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
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Mar 2, 2023
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED DUE TO COMING TO A CONCLUSION WITH THE DEALER*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with an auto light feature that allowed the headlights to turn on at night while the dash light would become dim. However, the contact stated that the headlights had been turning on during daytime, which was impairing his vision of the road. Additionally, the instrument panel lights were becoming dim, prevent... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized while making a turn with an unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The fai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
on 2/28/23, approximatley 7:00PM Pacific Time, I was stopped at a red light at the intersection of East Robles Ave and Santa Rosa Ave for. When the light turned green, i took my foot off the brake pedal, and the engine died, the steering wheel locked up. My check engine light came on along with the steering wheel dash icon. a message flashed on the dash - "Engine Stopped Steering Power Low" It to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
on 2/28/23, approximatley 7:00PM Pacific Time, I was stopped at a red light at the intersection of East Robles Ave and Santa Rosa Ave for. When the light turned green, i took my foot off the brake pedal, and the engine died, the steering wheel locked up. My check engine light came on along with the steering wheel dash icon. a message flashed on the dash - "Engine Stopped Steering Power Low" It to... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
The vehicle liftgate no longer properly latches and has opened suddenly. The interior audible warning sound continuously alerts and the interior lights sometimes fail to turn-off. The 'Liftgate Ajar' warning light remains on. This problem seems similar to the recall on 2011 Lincoln MKX.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
Experienced a failure of the ABS Control Module and Electronic Traction Control during a light snow storm in September of 2022. Dash warning lights come on and go off intermittently. When warning lights come on and cruise control is being used, cruise control is deactivated. Dealership confirmed ABS CPU failure on 11/17/2022. Still waiting on replacement parts and are projected to be in around 4/1... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Recently the "Service Side Detection System" light came on. Now the blind side monitoring doesn't work. While driving all of lights on the dash, radio, and headlights turned off. I was unable to see the road, my speed, or anything within the vehicle. I did some research and this is a vary common issue with these vehicles and nothing has been done to correct it.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2022
- Component/system malfunctioning: Brake system (Master Cylinder) randomly loses pressure from the master cylinder causing the brake pedal to collapse to the floor causing severe safety concerns with little to no brakes without warning. Yes, vehicle is available for inspection. - Our Safety and the safety of others is at risk due to brakes not working properly at all times due to a known issue w... Read more
SUBARU
IMPREZA
(2019) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Mar 1, 2023
Incident date: Feb 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH with the traction control activated, the vehicle experienced abnormally loud sounds coming from the rear of vehicle. The contact previously owned a Ford Bronco Sport and traded the vehicle because the vehicle was experiencing the same safety failure. The contact stated after disengaging the traction control the nois... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
Car was parked at home. Entered car to get something, noticed car smelled of faint smoke. Didn't think much of it. Next day when I went into the car noticed a large burn hole in passenger side seat.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
I purchased a new 2022 Chevy Colorado LT in January. When driving home and it got dark I used the dimmer to see better. When using the dimmer all of the radio dials turn completely off / dark (not illuminated at all). I drove off the road, looking down trying to find them. I notified the dealership the next day. They had the vehicle for about a week and told me it was fixed. I went to pick it up ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving from a stop signal, the vehicle experienced a delay while accelerating. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking without warning. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently made a sudden stop without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the mechanic w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
Vehicle (2013 Honda Accord) repeatedly drifts and pulls to the left while driving under normal conditions; regardless of my speed (10 mph-75mph). I have come close to crossing the center lane into oncoming traffic. I took my vehicle to the Honda dealership for inspection and a wheel alignment and was told I needed to replace the steering rack. The technician stated he had seen this issue before st... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
My car barely has 11,000 miles and just the other day it had about 20miles left of gas but as I was driving on the road it started to feel and seem like it was about to die on me, Also the front Wipers are not well restrained with the vehicle you can tell by the way it moves when Wipers are on....Also most of the Signals be It if something is in front of me and the signal goes off BUT THERES NOTH... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
Total brake failure, no warning lights, no messages. No issues the day before, then total brake failure the next day. Fluid levels were within margin and no leaks. We replaced the master cylinder, this did not fix the problem. Then we replaced the ABS pump module and it helped but the mechanic shop could not bleed the brake system correctly so we took it to a Ford Dealership and they were able to ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2022
After 3000 miles on my car I noticed a gasoline smell in my garage after driving it. Now I have 5000 miles and the gasoline smell is so strong I have to park it outside my garage since my garage is attached to my house and the smell enters my house and makes me feel nauseous and gives me a headache. I have made an appointment with 2 Nissan dealers who state it is a known problem but there is nothi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2022
After 3000 miles on my car I noticed a gasoline smell in my garage after driving it. Now I have 5000 miles and the gasoline smell is so strong I have to park it outside my garage since my garage is attached to my house and the smell enters my house and makes me feel nauseous and gives me a headache. I have made an appointment with 2 Nissan dealers who state it is a known problem but there is nothi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2023
The 2GR-FE engine on my Sienna has experienced a front timing cover leak. It's slowly leaking oil out of my vehicle and I'm afraid it will get worst over time. My vehicle has less than 100K miles and if the leak persists, I down want my vehicle breaking down and leaving me stranded.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
I was driving approximately 25-30mph when the passenger rear spring popped off of the vehicle and was completely disengaged from the vehicle. It popped out of the rear of the vehicle into cars behind me. There were no warning lights, no messages, lights, etc... This happened at approximately 4pm 2/21/23. Two components, the spring, and a round plastic piece were retrieved and saved. Vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2023
I had purchased my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 hemi in June 2019. Shortly thereafter, I was driving on the highway when the vehicle stalled out and the wheel became very hard to control. I managed to avoid causing a major accident and made it to the side of the highway where I then sat for over 4 hours stranded. After trying to start my Jeep it just started up out of the blue and I drove home... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
It is extremely difficult to see at night without having to use my bright lights. The low beams are useless and poses as a hazard to the driver and the driver of the approaching vehicles. I have replaced my headlights and I have purchased fog lights as an attempt to fix the problem but it still did not fix the problem. These additional costs were well over $500. I am requesting that Acura corr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
Tried to pass a car going around 55 or 60 got into the other lane to try to go around and car wouldn’t accelerate. When you hit the gas the rpm’s jump up and drop and repeat. Had to slam on brakes and get on side of road and turn the car off and sit there for a little while until it would crank and drive again.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
At highway speed the Windshield-Outer Trim Molding Pillar Driver Left Side departed the vehicle. I saw something flicker by but did not know what it was until I stopped and saw the missing trim piece.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
2019 Honda CR-V, The Info-Tainment panel for the Radio, A/C, etc, goes dark randomly and returns randomly. There is no pattern, sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. The rear camera is also affected if the car is in reverse. Have had the car about 4 years and started doing this two weeks ago. Thank you.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2023
Vehicle has previously been brought in to GMC dealership at least 2-3 times for the dash turning on and off while driving. Started happening around 5,000 miles here and there. First took it in just over 7,000 miles as it was happening more and more frequently. It was last in for the issue on 2/6/23. The dash turned completely off WHILE driving going approx 45-50 mph, is not turning back on, unable... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
I have owned my 2012 KIA Sorento since 2014 and thoroughly enjoy my car. After 9 years of satisfactory ownership which include dealer servicing, my car scared me and now I question my safety. On Friday 24th, 2023, I pulled into my driveway and the car suddenly accelerated out of control. The brakes did nothing to slow its acceleration. By the time I reached the key and turned the car off it had ac... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
Unknown. Vehicle jerks when shifting gears
Incident date: Nov 1, 2020
Had a minor accident no airbags deployed sitting in car I don’t know a month later something around that sitting in car key not in the ignition sitting in the driver seat when all of a sudden a big bang happened and blue out both side airbag by the sunroof sunroof. Was very loud and knocked my head sideways. Nothing had touch the car car hadn’t been hit car was sitting in the driveway with no ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 1, 2020
The SERVICE SHIFTER light comes on when the vehicle is put in DRIVE. The first time it happened was about 1 year after purchase (March 2019). I found out there was a recall for a part (the bezel on the shifter) associated with this and the dealer replaced it. Now the SERIVCE SHIFTER light is coming on EVERY time the car is used(at least this week)--when I back out of the driveway and shift to DR... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The front control arm fails just 58k mile mark this known issue on car. Multiple time brought to there attention no action was taken
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, causing the vehicle to shudder and the steering wheel was vibrating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with warped rotors. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 0072-18 (Front Brake), however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
This car engine has failed on multiple occasions. About 12 months ago, I observed a great loss of coolant. The car would frequently overheat even when I added coolant. Eventually, I was able to have the engine replaced at the dealership where I purchased the car, but this was right at the end of the vehicle's warranty. Even with a new engine installed, I still lose coolant all the time. It do... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Total brake failure. Went to park at the bank (luckily was only moving at 4MPH) Went to stop and the brake pedal sank all the way to the floor. I quickly pumped them and was able to stop only inches from going through a fence. Was able to pump the peddle till it was solid again. Has not happened again since then.
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 22, 2023
The front defrost fails to blow any air on the windshield directly in front of the drivers seat, causing visibility issues in winter weather or whenever the windshield fogs up. The vehicle was brought to the dealer and the dealer indicated that the defrost is working as normal and that they just don’t blow air anywhere but in the center. Even when explaining that a windshield that ices up is a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
The front headlamps on this vehicle are not bright enough and it is very hard to see when driving in areas that do not have street lights. Additionally, when it is raining hard, there are lots of puddles on the floor, making it even harder to see when there are obstructions or potholes in the road. I worry about getting into an accident because of low visibility caused by the defective headlamps. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
Motor driven power steering failed, dealer (Hyman Bros Kia Midlothian VA) replaced the flexible coupling in the power steering assembly.
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
During reverse, the infotainment screen would go black for about 1 to 2 seconds so I won't be able to see the rear of the vehicle. Vehicle never had this problem prior to being updated by the dealer. The dealer was never able to fix this issue despite being brought to their attention 3 times. They were going to inform the manufacturer but appears it was never done. I have contacted Mitsubishi cust... Read more
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 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: 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 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