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 16, 2023
Driving this passed saturday and my car was jumping when i would slow it down to decrease my speed. Once my car got to 5mph it’ll jump forward then it would stop. When i went to accelerate it would pick up no speed until 40mph then the engine light came on. I went to get a diagnostic from autozone and it was my power train system having an issue. I have no clue what that was. Went to make an app... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
When connected to a trailer with trailer brakes, the driver information center displays a message check trailer brakes when I apply the brakes. After usually the 3rd brake application the driver information center displays a message-Trailer Brake Disabled. Local certified chevy dealer tested the brake components on a computer and verified it is the truck that has issues. They also stated there is ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. In July of 2022, the contact received a safety recall notification from the NHTSA under Campaign Number: 22V413 stating "the bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach." The owner then received another letter in October 2022 stating that remedy parts were available in which the owner took the vehicle to the local Ford deal... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Autobraking works sometimes and it doesn't many a times consistently. Also, there is a bad smell that keeps coming regularly. Not sure where that is coming from.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The gas pedal in my new 2022 Nissan Rogue has stuck open full throttle twice. Both times I managed to avoid a major car accident, but I was in the middle of a highway with traffic... I was in the left hand turn lane and pushed the gas pedal to the floor - the vehicle immediately seemed to be full-throttle in LOW gear - this is a problem with this vehicle. It slips into low gear about 20 percent o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Since purchase the blind spot warning won't operate or goes off on its own. No audible warning when it is chosen. Purchased vehicle on a Friday, and returned Saturday and Monday. Both techs replicated the problem but no idea of a fix yet.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
Failing Exhaust manifold and studs
Incident date: Aug 11, 2021
MY VEHICLE (2016 C-CLASS 300) HAS A STRONG GAS SMELL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD AND IDLING. SEEMS LIKE IT'S COMMON PROBLEM IN W205 C300 CARS. TAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS THERE IS A CLASS ACTION INVESTIGATION: HTTPS://WWW.SAUDERSCHELKOPF.COM/INVESTIGATIONS/AUTOMOTI VE/MERCEDES-C300-AND-GLA250- FUEL -SMELL-CLASS-ACTIONINVESTIGATION/ YOU CAN SEE MULTIPLE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAM... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
This is a 2020 Nissan Murano S. The vehicle has been well maintained and taken to the dealership for maintenance periodically. I usually take my vehicle to either Antwerpen Nissan Clarksville or Antwerpen Nissan Security. I took my vehicle to Antwerpen Nissan Security for a transmission flush and change. Shortly after that service I started to notice an oil smell coming into the cabin. I took it b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
Driving down interstate and heard a loud scraping sound suddenly. We were able to pull off quickly and saw the skid plate had broken and was dragging on road. There was no vibrating of vehicle or any indication of something going wrong before it occurred.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
Hello NHTSA, After exhaustively searching online on how to mitigate excessive oil consumption in my girlfriend’s 2016 Kia Rio; Cho et al v. Hyundai Motor Company, Ltd. et al. was brought to my attention. This vehicle failed the oil consumption test performed by KIA. According to the suit, cars with the allegedly faulty engines includes the 2016 Kia Rio. Year: 2016 Make: Kia Model: Rio Trim... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
The emergency breaking system failed to engage. Failure to engage caused collision with another car
Crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Engine failure on the highway driving 60mph , Rod bearing failed causing engine to be destroyed (new block , new pistons, new head needed). Car was under warranty . Dealership filed claim but subaru of America denied claim giving erroneous reasons for denial . Subaru of America has been sued for this before http://www.enginebearings.settlementclass.com/ but they are stating my car does not fal... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2022
- When I was switching lanes on the highway my dashboard started flashing brake system problem, steering wheel system problem, tire pressure system problem, etc. The engine light, breaker system light, battery light, steering wheel light, and a few others turned on. After coming to a complete stop my car would not turn off. After pushing the “power button” multiple times it turned off complete... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
The brakes failed. When I pushed on the brakes the car unexpectedly accelerated into a vehicle in front of me, then swerved out of control and crashed into a pillar, then stopped. The break remained smashed to the floor, and I had a hard time lifting the break to see if it would drive. UPDATE 06/13/2023- Consumer sent in copy of complaint addressed to BBB. Consumer states "Re: FCA Third Complaint ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
both control arms broke and the front tires were ruined. The tow truck driver said they are lucky , they didn't get hurt because if they were going faster , they would have lost control and rolled the van.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
Car started to make a knocking noise, however no lights on dash indicated anything was wrong. Checked oil and the oil was low, had to add 4 quarts of oil, checked for leaks and nothing was leaking. Two weeks later noticed the car was driving a little different, checked oil and had to add two more quarts of oil.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
On December 14th, I was driving my 2017 Ram 3500 with 95,000 miles down the road when I encountered a tree completely blocking the roadway. When I applied the brakes I heard a pop and the brake pedal went the the floor. At this point I had no brakes and was forced to hit the tree. Thankfully it was in a rural area and no one was killed because of the failure. My safety was defiantly put at risk be... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2002 Honda Odyssey equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Defender XT, Tire Size: 225/60R16, DOT Number: AP3V047X. The contact stated while replacing the driver's and passenger's side front tires, the contact noticed chunks of tread detaching from the tires. The tire retailer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was caused by driving on grave... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
To whom this may,I been having problems with check engine light keep coming on,I'm paying alot of money on this car,it could be that recall hose on back order causing that check engine light to come on,please HELP!!!!!!
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
My airbag light comes on than goes off for a bit than comes on for a few months With only 1200 miles I needed braces and rotors , since the metal used was rusted out and worn
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
My airbag light comes on than goes off for a bit than comes on for a few months With only 1200 miles I needed braces and rotors , since the metal used was rusted out and worn
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
Speaker Issue: When starting the truck, after about 3 seconds of sitting in the truck, the speakers made a really loud pop noise and then continued to make a loud static noise and cracking noise for the duration of my 15 minute drive home. If this happened on the freeway, it may traumatize someone or cause an accident. The problem has happened twice but it is not been replicable for a dealer or... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
Speaker Issue: When starting the truck, after about 3 seconds of sitting in the truck, the speakers made a really loud pop noise and then continued to make a loud static noise and cracking noise for the duration of my 15 minute drive home. If this happened on the freeway, it may traumatize someone or cause an accident. The problem has happened twice but it is not been replicable for a dealer or... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
-driving at moderate pace between 30 and 40 mph when vehicle engine shut off without warning. loss of power, no steering and all warning lights illuminated. difficulty getting vehicle over to side of road so not in way of traffic. braking was difficult once on side of road.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the trunk failed to open while pressing the unlock button on the rear door, the unlock button inside the vehicle, and the unlock button on the key fob. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there were groceries in the trunk, and he was unable to retrieve the groceries due to the failure. Additionally, the conta... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
brake line fitting leaking at the main line pressure fitting. this caused brake fluid to leak out and loss of brakes occured.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V352000 (Air Bags) and 05V034000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the failure occurred after the recall repairs were performed. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the dashboard wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
This car has experienced paint issues due to poor bonding of the primer. The paint is literally peeling off the car in sheets. It has been going on for the last 1.5 years , and Kia states that it is not their problem. I have worked patiently with them for almost a year as they have instructed me to go, and get paint estimates. After this was completed they then stated the case was determined “ N... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
Suv stalled and everything shut off and could not start ! It has happened twice and have had it in dealership and they cannot find the problem. Battery’s has been replaced but I believe its electrical!
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
When shifting the vehicle into park and attempting to turn off car, vehicle will give a message on dash “shift to park” when the vehicle is already in park. This issue can cause possible rolling of vehicle for not properly being in park. Power draining due to instruments not shutting down properly. Possible theft of vehicle due to vehicle not locking while exiting. You have to remove from park... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the third -row passenger’s side seat was not properly secured to the floor of the vehicle. The contact indicated that an unknown part used to attach the seat to the floor had fractured and the seat was no longer secured to the floor. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who indicated that the unknown part needed to be replaced. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
Car stalling at stops. Received a report on all work done on this car stating issues with catalytic converter and that Subaru repaired before I bought the car. I also had loss of all brakes when the lines leaked out November 2022 . I had brakes repaired cost of $1000.so far since buying this car I have not been able to drive the car because of the stalling issues.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the headlamps and brake light bulbs had been changed approximately 2 - 3 times per year. Additionally, the horn failed to sound off while being depressed. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light failed to illumi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the headlamps and brake light bulbs had been changed approximately 2 - 3 times per year. Additionally, the horn failed to sound off while being depressed. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light failed to illumi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
I have a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban that had an issue with the brakes not wanting to stop the vehicle at slow speeds. Several times when we pulled into our garage or a parking space the vehicle would want to glide instead of stopping. I've had several parts replaced and am now hoping the problem is fixed. just picked the car up today from repair shop.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
•Driver’s window failing to properly and completing retract. This has been particularly troublesome in the bitter cold of Northern Minnesota. On each visit to Subaru I have requested that the window be repaired. All efforts have been unsuccessful. •Battery failure without cause or prior warning signs. On previous visits the Service Center failed to address and resolve the battery proble... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
Error message states, trailer brakes disabled service required As your towing truck will disable trailer breaks took to gm dealer and simply stated there is no fix right now. This is unsafe when in tow to not have trailer breaks. Gm know and dealer hasn't fixed new truck tons of gm bulletin on this issue.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
Steering wheel stuck in Up Position
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
For one, my windshield cracked out of nowhere, I didn’t know that windshields were having issues at the time, so I had to replace it on my own without contacting the dealership. Other issues include the front windows not going up all the way from time to time. The info system crashes and shuts down from time to time too, which leads to the Eyesight to shutdown temporarily too. And from time to t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
My vehicle VIN [XXX] shown "no unprepared recalls". However I saw that there was a past recall for this vehicle. The recall dealt with the digital instrument cluster which gives data on engine management, safety features such as ABS systems, and other safety items. I do not believe my vehicle had ever been repaired. My digital instrument system flashes on and off and many times, as all day t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
My vehicle VIN [XXX] shown "no unprepared recalls". However I saw that there was a past recall for this vehicle. The recall dealt with the digital instrument cluster which gives data on engine management, safety features such as ABS systems, and other safety items. I do not believe my vehicle had ever been repaired. My digital instrument system flashes on and off and many times, as all day t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
"Steering Assist Fault" and Lane Keeping Sys. Malfunction" faults appeared on my dash display. The vehicle is available for inspection if requested. When the faults lit up, I was unable to steer the vehicle. It was as if the steering was completely locked up. Fortunately I was driving down the driveway at the time and was able to stop before entering the roadway. If this would have faulted wh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
Significant phantom braking issues on two lane highways like US95 in NV. The vision system cannot reliably tell if something is in the road or not when there clearly is nothing, cars or objects. Unclear if my 2018 if the radar is still active, but the vision software cheats I believe by using traffic in front to know the road is clear, but when there is no traffic on a rural highway, it panic stop... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2023
My 2007 Chevy duramax diesel 2500 PICK UP TRUCK has now had the Pitman arm break 3 times which left me while driving with complete steering loss. My truck is at Silveira Chevy in Sonoma CA. 95476. They replaced the Pittman arm with the same one that has failed 3 times. I believe that my truck has a bad lift kit installed. And incorrect aftermarket parts installed. I purchased my truck brand new ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
On Friday, December 9, 2022, the heating element in the driver side seat burned through the cushion, burned a hole in my coat, and burned my right leg. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. Thursday, January 5, 2023, the service department at Kia confirmed the heated seat element had gotten too hot and burned through the seat. Service personnel said the part that needed to be replac... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds with the ONSTAR/GPS, turn-by-turn driving directions activated, there was an unknown notification flashing on the instrument panel and radio. The speedometer was obstructed and failed to work as needed. The screen sporadically went blank. While depressing the dismiss button on the steering wheel, the butto... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
Tesla Suspensions system squeaking problems is well known among the Tesla owners community and Tesla wouldn’t do anything about it. I bought my vehicle in 12/2019 and have brought it in at least 4 times to get the squeaky noise fix and at least 2 more times complaining about it. That’s 6 times in the span of 2 years. Tesla is well aware of the issue but couldn’t find a solution. When sch... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed a burning odor and smoke coming from the vents into the cabin of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that he pulled apart the heater and noticed that the wiring had melted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact tha... Read more