUATOR
Feb 21, 2023
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC: C1391, indicating that the brake actuator assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notifie... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
The front censors activated during snow storm triggering the brakes to lock and steering wheel to lock. The car slid 50 yards across 3way stop sign intersection into a house front lawn. The same censors keep coming on all the time thinking that something is in front of car but nothing is there. I have recorded the censors lights on a few times. Nissan an Nissan dealer have told but no one seems to... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
Uneven premature brake wear. Right front and right rear pads and rotors worn beyond limits in 28,000miles of lite freeway driving. Left front and Left rear only half worn. Engine has multiple oil leaks.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
Had the vehicle in for regular service and recall repair January 13, 2023. I was informed that the recall could not be completed due to there not being any available parts for the repair. It has now been four weeks and I haven't heard from the dealership about completing this repair. I am concerned about the lack of interest on the part of Ford Motor Company and its local dealer in completing thes... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
Rear passenger side door constantly locking and unlocking itself while vehicle is in motion and then opening itself while vehicle is in motion, going 30+ mph when it is supposed to be locked closed.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
Vehicle lost power while driving without warning which could have caused an accident. Dealer says the ECM failed.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
The car out of no where breaks while driving and thinks it’s been involved in a collision.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
Subaru dealer diagnosed oil leaks on the valve cover gaskets. I took the car to an independent repair business and the problem was diagnosed as a camshaft carrier oil leak. Upon removing the necessary parts, the company reported to me they found chunks of silicone around the carrier. I first noticed a smell of something burning after Subaru had done an oil change about 2 months prior. I was also... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
Dual Paine Window glass separating on Exterior Windows. Safety Hazard if the outside glass were to come off while traveling. Hehr is the manufacturer that Newmar used for the windows. Newmar is stating the Windows are not covered as the Vehicle is out of warranty. Reviewing many RV Forums it is evident that this problem with Hehr windows on Newmar Class A Motorhome is a common problem.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The car has been back for two for oil consumptions test at 1000 miles and is burning about 5 quarts every thousand miles.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
While driving, out of the blue, two censors popped up(Power Steering & Stabilitrak)and my power steering was gone. Thankfully I was driving in a straight section of roadway at the time. I was able to muscle the car into a business and park away from others. I turned off the car and turned it on again, and the error codes went away and my steering returned. Over the next couple of days, the same er... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
Had the vehicle progressively speed up at a high rate of speed was not due to the floor mats as that had been fixed along time ago on a recall before . I had to throw the car in neutral and then push the brake and power button for the vehicle to slow down safely ( happened twice ) . Both times not back to back on occasions months in between . Then one day had issues with the brakes and the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
On 2/16/23 I was driving on the highway when I heard a loud pop/bang like an explosion or loud crash on the top of my car. There were barely any cars around, no trucks spewing debris, I wasn’t going under an overpass, and I didn’t see anything fly up from the road. I had a passenger in the car who was looking out the windows at the road and didn’t see anything either. I opened the covering f... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an unknown speed, a temperature warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was first towed to an independent mechanic and later to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that coolant had leaked into cylin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
This vehicle was totaled in May 2020. I had numerous and constant brake issues with this car and had much of the brake system (brake pads, rotors, and calipers I believe) replaced within a year of the accident. The accident occurred when I tried to apply the brakes, causing me to hydroplane into an oncoming car. My concern is that this could be related to the ABS recall (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 19V9040... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 16, 2023
Falken ZIEX ZE001 A/S rear right tire. We were driving on the 14 freeway when suddenly the car began shaking and warning lights started going off. My husband kept the wheel steady and I saw our tire come off in a solid piece onto the freeway! We had not hit anything. We made it four lanes over to the right shoulder safely to see that we had no tire left! We waited for assistance and got the spare ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of antifreeze inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that there was excessive rust to the subframe and one of fuel tank strap. Additionally, the manifold was missing bolts and the heater core was fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2023
Steering wheel airbag cover cracked without pressing on the horn or any force. The lift gate will go up halfway and instantly come back down without pressing the button to make it come back down. And, the front passenger tie rod has been replaced twice in 18 months.
SUBARU
IMPREZA
(2017) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
Feb 15, 2023
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
My car was stolen on February 14, 2023 at 7pm.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
This is the 3rd time it’s happened. It seems to happen after it’s rained and it’s wet and humid outside. I was at a red light waiting for it to change. The car starts making a buzzer noise and shows “ignition on” with “Engine stopped power steering low” and flashes to “press break firmly to restart.” Pressing the break does nothing and I cannot move the vehicle at all. This whole... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2022
I was pulled over by the Police because my 2008 Cadillac CTS license plate lights were not working and my rear brake lights were not working. These light failures were caused by a known design flaw with the wiring harness in the trunk lid near the right trunk lid hinge in where the wires inside the harness that go to the brake lights break in half after repeated opening and closing of the trunk li... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The engine overheated message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who made the contact aware of TSB: 10156569. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the diagnostic test and repair. The manufacturer was made aw... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2022
The instrument cluster on the dashboard and continuing down the center console, entertainment screen, heating/ cooling controls to the usb ports on my 2021 Nissan Titan..the entire cluster of indicator lights, alarms, settings etc. create a dangerous element of distraction never experienced in my driving history. Take a look! Please investigate the entire aray of the dash lights when illuminated a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2023
Constant Phantom Breaking at interstate speeds. Tesla insists this is not a problem.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
Unknown Very strong gas smell inside the vehicle and outside the vehicle and under hood. This started with less the 4000 miles on it and it is just over 6200 miles at this time. I brought it to local nissan dealer lia nissan of Saratoga and was advised they can not find anything wrong with it and they can not do anything without a recall. So I am driving a vehicle around with excessive gas smel... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I was driving down the freeway when I suddenly heard a knock coming from the motor. The engine blew a rod almost immediately. Parts and debris started shot out of the bottom of the vehicle. The debris hit my tires, causing me to swerve. I was ultimately able to maintain control of the vehicle and get off the freeway. My vehicle had to be towed.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while being depressed. The contact had to apply pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. Additionally, the instrument cluster was inoperable with a blank display. The contact related the instrument cluster failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V406000 (Ele... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
I was backing out of a parking spot, and there was a telephone poll behind me in my path. I needed to pull forward to navigate around this poll. After backing up some, I put the car into drive to pull slightly forward, and the car lurched aggressively, so much so that I got out to see if it'd caught on something. It did not -- there was absolutely nothing there. So I got back in and tried to conti... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
Known issue, fuel smell inside cabin after initial start up and after parking in garage. Fuel/exhaust smells are persistent while initially driving off as well, significant safety risk as we are not certain where this is emanating (or originating) from. This is a health hazard and could potentially lead to engine fire, etc.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
Known issue, fuel smell inside cabin after initial start up and after parking in garage. Fuel/exhaust smells are persistent while initially driving off as well, significant safety risk as we are not certain where this is emanating (or originating) from. This is a health hazard and could potentially lead to engine fire, etc.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
Traveling toll road /fwy at approx 70mph at rush hour and lost all power with Check engine light , emergency brake, lurching engine, all flashing at the same time!!! Coasted through 4 fwy lanes to offramp and service station- extreme danger!!! How was there no pile up with me going from 70-10 to coasting on a busy 15 Northbound fwy at 7:30 am?????? Was in toll lane and crossed toll 3 foot sticks ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
Hood flew up while driving and smashes into my windshield
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the power steering failed, and the steering wheel separated from the steering shaft. Additionally, the contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle started to shake. The contact applied excessive pressur... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode with a warning message indicating how many miles before the vehicle would independently turn off. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank needed to be replaced; however, the failure returned. Over ti... Read more