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: Jan 30, 2023
Seat belt buckle had outer case fall apart now buckle doesn't stay latched and is unsafe. Cannot keep buckle properly latched and snug
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
I purchased my 2022 GMC Sierra Denali Truck back in November from Ewing GMC in Plano, TX. I am a roofer, and my career depends on my vehicle. I live in Plano, TX, and was driving 80 mph back from Lubbock, TX around 12 PM Friday 3/24/23, on the highway when a notification appeared on my dash saying I needed to press the "start" button. The truck completely shut off, making it difficult for me to pu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
Factory-installed tire on brand new KIA K-5 suffered catastrophic sidewall failure without contact with any foreign object after tire and vehicle was driven 151 total miles since new. Tire is Pirelli UPR18-235 PZERO All Season. ( R57-119, 029974 S2 WRZ (E4), (E3) 022958)
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil warning light was illuminated and there was black smoke coming from underneath the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the EGR cooler needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 20-2234. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
This vehicle has started to lose power was taken to firsteam Norfolk Va where purchased took for oil change and tire rotation also loss of engine power at speeds of 20-32 mph and 50-62 mph. Dealership at Norfolk Va sent to firstteam Hampton VA Chevrolet for diagnosis and came back no engine light and small misfire 3/4 sparkplugs needed changed 177.00. After plugs were changed still had misfire the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
This vehicle has started to lose power was taken to firsteam Norfolk Va where purchased took for oil change and tire rotation also loss of engine power at speeds of 20-32 mph and 50-62 mph. Dealership at Norfolk Va sent to firstteam Hampton VA Chevrolet for diagnosis and came back no engine light and small misfire 3/4 sparkplugs needed changed 177.00. After plugs were changed still had misfire the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
While driving my 2008 Escape the other day the power steering went out while driving down the the highway. The power steering assist fail light came on after I parked and shut my car off and turned it back on. After doing some research I found the recall 14S05, however when looking my VIN up, it shows no active recall. But the incident matches exactly what I have read from 100's of other owners. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the oil warning light was flashing on and off. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pressure switch failed, and oil had entered the ECU. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2022
Glass moonroof spontaneously shattered. While driving there was a loud explosion noise as if something was dropped from above and hit the roof. We saw nothing that might have come from traffic in front of us and there was no damage to the metal roof. Traffic was thick and we may have only been moving at 30 mph.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
I have seen this happen on several occassions during my trip from Austin,TX to Lubbock, TX. I out the car on Cruise Control and the car has applied emergency brakes suddenly several times even when there is no cars or other obstacles around. Even after I tried disabling the "Automatic Emergency Braking" feature, I am still facing this issue on several occasions. I have taken 2 trips so far in the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
I have seen this happen on several occassions during my trip from Austin,TX to Lubbock, TX. I out the car on Cruise Control and the car has applied emergency brakes suddenly several times even when there is no cars or other obstacles around. Even after I tried disabling the "Automatic Emergency Braking" feature, I am still facing this issue on several occasions. I have taken 2 trips so far in the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2019
Stiff steering, Having the issue with my 11th gen civic sport. Car wanders as stated above, when I move the wheel slightly in either direction it will stay in that direction and not return to the center without my help.The wheel also sticks to the center and requires a tad bit more force to move occasionally.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
I have a 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir. I purchased the car Dec 2021. I received a low pressure indicator October 26, 2022 in which I had the tire repaired. The brakes started grinding in December of 2022. I took it to the local dealership several times and have called to report the issue as well. On one visit the brake pads were repaired because of a bulletin received from GM. A few days after the re... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
On March 23, 2023 ABS Extended Stopping Distance on snow / slush surface proceeding downhill on a 4 lane highway (7200 South Wasatch Blvd. Midvale Utah). Other vehicles around me were stopping without issue. I noticed my ABS brakes were making the (typical operating sound a type of grinding) and I wasn't stopping. I changed lanes twice to provide for more stopping distance and eventually stopped i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
My fuel gauge went bad, resulting in me running out of gas when it stated I had over 1/4 tank left. So that $80 tow bill was fun. Also, my coolant temperature light just started coming on today, reaching all the way up to the top and red light when I was idling at stop lights. It would return to middle while driving, then ramp up to the top when idling. By searching the recalls with my VIN, it st... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
My fuel gauge went bad, resulting in me running out of gas when it stated I had over 1/4 tank left. So that $80 tow bill was fun. Also, my coolant temperature light just started coming on today, reaching all the way up to the top and red light when I was idling at stop lights. It would return to middle while driving, then ramp up to the top when idling. By searching the recalls with my VIN, it st... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud abnormal sound while attempting to open the rear sunroof. The contact then stated that the sunroof failed to open and became stuck. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the sunroof needed to be lubricated. The vehicle was repair... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) in 2014. The contact stated that several years later while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V489000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated; however, the failure recurre... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
BMW issued a Recall 15V-205 Safety Recall, to cover the Airbag sensor in the passenger seat of my vehicle, a 2006 Mini Cooper S. The failure error was in the airbag sensor in the passenger seat, and the system warned of potential hazard with the passenger airbag. My car had a recall fix in 2018 for this fault. Now some 4 years later the same fault has arisen in the same sensor and system. I return... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
My steering wheel from what I can tell when it’s less than 40 degrees at speeds around 30mph and up gets to be very notchy or like there is a resistance point when I am driving on straight roads. It is not a huge issue that makes it anywhere near not being able to drive, but it gets to be very annoying as since there is a resistance point to push past when I make minor steering adjustments it ca... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
2014 Mercedes-Benz E-350 4matic. Brake fluid and Brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the service technician advised the brake lines to the rear tries were rusted and had to be replaced . The vehicle was repaired at a estimated cost of $2,900. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. we were advised that the car is a hazard to drive until repaired... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
My Air bag Failure light is on and continuously dings and tries to call emergency services over and over every few seconds while I am driving. This is a distraction to my driving and the only way to shut it off is to select the OK button on the infotainment screen. My active lane management has not worked since the dealership last updated my vehicle back on January 5th and Wagoneer is aware of th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
My Air bag Failure light is on and continuously dings and tries to call emergency services over and over every few seconds while I am driving. This is a distraction to my driving and the only way to shut it off is to select the OK button on the infotainment screen. My active lane management has not worked since the dealership last updated my vehicle back on January 5th and Wagoneer is aware of th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Energy Saver A/S, Tire Size: 215/50/R17, And DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that while driving over a pothole the front driver's side tire sidewall failed causing the tire to go flat. The contact stated upon inspecting the vehicle tires, he noticed a bubble on the rear driver's side tire. The vehicle taken to t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK320. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as it went into Limp mode. Several warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he had replaced the spark plugs and the accelerator pedal; however, the failure persisted, and the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diag... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
Transmission shuttering/noticeable vibration while cruising. Dealer replace transmission fluid and shuttering resolved. However, upon initial 1st and 2nd gear engagement on the first drive of the day, the transmission hesitates and aggressively lunges forward at a higher speed than anticipated. Not safe, normal or desirable. This is a known problem that the dealer knows about but what is the res... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2023
Valve cover gasket leaks and oil leaks on to the alternator which can cause the alternator to fail and the battery to not maintain a charge and the car can stall and then not start. This is the same exact problem problem that is in your recall on 2007-2012 Veracruz Recall number 20V705000 & 14V415000 And 2007-2009 Santa Fe vehicles have the same issue and Service Campaign 936 SB-10058931-4495 (T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
Upon stopping to fill up with gas once the gas tank is either full or not all the way full, the car has trouble starting and will stall. The vehicle will begin to run after pressing the gas pedal multiple times with the ignition still on. The check engine light is illuminated. I was made aware of a previous recall that I feel my car should’ve been involved in. The approximate mileage is 95000.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
I own a 2015 Kia Optima Turbo SX. every time I park my vehicle in an enclosed garage. and only when the engine is cold does it makes a grinning noise for about 12 seconds or less. once I turn the engine off and turn it back on the noise it stops. also, there is a mild fuel odor coming from the engine compartment every time the motor is turned off. your response will be much appreciated thank you.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
Indicator light appeared week of March 19, 2023. Took vehicle to the dealership March 24, 2023, and after a $225 diagnostic was told, “90626 FOUND DTC B1054. CUSTOMER NEEDS AIRBAG AND THE MODULE” (from invoice). Parts need to be ordered and will cost ~$1,000 less the diagnostic. Concerned about how a safety feature no longer functioning properly and needing replacement is the responsibility of... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
Low beam headlights on my 2011 KIA Optima with 150,000 miles are bright to look at them, however the beam pattern on on the roadway is terrible. I have tried replacing the bulbs with brightest bulbs, checked voltages and grounds. After checking over 10 forums I have found that the reflective service on the headlight housing has degraded and lost its reflective value causing a very safe condition. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
Headlights and taillights have gone out. Replaced bulbs and fuses. Brakelights and highbeams still functional Faulty relay most likely as a similar problem was already found on the 2002 Honda civic.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
While driving at highway speed, the battery light and oil light came on and the throttle became unresponsive. The driver pulled over safely. The vehicle had to be restarted before the throttle became responsive again. The vehicle was taken to Maguire Kia Service (Ithaca, NY), where the engine was subsequently replaced.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
While driving at highway speed, the battery light and oil light came on and the throttle became unresponsive. The driver pulled over safely. The vehicle had to be restarted before the throttle became responsive again. The vehicle was taken to Maguire Kia Service (Ithaca, NY), where the engine was subsequently replaced.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
I own a 2018 Ford Expedition 3.5L ecoboost. This is an engine and vehicle that is known to be problematic. In 2020 I took my vehicle to the dealership to have the noisy cam phasers fixed, a TSB was found and the parts HL3Z cam phasers were replaced under the powertrain warranty. Now in September of 2022 my vehicle started having issues again with the same problem, since Ford told me that the probl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
Recall notices 23V138 and 23V161 for our vehicle. We have never received notice for either one of these. The repairs have never been done. When I researched our VIN number it stated to notify NHTSA if manufacturer has failed to remedy.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2023
I was driving my car on the highway and entered a ramp to another highway and as I began to accelerate again it was like my engine shut down and there was no response to the gas pedal for throttle. I pulled my car over to the side, sat for a moment, and then turned the car back on. I was able to accelerate, but if I accelerate too fast the engine would shut back down. I contacted Kia and they ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
I purchased this 2017 Lincoln MKZ 2.0L used on 11/26/22 with 72,400 miles. 2/4/23 I started having a misfire on cylinder 2. Past experience with another Ecoboost vehicle I thought was most likely a failing coil pack. I purchased an OEM coil pack and replaced coil pack 2. The car ran fine for several weeks and I thought my issue was fixed. 3/18/23 I left the house and typically before I get to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the headlights failed to illuminate, and the rearview camera was intermittently flashing and displaying a blank image. The contact stated that on various occasions when the vehicle was parked, the parking brake failed to activate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to move as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed about NHTSA ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2022
When driving the car the hood flew up damaging the hood, windshield, and corner of the top fenders
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The vehicle will randomly stall out. We took it to the dealer to get it fixed, they kept it for a month and did a software update. It's been 2 weeks and it stalls out about 6 times a week still. It's very dangerous and we can't even use it on the highway. Only backroads. Chrysler and the dealership have said it can't be fixed and they are not taking responsibility.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had the rack and pinion replaced on two separate occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The con... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
My ABS Brake Module failed with no warning until after failure. All dash warning lights illuminated after failure rear brakes locked up and would not release causing me to be stranded and requiring a tow service. Dealership confirmed failed ABS module and is currently being repaired but not covered by manufacturer resulting in out of pocket cost to myself. Truck has 57,408 miles on it.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
My ABS Brake Module failed with no warning until after failure. All dash warning lights illuminated after failure rear brakes locked up and would not release causing me to be stranded and requiring a tow service. Dealership confirmed failed ABS module and is currently being repaired but not covered by manufacturer resulting in out of pocket cost to myself. Truck has 57,408 miles on it.