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: Oct 15, 2022
No matter what Subaru does the infotainment system which controls the safety systems crashes randomly and weekly. Disabling all the Eyesight safety features.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
I have had two incidents where my battery has died. The first time it happened I had the keys in the ignition, the car was off, while I was talking on my phone. Weird, but I was told not to do that any more. Since than I have made sure the keys were out of the ignition when sitting in the car with the ignition off. We brought a new battery then. The second happened yesterday 10-14-22. I had ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2022
I noticed the windshield of my Ascent premium has thousands of millions of glaring specks/dots when facing the sunlight in early morning or late afternoon. The windshield becomes so blurry and extremely annoying. This happens only in early morning when facing the sun or late afternoon.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2022
Sunroof exploded outward, the majority of the glass was blown away. The sunshade was open. The temperature was 56 degrees. I was traveling north on I 15 in Davis Couty, Utah. I was not injured, there were no other occupants. I drove to Subaru dealer, they said they have seen this before, only one case. It was inspected by service dealer and deemed safe to drive with sunshade closed. There were no ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2022
Sunroof exploded outward, the majority of the glass was blown away. The sunshade was open. The temperature was 56 degrees. I was traveling north on I 15 in Davis Couty, Utah. I was not injured, there were no other occupants. I drove to Subaru dealer, they said they have seen this before, only one case. It was inspected by service dealer and deemed safe to drive with sunshade closed. There were no ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2022
The contact owned a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 20 mph for unknown reasons, she veered off the road into a ditch, rolled over, and crashed into a tree. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The driver sustained injuries to her back, fractured vertebrae... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
Our 2020 Outback XT Onyx Edition with 24,000 miles was parked for 9 days at an airport. Union return, the battery was completely dead. We received a jump and drove the car for an hour on the highway, but noticed the electrical systems acting up at parking lot speeds - EyeSight system would disable briefly, power steering would get stiff, and ABS would trigger randomly when turning at low RPM. U... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2022
Just had my battery replaced and it’s already dead.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
While driving our 2014 Subaru Forester Inclined Assist, ABS, and maintenance lights and worded warnings came on. I scheduled a repair for asap which was completed on 10/13/2022. The independent shop told me the repair was a known problem and this shop has done 4 of these repairs. Subaru actually sells a kit with the parts and fluid (?) for the repair. My understanding is inclined assist (whe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
While driving our 2014 Subaru Forester Inclined Assist, ABS, and maintenance lights and worded warnings came on. I scheduled a repair for asap which was completed on 10/13/2022. The independent shop told me the repair was a known problem and this shop has done 4 of these repairs. Subaru actually sells a kit with the parts and fluid (?) for the repair. My understanding is inclined assist (whe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, various warning lights were illuminated. After using a personal diagnostic reader, he retrieved two unknown failure codes. The vehicle was taken to an independent where it was diagnosed that the transmission and an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persist... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2022
The contact’s husband owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that her husband had parked the vehicle and as he returned to the vehicle, he noticed a thin crack on the windshield. The contact stated that the crack started at the middle top of the windshield and extended to its bottom. The contact stated that the crack had formed without an impact to the windshield. The contact’s husban... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2022
Battery gets drained if the trunk is open longer than an hour. Left the car trunk open during our camping trip while unloading and loading and in both the instance the battery drained and we we had to scramble for help to jump start the car. This happened last time exactly the same way when we were in the campsite as well.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
My battery electric has been to hay wire from time to time and now my car is flickering all electric and car wont start. Locks wont work.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop at approximately 25 MPH, the front passenger's side subframe emitted an abnormally loud sound, and the front passenger's side tire detached from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road where he noticed that the front passenger's side ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
My daughter was concerned with the car making strange squeaking sounds on turning and braking and so I met her where her car was parked in a lot and drove it for less than 1 minute and could tell something was very wrong and that it didn't seem safe to drive home. My husband came to check as well and zeroed in on the problem being the front driver's side tire/suspension. Fortunately the Subaru dea... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
My daughter was concerned with the car making strange squeaking sounds on turning and braking and so I met her where her car was parked in a lot and drove it for less than 1 minute and could tell something was very wrong and that it didn't seem safe to drive home. My husband came to check as well and zeroed in on the problem being the front driver's side tire/suspension. Fortunately the Subaru dea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
The windshield on our 2022 Subaru Outback with less than 2000 miles was hit by a small object. The windshield chipped and then cracks began to expand. Small projectiles hit windshields all the time yet don't break like Subaru windshields. Subaru will not cover this under warranty and the repair will cost us over $1200 (front cameras need to be realigned). The reason we are reporting this is th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
Car passed inspection in May of 2022 and just last month (September) the passenger side control arm completely rotted out. I had to make emergency repairs but then discovered there is a recall.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
Car passed inspection in May of 2022 and just last month (September) the passenger side control arm completely rotted out. I had to make emergency repairs but then discovered there is a recall.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
Car passed inspection in May of 2022 and just last month (September) the passenger side control arm completely rotted out. I had to make emergency repairs but then discovered there is a recall.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle shut down completely. A message indicating that the vehicle had unexpectedly stopped, and to check the vehicle as the remote start had failed was displayed. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road safely and waited until the vehicle cooled down. The contact restarted the vehicle and continue... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
The battery constantly drains when the car is not in use for a very short time. It appears to be an electrical drain. I have already replaced the battery two times and the car has less than 15,000 miles. Apparently this is the same problem as in the 2016 - 2019 class action suit.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
While driving, advance driver assist systems became disabled, car intermittently stopped and resumed responding to accelerator, power steering became inoperative, car eventually lost all power. Gear would not shift out of drive. Emergency brake would not engage. Fortunately, I was able to coast the car to the shoulder of the road. Had to keep foot on brake until roadside assistance arrived. Car wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
Battery draining issue. Jump starts required
Incident date: Feb 8, 2021
I bought the vehicle in April 2019, the battery had to be replaced in February 2021. In September 2022 I starting having the same battery issues where it was constantly dying. I took it in to Subaru and they said the ECM was draining the battery and needed to be replaced which would be $1,000. I looked into the battery issue and Subaru has a class action lawsuit involving batteries prematurely d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, he noticed that a crack had formed on the windshield in the area under the rearview mirror. The contact stated that he did not know the cause of the failure as he had not heard a rock or debris striking the windshield. The vehicle was taken to OEM Windshields where the windshield was replaced. Howev... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2022
When I bought my car I was assured that it was impossible to lock the keys inside the car. Typically I put my dog in a special car harness and buckle him into the middle of the back seat. He's 77 lbs. and tall. It's a bit of a project to get him all set. I'm leaning over and all my stuff is hanging off of me so I drop my purse onto the floor of the back seat and put the car keys on the console bet... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2022
On 10/7/2022, all the warning lights came on and stayed on, even after tightening the fuel cap and replacing the battery. I brought the car to Ocala Subaru this morning, and paid for a diagnostic that shows the Thermal Control Valve needs replacement. Apparently this is now a common problem on this year and model Subaru. I was told that this is not covered under the powertrain warranty, even thoug... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2022
On 10/7/2022, all the warning lights came on and stayed on, even after tightening the fuel cap and replacing the battery. I brought the car to Ocala Subaru this morning, and paid for a diagnostic that shows the Thermal Control Valve needs replacement. Apparently this is now a common problem on this year and model Subaru. I was told that this is not covered under the powertrain warranty, even thoug... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2022
On 10/7/2022, all the warning lights came on and stayed on, even after tightening the fuel cap and replacing the battery. I brought the car to Ocala Subaru this morning, and paid for a diagnostic that shows the Thermal Control Valve needs replacement. Apparently this is now a common problem on this year and model Subaru. I was told that this is not covered under the powertrain warranty, even thoug... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2022
I bought a 2018 Subaru outback in January of 2022 from a Subaru dealership. Approximately 3 months after purchase the car battery died suddenly with no prior warning, so I jumped it, it started fine and I drove it to work. When I took my lunch break 3 hours later, my car was dead again. I jumped it, it stated fine and I drove home. same thing happened when I tried to go back into work, and when I ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2022
My battery has died over 7 times in the 3 years I have owned it. No systems were left on. It runs one day and won’t start the next. It shows the battery light. This first happened 6 months after owning the car leaving me stranded waiting for roadside assistance and causing me to miss work. It has happened 3 times in the past year. As I type this I am stranded again waiting for someone to come an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2022
My battery has died over 7 times in the 3 years I have owned it. No systems were left on. It runs one day and won’t start the next. It shows the battery light. This first happened 6 months after owning the car leaving me stranded waiting for roadside assistance and causing me to miss work. It has happened 3 times in the past year. As I type this I am stranded again waiting for someone to come an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2020
Battery drains fully from unknown reason. This has happened at least 3 times since purchasing the vehicle, brand new, in 2019. I have had to call roadside assistance within the first year and have purchased a 2 other new batteries. There were no light or other electrical items on which would have drained the battery. It’s starts slow where I need to jump start the vehicle about 5 times before t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2022
It just the airbags light turn on
Incident date: Aug 19, 2020
Battery drains completely and will not start if not driven for a day. Have had the battery rep,aced twice and electrical system checked, yet batteries continue to discharge and are dead if the vehicle is not driven for one day.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2022
Chronic issue with the vehicle draining batteries. I’ve gone through 4 new batteries in the time I’ve owned the vehicle and find that they die in what’s sometimes only a few months after purchase. No lights or other electronic accessories in the Outback are ever left on and we’re careful to keep doors closed when we’re not actively shuffling people or cargo in or out of the vehicle. I ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
The Vehicle's electrical system is actively draining the battery of power. This is a known problem by Subaru.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2022
While parked, I adjusted the rear view mirror to my driving position. I heard a cracking noise and saw a crack go about three inches down from the rear view mirror on the windshield. Over night it spread from the mirror all the way down to the base of the windshield. I inspected the windshield for impact damage and found none.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2022
My windshield cracked for no apparent reason. I parked my car in my garage and left for a 6-week long vacation. When I returned, I noticed a small crack at the passenger side of the windshield which grew and has moved almost past midway horizontally. There are no impact sites or something else to suggest that something has happened to the windshield. I have contacted my insurance company which has... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2022
On a reoccurring basis, my Subaru will randomly slam on the breaks, detecting an object that isn't there. Dealership has done nothing, and Subaru of America has ignored my complaints
Incident date: Oct 9, 2022
On a reoccurring basis, my Subaru will randomly slam on the breaks, detecting an object that isn't there. Dealership has done nothing, and Subaru of America has ignored my complaints
Incident date: Dec 9, 2021
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) chain may slip and/or break. NHTSA recall 21V955000 Subaru recall WRK21 A software issue in the transmission control unit (TCU) may allow the continuously variable transmission to engage before the drive chain is properly secured, the automaker says. This could result in the chain slipping and breaking, leading to a loss of power and a risk of a crash. Co... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2022
I walked into my garage and found that I have a massive crack across my windshield. It never got hit by a rock or anything, there haven’t been extreme temperature changes, it just doesn’t make sense. It has seemingly cracked for no reason.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2022
I own a 2017 Subaru WRX. On 8/10/2019 I had the battery replaced at the dealership because it does for no reason. The battery died overnight and I had to jump the car to get it to the dealership. This happened again and the battery replaced at the dealership on 9/29/2022. This time the battery got weaker each time I started the car over a period of 3 days then one day it didn't start. I had to jum... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2022
My battery failed to turn over one day and at the beginning there was a battery icon lit up in the dash, but later did not show up again. I received a jump from another person. The next morning my battery did work but not my radio. Now my radio will work at times and other times, not. I have not taken my car to a dealer or Calle them.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
I had a two-year-old battery that kept dying or starting very weakly, intermittently. I had this battery replaced by the dealer 09-16-22 at my expense. This new battery died overnight on 10-01-22, in just two weeks. No lights were left on, the car was locked, the rear hatch was fully closed. I was left stranded far from my home and I had to hitch a ride to buy a jump-starter. I tested the alternat... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Multiple occasions of vehicle cranking and not starting, or not cranking at all. Had original battery replaced at 35 months, and had new battery tested on 10/06/2022. The manufacturer mandated test showed the new battery was rated as a Fail, not meeting industry standards for this battery type/configuration. Dealer confirmed that there is no known repair available, including a reflash of the eng... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2022
My outback has 22500 miles on it. The wind shield had not visible cracks or chips. I got to work on 10/06 and when I cam back to my car there was a large 2-3 foot crack starting in the black area around the glass. the crack there was large enough to fit a piece of paper into it. It appears to have just cracked and spread apart from strain or stress on the glass. The crack runs directly across ... Read more