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: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes were making abnormal squealing sounds. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mile... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
A crack on the windshield appeared for no apparent reason . The crack started on the passenger side right below the windshield wiper. At this time, the vehicle has not been inspected by insurance or police. Besides the financial burden this may cause it has not caused any physical harm to myself or others. However, it is a known issue with Subarus in the past and should be addressed.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
Front control arm failed on car. Which snapped the front axle and sway bar link on right side. Found out it was a known issue that was taken care of by dealer. Waiting to see if they will cover repairs.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
Front control arm failed on car. Which snapped the front axle and sway bar link on right side. Found out it was a known issue that was taken care of by dealer. Waiting to see if they will cover repairs.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
Front control arm failed on car. Which snapped the front axle and sway bar link on right side. Found out it was a known issue that was taken care of by dealer. Waiting to see if they will cover repairs.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
Suburu Outback had been showing signs of needing more oil between routine changes and frequent top-offs. When took to a Suburu Dealer in September 2021, prior to reaching 100,000 miles, Suburu said it was normal. Now at 118,000 miles as of November 2022, the engine jerks and makes noises. Upon taking to Suburu, short engine block repair was recommended, which would cost over $6,000. The issues... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
I was driving my 2017 Subaru Outback on a trip from New York to Florida. On I-95 in heavy traffic I hit a bump in the road, and at that instant, nearly every warning light on my dash came on, including EyeSight, lane departure, and emergency braking. My adaptive cruise immediately disengaged causing the vehicle to suddenly slow (this incident was at highway speed). The "brake" light was also il... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
I was driving my 2017 Subaru Outback on a trip from New York to Florida. On I-95 in heavy traffic I hit a bump in the road, and at that instant, nearly every warning light on my dash came on, including EyeSight, lane departure, and emergency braking. My adaptive cruise immediately disengaged causing the vehicle to suddenly slow (this incident was at highway speed). The "brake" light was also il... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
Less than a year old. Front Windshield cracked on the passenger side near the defrost vent.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
The transmission in this NEW vehicle began making a high-pitch whining noise shortly after i bought it. After 3500 miles, I took it to the Subaru Dealer where i purchased the car. After 10 days of troubleshooting, they determined it requires a transmission replacement. There are multiple other owners that have experienced the SAME issue (some who have been told by their dealers that it is ‘just ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2022
My Vehicle's horn stop working about six months ago, not long after I had to replace the battery. I took it to dealership and they had to replace the clock spring , roll connector. I use the horn only when absolutely necessary. I have never had a cars horn go out. I think they ought to last at least ten years if not longer. Is this a defect? I just wanted to let you know.
Incident date: May 30, 2022
My Vehicle's horn stop working about six months ago, not long after I had to replace the battery. I took it to dealership and they had to replace the clock spring , roll connector. I use the horn only when absolutely necessary. I have never had a cars horn go out. I think they ought to last at least ten years if not longer. Is this a defect? I just wanted to let you know.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
THE MOON ROOF/SUNROOF HAS LEAKED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO FIX IT ON THREE OCCASIONS. IT CONTINUES TO LEAK- IT LEAKS WATER INTO THE FRONT EYESIGHT CAMERAS CAUSING THEM TO NOT WORK & CUT OFF SPORADICALLY. THE WATER LEAKS INTO THE CAB CAUSING THE HEADLINER TO BE WET, THE FLOORBOARD AND THE ENTIRE CONSOLE AND CUP HOLDERS FILLS UP WITH WATER. I HAVE HAD IT AT THE DEALERSHIP ON THREE OCCA... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
THE MOON ROOF/SUNROOF HAS LEAKED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO FIX IT ON THREE OCCASIONS. IT CONTINUES TO LEAK- IT LEAKS WATER INTO THE FRONT EYESIGHT CAMERAS CAUSING THEM TO NOT WORK & CUT OFF SPORADICALLY. THE WATER LEAKS INTO THE CAB CAUSING THE HEADLINER TO BE WET, THE FLOORBOARD AND THE ENTIRE CONSOLE AND CUP HOLDERS FILLS UP WITH WATER. I HAVE HAD IT AT THE DEALERSHIP ON THREE OCCA... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
THE MOON ROOF/SUNROOF HAS LEAKED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO FIX IT ON THREE OCCASIONS. IT CONTINUES TO LEAK- IT LEAKS WATER INTO THE FRONT EYESIGHT CAMERAS CAUSING THEM TO NOT WORK & CUT OFF SPORADICALLY. THE WATER LEAKS INTO THE CAB CAUSING THE HEADLINER TO BE WET, THE FLOORBOARD AND THE ENTIRE CONSOLE AND CUP HOLDERS FILLS UP WITH WATER. I HAVE HAD IT AT THE DEALERSHIP ON THREE OCCA... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
Battery Drain problem. Subaru had to replace the battery in January of 2022. That did not resolve the issue. My battery started dying again in June of 2022 & I have to constantly jump start my car. I complained to Subaru & brought my car in for servicing but all they did was test the battery immediately after it was driven on the highway for approximately 20 miles. The issue is not the battery, it... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
Rusting brake line recall WQK47 supposedly done to the vehicle June of 2015 with the vehicle having 244,246 miles. No brake lines were replaced at that time and only assume they only sprayed something on them. Car now has 288,500 miles and the right rear brake line rotted out in the clip mount to the body. Luckily wife was able to stop the car and didn't get into an accident.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
Windshield Cracked for no reason on 11/19/2022 while parked in the drive way.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The front windshield/ window cracked while parked in driveway,
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Eyesight System inadvertently deactivated, causing the power steering to fail and the vehicle to go into Limp Mode. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle to correct the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was no... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
I haven’t driven my 2020 Subaru Forester since 11/06/22 I come out this morning to a cracked windshield on the driver side obstructing my view. No form of impact what so ever - what needs to be done about this ?
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
Spontaneous windshield crack. No impact or apparent cause. Available for inspection. Based on online research and your database, this is a common occurrence. Reporting to Subaru dealer has been initiated.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2020
Battery would drain to the point where it would need to be jumped to start. I carried a jump starter in the car during the cold months. Finally took car to be inspected and they told me that the problem was my battery and that I needed to replace it with a $465 battery. I’ve been dealing with this issue for 2 years and now I have found out that the car has a defect that drains the battery.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2022
When accelerating from a stop it sometimes shudders as if it cannot decide which ratio to use in the CVT. it can get pretty severe and I am afraid that it will tear the transmission apart if it continues.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
Yesterday, I was accelerating at a reasonable rate from a stop. My Outback stopped responding to the accelerator pedal and kicked up to 3500-4000 rpm. My brakes could barely hold the vehicle back and it forced me to slip my transmission in and out of neutral to prevent a crash. I pulled over twice to restart the car, hoping to reset something and address the issue, but it was still present when I ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
We have had our 2020 Subaru outback for almost 2 years. Within these years, we have had 3 cracked windshields. The first time a rock hit the windshield causing a crack that moved quickly. The second time, we got a small ding from a rock. It did not cause the windshield to crack. However, I barely touched it with my fingertip and the ding turned into a crack that went halfway across our windshield... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
I first noticed the car engine began making a loud ticking sound and significantly lost power as I exited the freeway heading toward my home after work. After towing the vehicle to the Subaru dealership, they tore apart the engine and found a connecting rod bearing had failed. It had slid out between the rod and crankshaft and shattered in the oil system sending shards of metal into the engine and... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
I first noticed the car engine began making a loud ticking sound and significantly lost power as I exited the freeway heading toward my home after work. After towing the vehicle to the Subaru dealership, they tore apart the engine and found a connecting rod bearing had failed. It had slid out between the rod and crankshaft and shattered in the oil system sending shards of metal into the engine and... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
The Thermo Control Valve has failed and threw a check engine light. This disables the Eye Sight System and causes no heat or defrosters. There seems to be a huge backorder with no ETA in sight for the replacement part. When this part fails there is no defrosters, no crash warning, no emergency braking....
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
The Thermo Control Valve has failed and threw a check engine light. This disables the Eye Sight System and causes no heat or defrosters. There seems to be a huge backorder with no ETA in sight for the replacement part. When this part fails there is no defrosters, no crash warning, no emergency braking....
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
The Thermo Control Valve has failed and threw a check engine light. This disables the Eye Sight System and causes no heat or defrosters. There seems to be a huge backorder with no ETA in sight for the replacement part. When this part fails there is no defrosters, no crash warning, no emergency braking....
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
This is our 3rd Subaru Forester from Corpus Christi Tx dealer HICKs. During the past six months we have had the stem valves in the tires replaced 4 times.I said to the Manager that there appears to be a systemic issue , the run may be defective and requested that these tires be replaced Total mileage 6700 Dealer had three shots at fixing the problem plus the 4th shot today as the pressure signal w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
Problem started Aug 4, 2022. I went to start the car & the battery was dead. Jumped it, ran errands. Two days later dead battery again.Kept happening even though no lights left on when car turned off. Finally called dealership & they said battery was bad so it was replaced.3 weeks later battery went dead after car sat unused for 24 hrs. Was told car needed to be driven everyday to keep battery cha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
rear break line failure at the junction box... complete rotten off... all other lines coating and integrity visually ok... defect in coating ..
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
I approached a stop light and barked. The car stalled and wouldn't restart. The interior lights on the console started to flash and car was dead. I was traveling southbound on Rt 1 in Delaware. I was in the center lane (3 lanes). there was a a lot of traffic and despite my hazard lights being on several people slammed their brakes nearly hitting me. I called 911 and the DE state police came to sto... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
My transmission is having issues after being repaired by dealer. It is stalling when I try to accelerate leaving me at risk of being rear ended.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
The passenger sensor light is on and Subaru says I need to replace the seat. There was a recall for certain vehicles but my Vin was not part of the recall - however, if the issue persists why isn't the recall expanded? Do we really want drivers like me to have to replace seats because Subaru is not living up to the standards - due to their faulty wiring? Please expand the recall.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
The passenger sensor light is on and Subaru says I need to replace the seat. There was a recall for certain vehicles but my Vin was not part of the recall - however, if the issue persists why isn't the recall expanded? Do we really want drivers like me to have to replace seats because Subaru is not living up to the standards - due to their faulty wiring? Please expand the recall.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who reset the fault light; however, the failure persisted. The contact was aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V701000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who reset the fault light; however, the failure persisted. The contact was aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V701000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
noticed a crack in windshield (out of no where, no stone hit our car). crack started in the middle bottom of windshield. crack was 5 times the size the next day! VERY DANGEROUS!
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
Battery died and wouldn't take a charge, car was towed to Subaru dealer and I was told I must have done something wrong that car was fine and battery took a charge from the dealer and was in good health. The tow truck driver was unable to jump the car. I was unable to ride with the tow truck driver because of covid. The car continues to have battery issues and the electrical system has hiccups fro... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
The windshield started to have a stress crack when we were driving on a highway at a high altitude. There was no impact and no impact noise, the windshield suddenly cracked around 6 inches and then progressed from there. It started around the middle passenger side and progressed to the middle of the windshield.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2022
I have had to replace the tire valve stems on ALL 4 tires. In addition, 1 of the replacement valve stems also had to replaced within 1 year when it was first replaced. All this within the first 3 years of owning the vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2022
This recall was issued Aug 12 2022 and 3 months later still no parts available to fix the lighting issue? I reported this headlight issue at the first scheduled service that I thought the headlights were dim and did not shine far enough. Dealer service sept said they are all like that. Yes they are …. When will they have the parts?
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
Engine shuts off when coasting into a turn when car is moving at less than 5mph. Causes loss of steering. Will restart if gas pedal is pumped. Dealer can find no problem. Does not happen predictably and can not always be replicated. Very dangerous.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
Engine shuts off when coasting into a turn when car is moving at less than 5mph. Causes loss of steering. Will restart if gas pedal is pumped. Dealer can find no problem. Does not happen predictably and can not always be replicated. Very dangerous.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
Engine shuts off when coasting into a turn when car is moving at less than 5mph. Causes loss of steering. Will restart if gas pedal is pumped. Dealer can find no problem. Does not happen predictably and can not always be replicated. Very dangerous.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2022
the horn randomly gives several short beeps during vehicle operation. It seems to happen when the vehicle is stopped at red lights. This began after the dealer installed the Subaru OEM remote car starter.