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: Sep 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while reversing, the Back Over Prevention screen failed to display an image. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact also stated that after starting the vehicle or while driving at various speeds, the front passenger’s side seat belt and air bag warning lights would illuminate without an occupant se... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while reversing, the Back Over Prevention screen failed to display an image. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact also stated that after starting the vehicle or while driving at various speeds, the front passenger’s side seat belt and air bag warning lights would illuminate without an occupant se... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
The problem seems to be a faulty Thermo Control Valve Assembly. When I started the car, the dashboard lit up with several warning signs including the check engine light and 6 or 7 other warning lights. I also received texts and emails from Subaru saying to have my vehicle serviced ASAP. My 2019 Forester only has about 16,000 miles on the odometer. Continuing to drive would cause damage to the eng... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
The problem seems to be a faulty Thermo Control Valve Assembly. When I started the car, the dashboard lit up with several warning signs including the check engine light and 6 or 7 other warning lights. I also received texts and emails from Subaru saying to have my vehicle serviced ASAP. My 2019 Forester only has about 16,000 miles on the odometer. Continuing to drive would cause damage to the eng... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
Vehicle infotainment system refused to start up without long delay (20 seconds or so) preventing various safety systems from initializing. This has been a recurring problem with this vehicle for two years.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
Vehicle infotainment system refused to start up without long delay (20 seconds or so) preventing various safety systems from initializing. This has been a recurring problem with this vehicle for two years.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2022
Unknown. I am unsure of the issue. However, there is an issue. & it is very dangerous... This has happend about 5, or 6 times now. Sometimes when I am making a turn (I believe it is related to the braking), My steering wheel locks up (as if the key isn't in the ignition). It only lasts for a second, or two. But again, it is very dangerous. & I am at my wits end trying to figure out what the iss... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
The parking sensor has failed, there's a TSB (16-112-18R) related and numerous other complaints on forums and websites.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
The horn does not respond when pressing the button on the steering wheel. The only works if the steering wheel is turned. This is a hazard as the horn is needed to prevent a collision. I have had near miss collisions due to this failure.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
Car was parked on driveway (6 degree slope to rear) Car was placed in park Driver exited car to go into house when she came out car had rolled down the driveway to hit another car parked across street rear facing bot cars had rear damage. The same thing happened to the car one week later when parked in the garage placed in park but started to roll back. Was able to stop it because I was still i... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 18, 2022
Suspected defective and/or faulty brake booster or brake hose on the front left tire. Car starts violently shaking/shuddering when easing onto the brakes (once the brakes have warmed up for my daily commute to work). Resulting vibrations travel up the steering column to the steering wheel, and into the cabin. The car will then pitch its nose in various directions; it feels as though the front left... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2022
Vehicle will not start after it has rained or if auto shut down occurs while it is raining. Vehicle has to be jump started if raining. Might start if “dried out” or left in dry conditions.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2022
Vehicle will not start after it has rained or if auto shut down occurs while it is raining. Vehicle has to be jump started if raining. Might start if “dried out” or left in dry conditions.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
I had a battery that was about 1 year old that died suddenly. I called Triple AAA and they replaced it, and 1 week later, the new battery died and the car wouldn't start, so AAA came and replaced it again. 3 days after that the 3rd battery died. AAA confirmed both times that there was nothing wrong with the alternator and everything looked fine. Looking online it seems that this has been a com... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
Battery cannot hold a charge even after jumping the car. Once jumped, the car will drive but when the engine is turned off, it cannot turn back on without a jump.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
Brand new battery dies after letting the car sit for 3-10 days. Car draws 183mAmps of power just sitting, with no key in ignition and no doors open. This high amount of current kills the battery after letting the car sit for days. Legacy models after 2015 were recalled for this issue but not other years. This is an unacceptable product defect leaving customers stranded in potential remote location... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
Battery continually dies. Driven daily and even after driving same day battery will be dead. Issue occurs more frequently when headlights are set on auto. Seems battery drains when car is off but still pulling a charge. Have been stranded numerous times since purchasing the car 2 years ago. Have had battery checked and told it is fine.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
2011 Subaru Outback has low rpm/idle stalling condition. This has caused a very dangerous safety issue while in traffic on the highway , while slowing in traffic. Several times I narrowly escaped an accident. This condition can prove deadly. There is currently a TSB 16-90-13r. This is not a recall and it should be. All years 2010-2012 especially on the Subaru Outback have been affected. The fix is... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
2011 Subaru Outback has low rpm/idle stalling condition. This has caused a very dangerous safety issue while in traffic on the highway , while slowing in traffic. Several times I narrowly escaped an accident. This condition can prove deadly. There is currently a TSB 16-90-13r. This is not a recall and it should be. All years 2010-2012 especially on the Subaru Outback have been affected. The fix is... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2022
Started car and all warning lights on dash were flashing. Turned car off and car would not start and there was a loud ticking noise coming from the engine bay.Contacted AAA and technician checked battery and verified that it was dead and he was not able to start the car and this time there was a different loud ticking noise with all dash warning lights flashing. Installed higher quality battery ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2021
Secondary air system failure air control value seized witch cause a failed emissions second replacment. Inorder to replace you need to take apart complete manifold not an eazy replace. The failure is keeping me from passing safety emissions
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
2020 Subaru Ascent Premium.. Rear lift gate at times will not open electronically, and sounds an “alarm” locking the mechanism which prevents it from being opened. The alarm and lockout does not stop until the battery is disconnected. The first time this occurred was at a Subaru Dealership, the second time was at a location where it was necessary for me to go home to my shop to get the battery... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
When starting the vehicle in a narrow area, the reverse automatic braking will sometimes activate. This causes the anti-lock brake system to actuate while the car is backing up making a rapid clicking noise. After backing up approximately 6-8 feet, the vehicle will stall, the steering wheel will lock, and all warning dash lights such as "check engine" will be on. Air conditioning codes are trigger... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
When starting the vehicle in a narrow area, the reverse automatic braking will sometimes activate. This causes the anti-lock brake system to actuate while the car is backing up making a rapid clicking noise. After backing up approximately 6-8 feet, the vehicle will stall, the steering wheel will lock, and all warning dash lights such as "check engine" will be on. Air conditioning codes are trigger... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
When starting the vehicle in a narrow area, the reverse automatic braking will sometimes activate. This causes the anti-lock brake system to actuate while the car is backing up making a rapid clicking noise. After backing up approximately 6-8 feet, the vehicle will stall, the steering wheel will lock, and all warning dash lights such as "check engine" will be on. Air conditioning codes are trigger... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2020
The car's braking system has a severe shudder at times, as well as a loud noise, and seems hesitant with stopping abilities. The dealership confirmed the issues, turned the rotors within the first year of ownership. Problem did not improve. The front brakes and rotors were replaced at 24000 miles. Within a couple months problem was occurring again. Dealership said they couldn't duplicate the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2014
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle’s hood had suddenly opened impairing the contact’s vision. The contact ended up swerving the vehicle and crashing into a nearby tree. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle had not been towed. There were no injuries and no medical attention needed. A police report was filed. The v... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
Fuel gauge system became inaccurate in February 2022, showing 100 extra miles available upon filling tank, 450 instead of 350, also gallons left on fuel gauge was inaccurate, off by 4 gallons. Went to Subaru dealership/Service Dept. & was told that I would have to replace gauges & fuel tank, due to warranty past 3 years. I decided to not replace, just keep track. They said they'd never heard of th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2022
Part #21319AA010 COOLANT CONTROL VALVE ASSEMBLY. THERE IS A HUGE LINE 25 CUSTOMERS FOR THE SAME PART AT THE SUBARU DEALER I PURCHSAED THE 2019 BASE FORESTER FROM. CODE HAS BEEN READ. CODE P2682. VEHICLE HAS 50000 MILES. THE PART IS $435 PLUS INSTALLATION. NO LIGHT ON DASH, NO WARNING AT ALL BEFORE THE FAILURE CODE.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
BATTERY DRAINED WITHOUT REASON
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
I purchased the car new in January 2021. During the first several months there were no issues. After that, the "Infotainment" system which controls the sound, nav, hvac, etc. systems would suddenly go black and those functions would stop working. It would seem to reboot as a computer does when you restart it. That was distracting but mostly just annoying, lasting less than 30 seconds. I will ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
I purchased the car new in January 2021. During the first several months there were no issues. After that, the "Infotainment" system which controls the sound, nav, hvac, etc. systems would suddenly go black and those functions would stop working. It would seem to reboot as a computer does when you restart it. That was distracting but mostly just annoying, lasting less than 30 seconds. I will ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
I purchased the car new in January 2021. During the first several months there were no issues. After that, the "Infotainment" system which controls the sound, nav, hvac, etc. systems would suddenly go black and those functions would stop working. It would seem to reboot as a computer does when you restart it. That was distracting but mostly just annoying, lasting less than 30 seconds. I will ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2021
Battery failed in first 6 months of owning the car. Battery was replaced at Gilman Subaru Selma Texas. Battery and relay at North Park Body shop during the repair for hail damage. The car was at this shop from April 20th 2022 until the middle of July 2022. The day the car was picked up the electronic door locks did not work. The car was taken to North Park Subaru to diagnosis and repair a fault... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
Battery repeatedly drains with short drives or if car is parked for 72 hours such that the vehicle will not start.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
Battery died a month after purchasing the car used. Now the new Subaru OEM battery, that replaced the original, is also failing on a regular basis. I have to charge the battery about every other time I try to start the car.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2021
I purchased an Subaru Outback touring edition, with a turbo 4 cylinder engine, on February 8, 2020. My battery failed in 3/20, on 4/15/20 Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek replaced the dead battery. In March of 2022 my battery died again. I was told the rear cargo light had been left on and that drained the battery. They recharged the battery and said the battery was good. After this event I bought a ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
Plastic trim on my front driver side door is falling off. The plastic that is clipped and taped at the bottom of the door.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
The windshield cracked without any noticeable impact. I noticed a crack 12-15 inches when I got into the vehicle the next day. The day prior I had not noticed the crack, not noticed any impact sound, no incident happened. I’d not been driving on the highway and I maintained more than 3 car lengths of following distance. I was driving under 40mph the day prior to noticing the crack. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
Cracked windshield from no impact
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
I was driving to work and my car started stalling. So i pulled into a parking spot and when I got out I noticed a trail of oil behind the car. I closed the door and the car started smoking and within seconds it was in flames. I bought it on 7/25 and on 8/3 it was gone. It only had 78 miles on it, 100% driven on city streets. I have several pictures and videos of the event but this site doesn't sup... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
I was driving to work and my car started stalling. So i pulled into a parking spot and when I got out I noticed a trail of oil behind the car. I closed the door and the car started smoking and within seconds it was in flames. I bought it on 7/25 and on 8/3 it was gone. It only had 78 miles on it, 100% driven on city streets. I have several pictures and videos of the event but this site doesn't sup... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
I was driving to work and my car started stalling. So i pulled into a parking spot and when I got out I noticed a trail of oil behind the car. I closed the door and the car started smoking and within seconds it was in flames. I bought it on 7/25 and on 8/3 it was gone. It only had 78 miles on it, 100% driven on city streets. I have several pictures and videos of the event but this site doesn't sup... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
The rear brakes on the above referenced vehicle failed due to environmental corrosion. This is aligned with recall WQK47-2 which was open for the effected vehicle. The vehicle was transported to Suburban Subaru of Vernon CT for recall resolution. The dealership service department was not willing to complete the repair for different reasons. The vehicle was returned to me, with the rear brakes inop... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
Battery failure ( would not charge or hold a charge)
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
The infotainment system when a phone is hooked up to it via a usb cord it will turn of and begin a repowering process that turns off the rear camera that is part of that system. this does not give you the safety of being able to back up without the rear camera. i have taken my car in to Subaru four time and they have replaced the infotainment system three times in total. i continue to have the sam... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2022
The front window was hit by chips seal pebbles from the car in front of us and chipped the window, twice. It was repaired with standard window chip repair.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormally loud sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer performed an oil consumption test and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to Te... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
I been having issues with my brake When I’m driving out of know where my whole brake goes all the way down and it takes a minute to actually brake. As well when that happens my eyesight goes off. This is a big risk I’m taking when im driving. I took my car to the Subaru dealership and they couldn’t find the reason why my car is doing it.