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 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the rearview camera was displaying a blurred image. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rearview camera needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
105000 miles: Lost Brakes extremely hard to push brake pedal. Lost vacuum, enabling to stop car safely. Took brake vacuum line off vacuum pump and plug pump so oil don’t leak out pump. Then join the line to an existing vacuum line. Problem solved no issues since. 205000 miles: Repeatedly theft mode, flickering dashboard, and dead battery issues. Battery was good charged, alternator charging righ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V544000 (Exterior Lighting) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
I have a 2018 F350 with about 60k miles, otherwise excellent condition. Problem started about 2 months ago (around Nov 2022) or about 1 month after the last shop maintenance visit. Description: Coming home from work with driving speed around 50-60 mph the front end started shaking strongly. Had to slow down quite a bit to get it under control or stop shaking. The incident has been repeated on othe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2022
Sometimes when starting my car 3 lights illuminate the ABS, Forward Collision Warning, and the Parking Collision Warning. When this happens my car will not accelerate. It will not move when gas is applied or it moves very slowly. This happens in drive and reverse. It happens at random times and it has almost caused me to get hit when I attempted to pull out of a parking lot and my car all of a sud... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V077000 (Hybrid Propulsion System) however, after retrieving the vehicle from the dealer a failure was experienced. The contact stated that while his wife was parking the vehicle a warning light was illuminated with the "Check Hybrid System" message displayed. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The contact continued to drive but the vehicle stalled again. The contact detected an abnormal sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2022
This morning I needed to move my son's 2014 KIA Forte. There was very notable clicking noise in the steering wheel with even the slightest turn. I googled "clicking noise in steering wheel" and found thousands of listings (all KIA and Hyundai) for failures of a coupler in vehicles along with numerous videos with the same symptoms that I experienced. I also found that for 2012/2013 Soul and 2014... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, he depressed the brake pedal while approaching a red traffic light; however, the vehicle failed to stop. Due to the failure, the vehicle skidded and crashed into two vehicles in front of the vehicle, and the vehicle to the right. The air bags failed to deploy upon impact, and the Forward Collision Avoidance feature fa... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
While using the base level of "autopilot," remaining in a lane and maintaining speed, the car will randomly slam on the brakes even when there are no vehicles or objects in front of it. The first incident occurred while driving late at night on an interstate. There were no vehicles in front of the car, but it rapidly reduced speed from 75mph to 30mph, before immediately speeding up again. The came... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
steering wheel feels jerky, it has a mind of its own. even if driving straight it will move without me moving it.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2023
The low beam headlights on our Acura RDX are so dim that they cannot be used at night and we are forced to drive with high beams on for safety.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 Infiniti G35. The contact stated that the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance; however, the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the passenger’s side air bag sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and an abnormal burning odor was detected. Additionally, the vehicle was dragging while the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. Riverside Buick GMC (125 S Dixie Ave, Cartersville, GA 30120)... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
During a drive at about 40 MPH down a straight, dry two-lane, something went wrong and it decided to encourage me to drive into the ditch, steering me directly off the road. It was consistent, and when I found a stretch with a wide shoulder to see what would happen, it took me unerringly to the right, onto the dirt. For me, it was unnerving and distracting, but I could only imagine what would hav... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from the hood. The "transmission overheating" message was displayed. The vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the PC... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
The automatic transmission unexpectedly shifted into low gear while traveling at 55 mph on a two lane road. This is similar to at least two other incidents that occurred prior to the two previous recall for the same problem. No other vehicles were around and I was able to safely pull to the side of the road. The issue has not been replicated this time and it will be 2/16/2023 before the dealer can... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
Sunroof drain failure causing rain water from the outside of the vehicle to enter the interior flooding the passenger side going from the front seats to the back seats. Due to the sunroof drain defect, the flooding of the interior causes the water to get into the body control module impacting the electronics which can result in numerous failures in the vehicle making it dangerous to drive. There... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact then refilled the fuel tank, however, he noticed that there was a significant amount of pressure coming out of the fuel tank. The contact was able to continue driving. Additionally, the contact sta... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
[XXX] Hi Team, I recorded this video on my New 2023 Pacifica Hybrid Limited which I purchased on Jan 17th.(I traded my 2017 Honda CRV EXL and remaining amount Financed with bank) The very next day I got these alerts while it was parked in my garage, The vehicle freezes all of a sudden, the bunch of alerts popup saying the safety features unavailable like, Blind spot Monitoring, Active lane keeping... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
[XXX] Hi Team, I recorded this video on my New 2023 Pacifica Hybrid Limited which I purchased on Jan 17th.(I traded my 2017 Honda CRV EXL and remaining amount Financed with bank) The very next day I got these alerts while it was parked in my garage, The vehicle freezes all of a sudden, the bunch of alerts popup saying the safety features unavailable like, Blind spot Monitoring, Active lane keeping... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) 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 made aware of the iss... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled intermittently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the fa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
When the foot was on the brake in stopped position, the accelator kept revving at high level. The only way to correct it the problem was to turn off the vehicle.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Napleton St. Louis Nissan (10964 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132) where the mechanic replaced the crankshaft and camshaft; however, the failure rec... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
-Exterior lighting continuously burns out and I am willing to have my vehicle inspected. Lights that continuously burn out are both headlights, all blinkers, all break lights. -Since the lights burn out so frequently (sometimes as soon as you install a new bulb) I am concerned that without adequate lighting I am at risk for an accident by not being able to properly see at night, be noticed by ot... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2022
Vehicle fails to start intermittently after short stops. Needed jump start after it goes into accessory mode. Battery and charging system are good (12.6/14.1 volts). Battery is new, was replaced 10/2022.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2019
While driving I activated my blinker and all the interior lights began blinking and the radio cut out. While I was making the turn the electronic power steering cut out and then came back on. A short while later I was driving at a low speed in a parking lot and the truck shut off without warning. Had I been going at highway speeds this would have been extremely dangerous.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2022
The windshield cracked on its own overnight (temperatures in the low 30s). The crack starts at the bottom of the window at the center and goes upward and towards the passenger side. The crack is roughly 14" long, but has extended another 2" since the initial crack started. It impairs the view for most drivers. The dealer confirmed that there was no impact mark and have submitted photos to Subaru o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted to first gear. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the gear shifter was stuck. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission skipped first gear and shifted straight to third gear, and then shifted to tenth gear. Th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that during cold starts, a rattling sound was present coming from underneath the vehicle. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure was also present when accelerating from a stationary position. Also, while operating the vehicle, the there was a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2022
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while the owner was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to make an abnormal noise, and then the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The owner towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2022
Timing chain went out, at 80,000 miles, causing vehicle to stall.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2022
Driving down the freeway, snowy conditions, going roughly 50 mph in a straight line, no curves or turns in sight, hit a very small hump in the road and suddenly I found myself sideways from what seems like a rear steer situation, i corrected as best i could and luckily i was in the only section of the road that didn't have a wall, ended up backwards in a shallow ditch. No immediate damage noted, ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 9, 2022
Evap purge valve issue ( well recognized by Ford itself as part of a recall with Ford focus models after 2009.). But also needs to be addressed with Ford escape models of the same period. Multiple reports noted online as well ( seeking remedy on youtube and forums). I have Ford protect warranty. They refused to address it as part of the plan!!
Incident date: Jan 9, 2022
While driving the EPS light comes on and after that the dash board stops working to wear you're not able to see the speed limit anymore. It also declines the car of any speed. And if you put it in park it won't allow you to shift out of that gear. Dealership said its the HECU.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
Why did the dealer tell me this recall is not associated with my vin when I keep getting recall UNADDREESSED notices for my vehicle? This is a safety reason and a complete disconnect between dealerships and Toyota manufacture. I need this addressed immediately!
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
The fuel tank skid plate has completely rusted and has broken off. My tank (that has a date of 2004 stamped on it) is completely exposed. I am afraid that my tank is going to fall off and cause harm to myself or the driver/vehicle behind me. The vehicle is mostly city street / highway driving… no off road driving. I am concerned of the considerable amount of pot holes 🕳️ in my area that dam... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed as having water intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, Diesel). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The fail... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
1. Engine oil cooler assembly started leaking, due to oil cooler housing plastic cracked from oil changes at dealership. Leaking engine oil almost destroying engine due to lack of engine oil lubrication leaking on to the ground from the rear of vehicle and on to the ground. Vehicle was taken to the dealership and verified that the component has failed and that Chrylser has known of this issue for ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
While operating our 2020 Toyota Corolla hybrid at a slow speed in a parking lot, we began to apply the brakes as we pulled into a parking stall. As the brakes were applied , the vehicle suddenly lunged forward with abrupt force. Both tires left acceleration marks on the painted concrete curb and the vehicle struck a large concrete pillar with such force that the pillar was partially dislodged from... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
The car started turning to the right on the freeway. Suddenly, alarm started going off and acceleration diminished.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2023
When isn’t the wipers on constant low or high they slow down after a few seconds and you can not see. You have to change the setting on the wipers then change them back to reset the wipers.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
On 4 separate occasions, the first on December 22, 2022, my Accord began losing power and acceleration while driving on the highway. The engine light began flashing but never came on steadily, and no message displayed. On a couple of occasions it was raining a bit, and at other times the weather was dry. Each time, I pulled the car over to the side of the road; before turning off the engine, I not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated while exiting a driveway and making a turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir and there was power steering fluid in the reservoir. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 90,00... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
Jeep Wrangler 4xE car engine died for reason unknown while traveling at a steady speed of ~40mph. Dashboard and car lights remained powered on, but the engine suddenly became unresponsive and the car began to coast. An error message appeared on the dashboard display but disappeared before it could be written down. About 5 seconds prior to the engine dying the cruise control, which had been enga... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
Jeep Wrangler 4xE car engine died for reason unknown while traveling at a steady speed of ~40mph. Dashboard and car lights remained powered on, but the engine suddenly became unresponsive and the car began to coast. An error message appeared on the dashboard display but disappeared before it could be written down. About 5 seconds prior to the engine dying the cruise control, which had been enga... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Merging into a highway vehicle lost power. Wouldn’t accelerate above 50 mph. Had multiple warning come on the dash, power lost, hybrid system failure, park daisy failure. Turned my hazards on a proceeded to safety. Definitely nerve racking, wouldn’t want this to happen when merging lanes in fast moving heavily traffic road. Accident waiting to happen. Toyota is completely silent about... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Merging into a highway vehicle lost power. Wouldn’t accelerate above 50 mph. Had multiple warning come on the dash, power lost, hybrid system failure, park daisy failure. Turned my hazards on a proceeded to safety. Definitely nerve racking, wouldn’t want this to happen when merging lanes in fast moving heavily traffic road. Accident waiting to happen. Toyota is completely silent about... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
When I was driving, the mount for the brake line dropped and twisted and damaged the steering rod. I drove straight to a mechanic, and he showed me that the frame was rusted out completely, and the truck is not safe to drive.