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 1, 2023
Car slows down to a stop when driving on the freeway. With no power to accelerate, it makes it hard to get to the side of the road to be towed. Been to the dealer twice to address the problem, and was told that if I don't pay $200, that there is nothing they can do. Then when I did pay the money for evaluation, they told me the problem could be one of several things that would start the never-endi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
My vehicle shakes during shifts or has extremely hard shifts regardless of acceleration demands. I have also had the vehicle completely drop out of gear during both acceleration and with the cruse control set. I have had the vehicle either lock into to high of a gear or refuse to engage into gear while stopped and stop signs and red lights. I have had both the ECU and TCU reflashed multiple times ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover LR4. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V635000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that he had to manually hold the high-beam headlights switch with his left hand while driving for the high-beam headlights to operate as needed. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights would deactivate and not operate as needed without the switch being held. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact too... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
STEERING WHEEL TURNS AUTOMATICLLY TO THE RIGHT WHEN STARING VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HORNE FORD OF NOGALES THEY FOLLOWED SERVICE PROCEDURE AS PER WORKSHOP MANUAL FOUND AND DETERMINED ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN (FAILED) THEY RECOMMENDED REPAIRS: ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. I HAVE A REPAIR ESTIMATE A COST OF 2,827.00
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
I experienced 2 incidences of sudden unexpected acceleration (SUA), the second one led to an explosive collision. Subaru asked that I sign the EDR release but refused to give me (rightful owner) a copy. With significant effort I obtained a copy of the EDR for myself. It is near impossible for the consumer to obtain their rightful copy, significant because it stinks of poor transparency for Subaru ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle was hesitating. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated at a slower-than-normal speed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
The transmission in the car is not functioning properly. Shifting is not happening correctly and there is slippage. The shift between gears is significantly impacting the car while in motion. The lurch between gears skips the car ahead. Further, Ford Dealers are so backlogged with transmission issues that they are refusing to diagnose and service vehicles due to lack of technicians and parts.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the clutch plate overheated. The clutch hot, fully release clutch and reduce clutch use message was displayed. There was a strong burning odor detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that a clutch replacement was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
FRONT WHEEL BEARING DRIVER SIDE STARTED FAILING (BUT I DID NOT KNOW IT) SHORTLY AFTER 5OK MILES. HAD IT REPLACED WHEN NOISE BECAME VERY PRONOUNCED AT 56K MILES. DEALER HAS NOT CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER DEALER’S PARTS MAN RECOGNIZED THE PART NUMBER BY SITE, AND HINTED THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT UNCOMMON, ALTHOUGH USUALLY AT HIGHER MILEAGE. DEALER WAS (AND STILL IS) UNABLE TO OBTAIN THE REP... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
When driving a faster speeds if I hit a bump my car starts shaking rapidly feeling like my tires are gonna fall off and doesn’t stop until I pull over, took it to the dealer while under warranty and they told me there was nothing they could do about it or find the issue
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
When driving a faster speeds if I hit a bump my car starts shaking rapidly feeling like my tires are gonna fall off and doesn’t stop until I pull over, took it to the dealer while under warranty and they told me there was nothing they could do about it or find the issue
Incident date: Jan 24, 2023
I was driving to a job sight from Houston to Corpus Christi. About 10 min from the job sight I here a loud pop on top of my roof. I opened up my sunroof viser to see what had happened. The glass broke. Nothing hit the glass. It just broke! Luckly I had the roof viser closed when it happened.There are thousands of forums stating the same exact thing. For reference, https://www.subaruxvforum.com/
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
mechatronic unit failed incident : random jerking when driving had to pull the car over car lost power "gear box malfunction" code on my dashboard. after replacing the mechatornic unit had to pay 5127 dollars out of pocket to get fixed
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
While driving approx 65 mph on a freeway the vehicle placed itself into neutral and decelerrated as multiple warnings flashed across dashboard. . . “Emissions System Problem”, “Transmission System Problem”, “Electric Parking Brake Problem”. I was able to pull off to the side of an exit ramp but once I put the car in PARK I could not shift into Drive. I could not safely drive/manuever m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
The car was attempting to correct itself even when I was in the middle of the lane. Switching lanes often caused this as well. On multiple occasions it attempted to over correct me into other drivers and at high speeds this could have killed me if I was not paying attention. Upon informing the dealership they asked “what do you want us to do”. Upon informing Honda corporate they said they woul... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) — SUSPENSION
Feb 2, 2023
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
The Frame which connect the Main Beams of Frame to the Axle had the welds brake and frame twist not allowing the suspension to connect to the frame. Talked with manufacturer and in their words "You are not the only one dealing with this issue on this model"
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 2, 2023
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or after driving from a complete stop, the vehicle was hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that there was hesitation while shifting between gears. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not y... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2015) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Feb 2, 2023
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact also stated that the vehicle would fail to start up after multiple attempts with the "transmission fault, service transmission now," message displayed on the instrument panel. The dealer was notified about ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, causing another vehicle to swipe the driver's side and the driver's side mirror off the vehicle. The contact was injured but did not receive medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repa... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
MY WINDSHIELD TRIM ON BOTH SIDES OF MY WINDSHIELD KEEP FLYING OFF!!!! FORD DEALERS SAY THEY'VE NEVER SEEN THIS BUT YET I DRIVE AROUND TOWN AND SEE PLENTY OF FORD EXPLORERS WITH THEM MISSING!!! THIS IS RIDICULOUS. IVE BOUGHT REPLACEMENT PARTS THAT WILL NOT EVEN STAY ON!!
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
Windshield trim was coming off while I was driving on interstate 95 at high speed. I was able to secure it before it blew off with some tape and stopped off the highway and got some black duct tape. I have not had it fixed yet but the tape is holding well so far. I just read that this is being investigated. I don't believe that I should have to pay to repair this as it seems to be happening to oth... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that his wife was unable to unlatch the front driver’s side door. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,077.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2023
I have a check engine light on vehicle. Have started to notice drag and acceleration problems, loss of fuel mileage since check engine light appeared. Had code diagnosed and got a failed catalytic converter code. Also a previous Mass Air Flow code. There are recall notices based on this issue. My VIN is not populating that this is an issue however in a search. There are multiple complaints for thi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Front half of sunroof exploded while driving. Hard top. was closed but if it wasn’t glass would’ve fallen directly on myself and any passengers posing a safety risk. I could have been in an accident. Glass falling from the vehicle posed a safety concern for others on the road. I have had this car 1 month. When I called the dealer was told I would have to file an insurance claim. Currently awai... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
Strong smell of gasoline on a daily basis for 3 months. Took vehicle to mechanic's and was informed that the fuel lines were leaking. Was shown the cracked lines.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
The auto-stop idle feature activated at a red light. When the light turned green, the automobile would not restart but became entirely dead with not even being able to turn on the headlights or hazards (this was during the night as well). As a result, my family had to hang out the window to try and flag cars approaching the intersection to keep from being hit. The vehicle was taken to a Honda... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
I have a check engine light on vehicle. Have started to notice drag and acceleration problems, loss of fuel mileage since check engine light appeared. Had code diagnosed and got a failed catalytic converter code. Also a previous Mass Air Flow code. There are recall notices based on this issue. My VIN is not populating that this is an issue however in a search. There are multiple complaints for thi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
When backing up the vehicle we break when no objects are present. When stopped at a light, the vehicle will detect that cars are too close or will sense objects are around when nothing is around. The collision warning will sound at random times.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2018
After driving for about 45 minutes, car began to shake and make loud knocking noises, and the check engine and oil light both came on. After adding 3-4 quarts of oil in order to get to the destination, it seemed okay. After turning the car off, and back on, after about 15 minutes of driving the shaking, loud knocking noises and check engine light turned back on. At this point, the car was towed t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
2 of the safety recalls have not been made and the Dealer Mak Haik Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Temple TX has not been able to make these 2 repairs: 22V835000 Dip Stick and 21V398000 Lug nuts. The vehicle has been in several times in the last 12 months and the Dealer Service Dept has not provided any estimates to get parts or repair except to say "they dont get but 1 dipstick per week and there are 50+... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the clutch was squishy while shifting gears. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available until February. The clutch later failed, and the vehicle was in... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
Both rear gate hydraulic arms failed at the same time. On or about 11/27/22, while retrieving items from the cargo compartment, I heard a pop and the door completely collapsed and struck me on the back of the head. Upon inspection the popping noise was the fracturing of the bolt which supported the right hydraulic arm. The left hydraulic arm failed to keep the door open or at least from slammin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
The doors won't latch properly in subfreezing temperature causing the door to pop loose during driving. They haven't opened completely yet but they could.
SUBARU
OUTBACK
(2022) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
Jan 30, 2023
Incident date: May 22, 2022
My vehicle is trending in theft, car was leased to me from Napelton in Lansing IL sept 2022. The first attempt of theft/break in UIC area Dec 10, second attempt in west Chicago area Jan 29. Both times I just cried and shut down. With having to contact the police awaiting the report process in middle of Chicago Winter left me cold and in terrible distress! This is a new vehicle for me which ultima... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
I am having issue out of my engine harness I have shorts all in my harness and am only at 100k miles.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
We own a 2020 VW Atlas SE W/Technology. This vehicle has grossly failed to meet reliability expectations. Of most concern is the repeated failure of the vehicle's electric power steering rack. This component has been replaced 3 times on my vehicle. Each failure has been accompanied by a creak in the front suspension and a clunk in the steering movement. I have asked VW of America to extend th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2022
Shift into park alert on the dash. I have to restart the vehicle to get it to let me leave the car. It tells me to shift into park even tho I already am.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2022
It appears that the 48v hybrid alternator failed. The vehicle completely shut down/lost all power while driving 50 mph on busy road. Almost rear ended while trying to coast to a stop. Low battery light came on the day before. The day it failed I was driving it to the dealership.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
Truck shifts out of gear. One time doing 70mph, shifted to neutral. Second time, engine stalled while on train track. The issue is the Transmission Range Sensor, or Neutral safety switch. Ford knows about the issue, affecting many thousands in USA. Same safety concerns. I have a 2017 model. Ford has recalled the 2021 model for same exact issue. In order to fix the issue, the sensor needs to be rep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
My Forester needed new tires at 13,250 miles. I had my tires rotated and that is when Subaru noticed the worn tires. I called Subaru Corporate and they informed me that do not replace tires. I bought new tires and then went to have a wheel alignment. The technician told me he could do the alignment but he couldn't adjust the Lane assist diagnostic or the VDC and other safety features. Now I ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
2022 CADILLAC CT5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO SHORTAGE OF COMPUTER CHIPS FOR VEHICLES HEATED STEERING WHEEL.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
2015-2019 model year Nissan and Infiniti vehicles suffer from an on-board computer algorithm defect that can cause the side curtain airbag to spontaneously deploy.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and extended to the floor, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who discovered that the brake hoses had failed due to rusting and corrosion of the brake lines. The contact was also informed that the entire subframe had ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The Audible Chimes on the car a very faint, if the seat belt is not fastened the car notifies you with a Visual Alarm and Audible alarm the chimes - the chimes stopped working on this car. This car does not have auto seatbelts, if you forget to fasten the seat belt you are not aware of this fact as the visual display is in the dash, the audible alarm chimes warning you that there is no seatbelt.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
The reflecting mechanism in the headlamps are causing the headlights to display a dim light. It makes it difficult to be able to see past about 5ft and extremely difficult to see at night, the vehicle has been inspected by a dealership and an auto shop. The problem started a couple months ago but there was no indicator or warning before the problem occurred.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
My LED headlights have a massive dark spot in the top left corner. It looks like a triangle took a bite out of the light. It creates a big blind spot at night when driving in poorly lit areas and again, Hyundai won't do anything about it.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
On January 16, 2023, my engine suddenly died while driving in moderate traffic, with a loud banging noise. I could have been in a serious accident, or killed, due to manufacturer and dealer negligence. When I was able to restart the car, it knocked terribly, but I was (barely) able to get it the short distance back to my home, where I discovered that there was very little oil in the car, though I ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
So I have been having issues with my truck losing oil. My dealership told me that Walmart made an issue with the oil filter causing it to leak oil out. After the dealership corrected the issue. I was on my way to the store this morning it was damp so I was having a lot of traction issues. Got to the gas station checked tires, no issue with them. Temperature is above freezing. Just thought maybe it... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
So I have been having issues with my truck losing oil. My dealership told me that Walmart made an issue with the oil filter causing it to leak oil out. After the dealership corrected the issue. I was on my way to the store this morning it was damp so I was having a lot of traction issues. Got to the gas station checked tires, no issue with them. Temperature is above freezing. Just thought maybe it... Read more