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: May 16, 2023
Car does not accelerate from a full stop. Hesitates to react to gas pedal for a few seconds
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
The contact's mother owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle drove over a depression in the roadway and lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was bouncing to the left and right and the steering column and steering wheel was vibrating. The contact stated that the vehicle became almost impossible to control. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
While drive the power steering went out with no warning,
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
Right front Cooper GS5 Grand Touring 205/70 R15 96T with only 862 miles on it had a complete air loss/went completely flat when car was turning into a parking lot. This is one of a set of brand new tires on the car. The car was never driven on a highway after these were purchased. Only local driving at 45 to 50 MPH max. Tire was taken to a tire shop in hopes of getting it plugged/repaired. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Known Ford Edge engine issue. my 2017 purchased new at 81K miles has engine coolant leaking into cylynder 2. Engine light code p0302 and p316. Miss fire on start up. At dealer and informed it needs new engine long block at a cost of $8400. It is out of warranty obviously and this is a serious issue that is well documented online. Ford needs to have a recall on this issue. Paid $46k for a car that ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the battery power was drained, and the battery was replaced. While her husband was driving the TPMS, emissions, brakes, all-wheel drive, brake hold system, and electronic braking warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving, the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted but the warnin... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
My 2018 Model 3 was purchased brand new direct from Tesla with no other drivers or accidents. In Feb of 2023 I heard a creaking sound from the front driver wheel. The steering wheel felt like it was shaking when going into lane changes. I brought it into Tesla and they found that both lateral link bolts were loose, subframe damage. The exact issue was recalled under #23V-235. I showed them t... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
6 times (to date) - the car has needed repair for transmission issues and has been undriveable. The car's messaging system has displayed appropriate warnings, but the transmission issue has taken the car out of service all 6 times, at one time when parts were not available, for about a month. The Detroit Free Press has extensively reported on Ford's fraudulent conduct --- they knew about the tra... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
Steering column randomly locks up and the car can’t be driven.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
Brake lights intermittently don't work.
Incident date: May 12, 2023
This vehicle has had the hydraulic control unit (HCU) replaced once, and the power steering pump replaced twice, with another issue pending resolution. The vehicle has 74,323 miles, under one owner. The symptoms are that the service ABS and traction control system lights and warning indicators will randomly activate, normally after a rough patch of road. The cruise control will not function, nor w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2020
A few days ago, my vehcile began giving me continuous warning messages on the dash, replacing the tachometer. The messages I received alternate from day to day "Uneven road ahead - please drive carefully" and "Slippery road ahead - please drive carefully". I can aknowledge these but they come back with an annoying beep. When I don't acknowledge them, the tach and these messages alternate every ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
The car started to slow down on its own even when my foot was on the gas it wouldn’t pick up speed over 20mph then it started to over heat, then smoke. It sounded like sparks like from a firecracker and smelt like something was burning to the point I had to pull over and turn the car off so my children and I could get out and breathe. When I restarted it turned on but would not drive when put in... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
The door lock same time look the door same time not.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
AC Off Due to High Engine Temp message flashes on dashboard.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
2018 Ram 2500 with 50,056 miles on it and the ABS and Traction control light is on again with Code C0020. The first time this happened was July 2020 at 22,300 miles and the dealer replaced the ABS pump motor. It happened again May 2022 at 41,770 miles and the dealer replaced the ABS pump again. Once again the check engine light is on and the pump needs to be replaced again for the third time at 49... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2021
The ignition key is falling out of the ignition when it is in the run position similar to other vehicles that were recalled. I am concerned that we will not be able to turn off the engine in an emergency. We are also having problems with one of the seatbelts not latching.
Incident date: May 13, 2023
I had my coolant system repaired before I found out there was a recall now my thermostat went bad. My brakes need to be replaced too much and my screw for my radio and system display stopped working every time you change fees it pops
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
Frequently getting warning message on main info display stating "Service Safety Restraint System". This is consistent with a message and service bulletin issued for 2021 Tahoes where there is an issue with the connector for the airbag under the seat.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
Frequently getting warning message on main info display stating "Service Safety Restraint System". This is consistent with a message and service bulletin issued for 2021 Tahoes where there is an issue with the connector for the airbag under the seat.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
I had my coolant system repaired before I found out there was a recall now my thermostat went bad. My brakes need to be replaced too much and my screw for my radio and system display stopped working every time you change fees it pops
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
Less than 2 minutes into my drive the car decided to disable lane keep assistance and warnings for no reason. As you can see in the photo linked below the vehicles in the oncoming lane are lagging and look kind of like a ghost car while the rest of the screen is totally fine. Well all I did was switch from the middle lane to the left lane like I do everyday with my indicator on, on my way to McDon... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The vehicle would randomly loose the ability to stop / brake pedal would loose the ability to control brakes and would go all the way to the floor. After pumping the brakes the vehicle would gain some ability to slow down. Ford Dealer in Gallatin, TN had to replace the brake master cylinder and hydraulic control unit bleed system in order to fix the problem otherwise the car would have been comp... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
I purchased my 2007 Spectra5 used with 155,000 miles on it. The engine had no codes or any stored codes. It ran fine until I filled it up with gas. I DO NOT overfill the tank because I understand EVAP issues. After filling up the vehicle would stall at idle and occasionally lose power (momentarily) at highway speeds (55 mph and up). Obviously this is an extremely dangerous situation! Once t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
The contact rented a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while testing the collision avoidance system the vehicle was moving at 2 mph and the brake pedal was not depressed the collision avoidance system did not activate. The vehicle collided with another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
I purchased a certified pre-owned 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500HD (6.6 Gas) November 2021. Within the next few weeks, I noticed brake squeaking that kept getting worse and the truck braking system would not stop like the 2500 I had traded in when I purchased the 3500HD. I had to adjust the trailer brake gain control up to as high as 9 or 9.5, should not have to adjust that high. I had trouble stopping... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
The driver door is randomly popping open, at low speeds and high speeds. At low speeds, when trying to back out of driveway or pull into driveway or slowly pull up to red lights or keep up with cars in a left turning lane waiting my turn to turn, the door will randomly pop open and the car slams into park and turns off of Drive. I then have to shut the door, put the car into drive again and try t... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Drivers side headlight burned out and had to replace. 3 months later passenger side headlight burned out. While at the shop to replace the passenger side, the drivers side burned out again. 4 months later the drivers side is out again. I'm afraid they are both going to go randomly one night while driving in the dark.
Incident date: May 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and the AWD inadvertently deactivated, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The service brake assist, check engine, traction control, ABS, and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to two independent mechanics; however, no failure was found... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
On a few occasions (3?) the cars’ automatic emergency braking feature activated while driving at both highway and normal speeds. On none of the occasions was there inclement weather or a “slick” condition on the road. The feature would activate, give a visual and audible warning, and then de-activate within a few seconds. When the feature activated, I felt the car jerk a bit to slow down, a... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
ABS light and traction light
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
I was driving on a busy street when all of a sudden. My car reduce speed hesitated There was a pull over Safely and don't drive this vehicle warning Message Every light on the dash came on and shut off in the middle of a busy street. THANK GOD I DIDNT GET HIT Didn't get the chance to pull over the car just shut off. The whole car died I had to have it towed way I tried changing 12 V battery to a ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Frontier equipped with an aftermarket Angel View rearview mirror from Bulbhead.com, P/N: L22-1722. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle and closing the front driver’s side door, the glass mirror detached from the mirror housing and fell to the floor of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
My transmission had to be replaced back in December of 2021, and now I have taken my truck back to the dealership for transmission problems again, the transmission is slipping again, driving rough and now im getting a safety restraints message and the airbag picture is coming on
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that on several occasions after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed that the coolant reservoir needed to be refilled more frequently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine block and a misf... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that on several occasions after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed that the coolant reservoir needed to be refilled more frequently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the engine block and a misf... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2023
Brake light, Trac light, and ABS light came on after brake pedal became squeshy. Took to nearby repair shop and advised that car was not safe to drive. Scanned for codes. Code C1391 (Abnormal leak of ACC pressure) indicated. Recommended that brake booster assembly with the master cylinder be replaced, and replace the Brake Booster Assembly. Total cost of repair was $4,188.02.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact then discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) which the mechanic linked to... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2023
I was driving on the expressway when my car started shaking and a malfunction message came on. My steering then started to steer only to the left and the car would not allow me to control the steering any longer. I hit the median wall, did a 360 and was facing the opposite direction of traffic. The door initially would not unlock to let me out. I kept trying in a panic and all of a sudden they unl... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the oil warning light illuminated. The contact checked the dip stick and there was no oil on the dip stick. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an oil change was performed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the engine was cleaned but the failure reoccurred. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2023
i have a 2023 HRV AWD. We test drove it and bought it with the lane assist on. We had never had a vehicle with lane assist and thought it was something we needed to get accustomed to using. It grew irritating so I turned it off. We soon realized it was something else. The steering would stick and jerk. This vehicle is unsafe to drive and cannot be driven in rain or snow. We reported it in January ... Read more
SUBARU
FORESTER
(2018) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
May 9, 2023
Incident date: Apr 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V096000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair and the vehicle was also repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, after the vehicle was repaired, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for another inspect... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2021
My srs airbag system has just started going on and off. What I read is there is recall for this. 2018 with heated seats caused by faulty wiring. Yet when I put in my vin shows no recalls. Filed complaint with Subaru they stated basically go get it fixed and will notify you if there is a recall.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V1420000 (Visibility) 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 expe... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
THE WORSE THING THAT HAS HAPPENED IS I STARTED MY CAR WITH MY GRANDBABY IN HER CARSEAT, I HOPPED OUT TO LOCK MY HOUSE DOOR AND THE CAR WENT INTO REVERSE AND RAN INTO BARBWIRE FENCE, THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES MY CAR HAS SLAMMED ON THE BRACKS WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY BARLEY MOVING IT ALMOST GAVE ME WHIPLASH. MY RADIO JUMPS AROUND CHANNELS, I HAVE REPORTED IN THE PAST BU... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 4, 2023
THE WORSE THING THAT HAS HAPPENED IS I STARTED MY CAR WITH MY GRANDBABY IN HER CARSEAT, I HOPPED OUT TO LOCK MY HOUSE DOOR AND THE CAR WENT INTO REVERSE AND RAN INTO BARBWIRE FENCE, THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES MY CAR HAS SLAMMED ON THE BRACKS WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY BARLEY MOVING IT ALMOST GAVE ME WHIPLASH. MY RADIO JUMPS AROUND CHANNELS, I HAVE REPORTED IN THE PAST BU... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 8, 2023
UNKNOWN There is no part to fix the recall on my truck, it is still "incomplete". Has been on recall since August 2022
Incident date: May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V633000 (Trailer Hitches) 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 manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts d... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2023
This is less an incident and more like a concern. I noticed a slight shudder upon accelerating. It started at lower speeds, approximately 25-30 mph, and shifting between second and third gear. Now with daily driving, the shudder has progressively gotten worse. It now happens at higher speeds, approximately 50-55 mph, and has become more violent. There is also now an acceleration and deceleration i... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Advancetrac warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the screen was blinking. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a c... Read more