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: Jul 18, 2022
I am unable to remove key from ignition switch when the car is placed in park requiring shifting several times to finally remove key. 2017 Forester with less than 40,000 miles on it.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
If you do not start the car everyday, the car drains the battery. Car must be jumped.nothing left on. It has a battery drain problem.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2022
A small pebble hit the windshield while driving on the highway and now there's a huge crack in it.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
My windshield cracked without any damage. While driving down the road one giant crack appeared out of nowhere.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
This morning August 29 2022 I started my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, when I put it in gear the car just took off before I could stop it. The idle when about 5000 RPM and then up and down. I was able to get the vehicle stopped and parked. I tried starting the vehicle again and the same. The vehicle is on its way to Crews Subaru North Charleston. Even the tow truck driver wouldn't drive the vehicle. This... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
This morning August 29 2022 I started my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, when I put it in gear the car just took off before I could stop it. The idle when about 5000 RPM and then up and down. I was able to get the vehicle stopped and parked. I tried starting the vehicle again and the same. The vehicle is on its way to Crews Subaru North Charleston. Even the tow truck driver wouldn't drive the vehicle. This... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
This morning August 29 2022 I started my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, when I put it in gear the car just took off before I could stop it. The idle when about 5000 RPM and then up and down. I was able to get the vehicle stopped and parked. I tried starting the vehicle again and the same. The vehicle is on its way to Crews Subaru North Charleston. Even the tow truck driver wouldn't drive the vehicle. This... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2021
I have had to have my windshield replaced four times since purchasing the vehicle in June of 2021. Small chips and cracks have formed from the smallest debris on the road, and even a small rock can cause a foot-long crack.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
2nd event - SOY based transmission wiring chewed. TWICE in two years. Car garaged, traps in garage. Our cost: about $1500. Time in shop - 3 months, due to "no parts".
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
On 08/23/2022 while driving on a four lane city street, light rain, moderate traffic, at about 35 mph, the car suddenly lost forward speed, depresssing the accelerator move rpm to over 3000, with continued loss of forward speed, until suddenly the drive train engaged and forward speed resumed. This is the fourth time this type of event has occured. A check at a Subaru dealer the next day revealed... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
On 08/23/2022 while driving on a four lane city street, light rain, moderate traffic, at about 35 mph, the car suddenly lost forward speed, depresssing the accelerator move rpm to over 3000, with continued loss of forward speed, until suddenly the drive train engaged and forward speed resumed. This is the fourth time this type of event has occured. A check at a Subaru dealer the next day revealed... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
I was driving home on a road I drive on regularly at 40 mph. The car unexpectedly accelerated to a high rate of speed causing me to go off the road. I was unable to stop. The brake pedal went to the floor. The car went airborne, just missing a huge tree. It slammed into the ground & continued on to crash into 3 cars & someone’s garage! The car continued to rev & was bouncing back & forth between... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
I was driving home on a road I drive on regularly at 40 mph. The car unexpectedly accelerated to a high rate of speed causing me to go off the road. I was unable to stop. The brake pedal went to the floor. The car went airborne, just missing a huge tree. It slammed into the ground & continued on to crash into 3 cars & someone’s garage! The car continued to rev & was bouncing back & forth between... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 27, 2022
Battery is dying pre-emptively. Have gone through 2 batteries in one month.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
On multiple occasions, the center console has gone black and I have no control over any of the car's functions (e.g. climate control, navigation, radio, ability to turn on/off safety features, etc). This had been happening for several weeks before the more concerning incident. The auto-stop/start at a red light failed to work. The car shut off, but wouldn't restart for several seconds. Eventually ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2022
2017 Subaru Outback -- have nearly 50K miles on it. Suddenly the key is not removing from the ignition key slot. I looked this up and see this is a recurring problem in Subarus. I anticipated it can't cost a huge amount to take care of this problem. See people have quoted $500 / $600, or more, and that was a few years ago! Are you kidding? That's ridiculous and not in a cost range I can afford! ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
My car had it's third transmission installed in October 2021 at 42,730 miles. The car currently has just under 52,000 miles. The current transmission is exhibiting symptoms of slipping and delayed gear engagement. The slipping is most concerning due to the unpredictable and non-linear acceleration when I press the accelerator. I don't know if a light accelerator application will give the expec... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
battery was working and vehicle driven to a location. When returning to vehicle and trying to start battery was found 100% discharged and tested to 0% charge left leaving driver stranded. I had to get battery tested to see what the issue was, contacted dealer who had me bring the vehicle in and they tested battery, charged and stated OK. I questioned the situation as, how can it be OK, if the i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
A CHILD OWNS THIS VEHICLE
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
Windshield cracked while being parked on driveway over the week. Car has not been driven for a week and has not been hit by anything prior, normal outdoor temperature 50-85F.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
The SUV developed the long crack across its windshield (see attachment) while parked in garage. There was no impact to cause the disintegration. There was a minor "star" damage at the bottom of the windshield, approx. 3/4 - 1 inch wide, no ding, that had occurred some two weeks prior, that I was about to get repaired. The concern here is quality of the glass that is easily damaged and disintegra... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2020
My 3rd windshield needs to be replaced for cracking clear across. The first one shattered after a pine one fell from a tree and completely shattered the glass. Employer paid 1,000 (see pic)The next was hit by small pebbles and it instantly cracked one half of windshield. Insurance paid with 500 deductible. This time I heard a pop and a crack appeared from the bottom and continued to crack all ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
Under warranty had to jump battery 3 times to start vehicle one time 300 miles from home Subaru put in new battery last week battery volts always below 12 volts. Put vote meter on battery after 30 minute trip read 11.9 volts had my wife step on gas volts drop to 11.5 volts . Repeated experiment again same result . Concern this winter will get stranded in cold wearher.at same time as this test I ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
The car was not used for two weeks (parked at home garage). When we came back from our trip, the battery died. Everything (lights etc.) had been turned off. The tow service came to jump started my car, and I drove to the dealership. I took it to the dealership, they inspected the car, recharged the battery, sent me home. The service person suggested I put in a battery tender to keep car outback... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that the battery was drained quickly, causing the battery to need frequent recharging. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the replacement was not covered under warranty... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2021
The manufacturer has known about this at least since December 2021. Their solution is to reprogram the transmission control unit. Waiting nine months or more for a reprogram seems excessive to me.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
Front Windshield has broken last year without any sign of impact. This year front windshield has broken after very light impact. Front windshield is very weak and is not reliable even after replacement.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the vehicle was in the park position in a parking space but was unsure if the shifter was in park when without warning, the vehicle rolled down a hill and crashed into a chain link fence and burial wall. No warning lights illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was needed. A police... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the vehicle was in the park position in a parking space but was unsure if the shifter was in park when without warning, the vehicle rolled down a hill and crashed into a chain link fence and burial wall. No warning lights illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was needed. A police... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
Windshield cracked
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
Subaru has a known issue with a Thermo Control Valve in Foresters. Apparently the part is failing all over the place and they redesigned the part and are replacing it. The problem is the part is backordered and the dealerships are telling people it is safe to drive the car. Our car completely shut off at highway speed. I have since learned this is happening to a number of other owners who were... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
Subaru has a known issue with a Thermo Control Valve in Foresters. Apparently the part is failing all over the place and they redesigned the part and are replacing it. The problem is the part is backordered and the dealerships are telling people it is safe to drive the car. Our car completely shut off at highway speed. I have since learned this is happening to a number of other owners who were... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
Subaru has a known issue with a Thermo Control Valve in Foresters. Apparently the part is failing all over the place and they redesigned the part and are replacing it. The problem is the part is backordered and the dealerships are telling people it is safe to drive the car. Our car completely shut off at highway speed. I have since learned this is happening to a number of other owners who were... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
The windshield cracked from a minor stone impact while driving on a highway. This is the second time it cracked since purchasing in March of 2021. The first cracked windshield was replaced by the dealer under warranty since no impact indication was detected. The crack is documented in pictures and the windshield will require replacement in order to comply with local regulations. The crack location... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2022
Environmental and safety issue. The AC System has failed three times now. SUBARU dealer checked the system for leaks at in November 2021 (mileage about 22,000 miles) and could not locate any leak but added freon. AC System stopped working again in August 2022 at 24,000 miles. Mechanic checked system, found a loose connector and tightened it, then recharged Freon in system. After 4 days, syste... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2022
Environmental and safety issue. The AC System has failed three times now. SUBARU dealer checked the system for leaks at in November 2021 (mileage about 22,000 miles) and could not locate any leak but added freon. AC System stopped working again in August 2022 at 24,000 miles. Mechanic checked system, found a loose connector and tightened it, then recharged Freon in system. After 4 days, syste... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
Recently, while driving home in traffic, with the car in drive while braking, my car stalled in the middle of the road. Since then, it has happened 4 times. Upon breaking while the car is in Drive, the car stalls and Check Engine Light, Battery, Engine Oil, Oil Temp, AWD, and Traction Control Warning Light come on. When I shift the car into Park, turn off the car, and restart, the lights go away a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
I was pulling into a parking lot. The attendant told me to back our 2017 Outback into a spot running along a fence and row of trees. I pulled forward, put my foot on the brake to fully stop. I then moved from "drive" to "reverse". Immediately, the engine started to rev very loudly as if my foot was on the accelerator (it was not!). The accelerator seemingly went to the floor and within a few secon... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
I was pulling into a parking lot. The attendant told me to back our 2017 Outback into a spot running along a fence and row of trees. I pulled forward, put my foot on the brake to fully stop. I then moved from "drive" to "reverse". Immediately, the engine started to rev very loudly as if my foot was on the accelerator (it was not!). The accelerator seemingly went to the floor and within a few secon... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while her daughter was sitting inside the vehicle, the front windshield suddenly started to crack. The crack extended approximately sixteen inches from the driver’s side to the passenger’s side. The contact indicated that no objects had struck the windshield to cause the crack. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Subaru Starlink system flickers, selects apps and does all of this without ANY touching. At times, the backup camera is not working. Having a phone connected does not improve the problem.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Infotainment system screen is bubbling causing input to the user interface with no driver action. I consider this a safety issue due to the fact I can not turn the system off or deactivate it. The car starts playing music, making phone calls, changing navigation settings ect... This creates a persistent and strong hazard. I can not focus on the road, hear emergency sirens or other cars alerting... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
The car's battery keeps draining inexplicably, leaving the car unable to start.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
I received notice of this recall in February 2022 and nothing has been done. Meanwhile I fear that my car is experiencing the problem that it addresses. What good is a safety recall as serious as this one may be if the manufacturer is not going to promptly address the problem?
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that the driver’s side door window cracked without warning or impact. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the window needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that 6-months later, while his wife was utilizing the vehicle, she noticed that the front windshield had c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
Excessive battery drain for no reason. The vehicle has a random battery drain for no apparent reason. This vehicle has less than 26K miles on it and has needed a charge or jump-start more than 10+ times. We have been able to replicate the problem numerous times, once charged, the battery and alternator pass tests.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2022
I was de-frosting my windshield early in the morning when I watched a crack start at the base of the driver's side windshield and travel up the window and back down to the base of the windshield. The car was not moving, there was no impact to the windshield at all. I contacted the Subaru dealer and brought the car in to be inspected. They told me that the crack was because of a rock chip although ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
The head gaskets have failed multiple times with this vehicle within a 6 month timeframe. The head gaskets have been a reported recall issue for other models of Subaru Impreza's except the non-turbo ones which this one is. The shop where is has been repaired at repairs several Subaru's that are non-turbo models monthly due to blown head gaskets. The head gasket failure in my vehicle has caused oth... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
Sometimes as I'm coming to a stop, such as at a red light or a stop sign, just before I stop, the car lurches and then stalls. This is an automatic transmission car, but the best way I can think of to describe what is happening is it is acting as if it is a manual transmission, and when you come to a stop and don't press in the clutch. If this happens at an inopportune time, it could cause an ac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
Front subframe has rotted away in several spots. This makes the vehicle extremely unsafe to drive. With possible wheel loss or control of steering. Problem has been confirmed by independent repair shop during state inspection. No warning lights are on or possible for this issue. Issue was first noticed from noise coming from front of vehicle like rocks bouncing around, followed by strong pulling... Read more