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) - 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 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: 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 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: 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 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: Jan 21, 2023
Wipers stopped working replaced motor and still nothing. I have spoken to other VW owners and they have stated they have had the same problem.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
I was driving my 2021 Subaru Crosstrek slowly in a parking lot when it unexpectedly accelerated on its own without me pressing the gas pedal. I believe the Crosstrek was now going 40mph. I tried to shut off the engine and brake at the same time but neither one had any effect. I thought maybe I had two options. Either hit another vehicle or pedestrian or turn my car into the curb. I decided to tur... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
At 67k mileage my 2018 Ram 2500 abs, traction control and electronic braking system warning lights flash intermittently, dealer, auto parts store and several online sites state it is the ABS and HCU modules electrical failure. This causes the abs system to malfunction and poses immediate threat for crash especially while pulling trailers. When the lights flash the cruise control will no engage/dis... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
At 67k mileage my 2018 Ram 2500 abs, traction control and electronic braking system warning lights flash intermittently, dealer, auto parts store and several online sites state it is the ABS and HCU modules electrical failure. This causes the abs system to malfunction and poses immediate threat for crash especially while pulling trailers. When the lights flash the cruise control will no engage/dis... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
Burns oil at an extraordinary rate. Takes about 1-2 quarts every week. No leaks, I’m unsure what the cause is for the oil burning so fast but it’s not leaking because I’ve gotten it checked for leaks and there is not oil stains or puddles when the vehicle is parked.
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
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
I went to reverse, then drive and Left turn into a parking spot inside a small flattop parking lot. My car made a popping noise and grating sounds after the reverse and turning of the steering wheel. I turned off my car once in the spot and looked under the car is it sounded like something was grating against the ground. I didn’t see anything. Upon restarting the car, the sounds continued when I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
-Service antilock brake system -Service Electronic braking system - Cruise control does not work -Alarm bell ringing randomly. ABS and Skid Control warning lights at driver instrument panel cycle on off briefly or extended periods. problem escalated in early 2022 Multiple same dealer interactions actions unsuccessful . Chrysler Cares involved since September 2022. Met with dealer 01/26/2023 “... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
Brake lights work inconsistently, burn hot, melt sockers, fall out of sockets and melt carpeted covers. Safety and fire concerns. Much info on this problem from other owners on various sites. PLEASE force Hyundai to fix these issues.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
After just 18 months and about 5,000 miles, the heater/defroster system stopped working. My local Hyundai dealer (Dick Hannah Volkswagen/Hyundai) confirmed the failure. Even after installing a new heater unit, the dealer reported the system is still not working. My car has been at the dealer since 1-17-23. Having no defroster is a serious safety issue in the winter here in Portland, Oregon, as... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
I was in a parking lot at a near-complete stop. I needed to nose the car about 18 inches to move it all the way into the spot. I lightly touched the accelerator to inch the car forward, and it shot forward as if some outside force had stomped on the accelerator. The car jumped the sidewalk and slammed into the wall of the building. The car inner body bent and the car is totaled. The airbags did no... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
While driving at about 60 mi/hr my car veered suddenly to the right and the power steering seemed to not work. The steering required vigorous correcting to maintain vehicle control.This continued for several minutes and it felt like the power steering was not working.when I finally stopped the car in a parking area I got out and checked the tires. Originally It had felt like one of my tires going ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
Completely rotted & rusted sub-frame. Caused braking/stability/steering issues and was completely undriveable. Cost $2300 to fix, another $1000 for car rental as well as lost time at work. There have also been many reports of this problem with other drivers of the same model of vehicle. NO warning lamps or messages whatsoever, only knew the level of damage once I brought it into auto shop.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
CAR LOSES POWER WHEN ACCELERATING BELOW 20 MPH. ENGINE STILL ON BUT WHEN STEPPING ON GAS PEDAL NO ACCELERATION. PEDAL IS FIRM BUT NO GAS. LOOKS LIKE IAM PUSHING AIR. I HAVE TO LIFT MY FOOT OFF AND ACCELERATE AGAIN IN ORDER TO KEEP THE CAR GOING. VERYSCARY AND DANGEROUS WHEN CHANGING LANES. ALSO, ANOTHER ISSUE... PAINT COMMING OFF ON A LOT OF LOCATIONS. COTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER AND SINCE I WAS N... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
I was the first car stopped at a red light of an intersection coming off the freeway, in far right lane. When the light turned green, as I released my foot off the brake and not even stepping on the gas the RPM surged with full force accelerating without my foot on the gas. I stepped on the brake but it would not engage - it locked. The steering wheel locked and only had minimal movement, as much ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
While on a road trip and driving aprx 70 MPH, the passenger door released to the secondary latch position and the "Passenger Door Ajar" light came on. After stopping and opening and closing (and locking) the door, the light went off. However, later it released again. The driver side door also released in the same manor. There were four occasions of this happening. After returning home, I did som... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
While on a road trip and driving aprx 70 MPH, the passenger door released to the secondary latch position and the "Passenger Door Ajar" light came on. After stopping and opening and closing (and locking) the door, the light went off. However, later it released again. The driver side door also released in the same manor. There were four occasions of this happening. After returning home, I did som... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
I pulled into my driveway, came to a stop and planned to back up a short distance to be nearer the front walkway. Before I could shift into reverse the car started to accelerate forward. I slammed my foot onto the brakes which had no effect on the acceleration. The car stopped when the lower bumper hit and ran up onto a large boulder on the edge of the driveway. The car was partially wedged on the... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 435I. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the chassis stabilization warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the electric power steering (EPS) to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with TSB: SIB321216, however the VIN wa... Read more