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: Dec 15, 2021
Have been experiencing issues with the transmission for 6 months. Still have not been provided a remedy to correct the issue.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the Brake Hold feature failed to automatically disengage and the vehicle was driven and a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who indicated that the noise was due to a faulty transmission and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
My windshield simply cracked for no reason that I can tell. I parked it in garage and came out the next morning and there was a crack all the way across to middle of the car. Started on the driver side mid height of the windshield and ran horizontally to just under the eyesight cameras. I don't see where anything hit it or chipped it.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
On multiple occasions I have had the infotainment system (the touchscreen) either freeze, go completely blank, or reset itself while driving. Most often this has happened while using Apple Car Play but that's not always the case. When this occurs, I also get a message that EyeSight is not available. While this has not caused me to have an accident the potential is there. I have had the screen go b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2022
While stopped at a light. My windshield cracked from the bottom to middle of the glass. No point of entry
Incident date: Jun 26, 2022
While stopped at a light. My windshield cracked from the bottom to middle of the glass. No point of entry
Incident date: Jun 26, 2022
While stopped at a light. My windshield cracked from the bottom to middle of the glass. No point of entry
Incident date: Jun 15, 2021
The CVT Transmission has a known problem where the torque converter causes stalling. This issue is well documented on Subaru forums. I took my vehicle to Subaru about the problem and they said the fix for the stalling is to replace the Torque Converter., It is not yet covered for a recall despite being such a large issue with these vehicles.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2021
The CVT Transmission has a known problem where the torque converter causes stalling. This issue is well documented on Subaru forums. I took my vehicle to Subaru about the problem and they said the fix for the stalling is to replace the Torque Converter., It is not yet covered for a recall despite being such a large issue with these vehicles.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2022
Battery died following limited use.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
Repeated battery drained issues. Multiple batteries replaced.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
I was driving about 55 mph on a county highway and an animal appeared in the road. I hit the brakes suddenly, and my work bag containing my laptop and file folders that I had placed on the backseat behind my driver seat Flew forwards and hit the back of my seat. I felt the impact in my spine, And by the next morning I had moderate back pain moving and breathing as if my ribs were bruised. I can o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2020
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jump started. The contact had the battery replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic found not fault with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2022
The Brake, ABS, and traction control (VDC) lights all came on a couple of weeks ago. I brought the vehicle into the Subaru dealership and they diagnosed a failed Vehicle Dynamics Control board as the problem. I've requested to receive the old VDC board. That there were brake issues was clearly indicated by the dash lights, so my safety risk was low. There seemed to be no impact to regular brake f... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2022
The Brake, ABS, and traction control (VDC) lights all came on a couple of weeks ago. I brought the vehicle into the Subaru dealership and they diagnosed a failed Vehicle Dynamics Control board as the problem. I've requested to receive the old VDC board. That there were brake issues was clearly indicated by the dash lights, so my safety risk was low. There seemed to be no impact to regular brake f... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2020
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the coolant needed to be replenished frequently. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where a pressure test was performed however, the mechanic did not discover failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
Battery repeatedly drains when vehicle not used. Have replaced multiple batteries. Alternator checked and functioning.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
I’ve had my Outback for almost 6 years. I’m on my third battery. Recently in the past 3 months the battery I’ve had since 2/21 keeps going dead. It will not hold a charge and goes dead at inconvenient times. I live 30 miles from Reno and driving there for a meeting after which I try to start my car and it’s dead. I can start it with jumper cables and then I drive home. With normal driving... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
Please note: I have already had the windshield replaced once. This is the second windshield on this vehicle. My windshield was hit by a rock on the front passenger side and it "spidered" instantly. For the past month it has spidered a little more. After washing my car on 6/21, the spidering has extended across the windshield to the driver's side in the driver's line of sight. Washing my car di... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2022
On or around May 20, 2022, I was driving on a highway. I took an exit ramp to merge onto another highway. I accelerated and merged in front of a bus and was headed towards a toll plaza when I felt something and heard something. I took my foot off of the accelerator. My car stayed revving at 4500 RPMs with my foot off of the accelerator. I slammed my foot into the accelerator two times and the acce... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
Car does not respond when accelerating/attempting to accelerate. Takes 3-5 seconds to engage when press on gas from stopped/brake position, also very slow to accelerate when changing speeds. Took car in for service and was told not transmission, but still having issue. Dealer stated they couldn't reproduce issue when was in for service, but nearly immediately upon driving away, it had same issue... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2022
Issue with passenger air bag. Issue was caught and detected by dealership as ods sensor error. Further research revealed recall in vehicles of the same year, make, and model as vehicle in question for that part. Dealership and corporate offices deny relation of problems with recall, claim no such recall exists for the vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2022
Issue with passenger air bag. Issue was caught and detected by dealership as ods sensor error. Further research revealed recall in vehicles of the same year, make, and model as vehicle in question for that part. Dealership and corporate offices deny relation of problems with recall, claim no such recall exists for the vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
Windshield developed a crack of about 20” that starts at the passenger side of the vehicle and worked its way inward.
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) — SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 23, 2022
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
Whilst driving down Highway 101 near Sequim WA, I was on cruise control doing 55 MPH going up a steep hill which I have done numerous times before without issue. When all of a sudden the car suddenly slowed down, for me to hear honking from a Semi behind me who had to suddenly swerve to go around us to stop him from rear ending me (luckily that part of the road on the hill had a second lane for t... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) — ENGINE
Jun 23, 2022
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
Whilst driving down Highway 101 near Sequim WA, I was on cruise control doing 55 MPH going up a steep hill which I have done numerous times before without issue. When all of a sudden the car suddenly slowed down, for me to hear honking from a Semi behind me who had to suddenly swerve to go around us to stop him from rear ending me (luckily that part of the road on the hill had a second lane for t... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 23, 2022
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
Whilst driving down Highway 101 near Sequim WA, I was on cruise control doing 55 MPH going up a steep hill which I have done numerous times before without issue. When all of a sudden the car suddenly slowed down, for me to hear honking from a Semi behind me who had to suddenly swerve to go around us to stop him from rear ending me (luckily that part of the road on the hill had a second lane for t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2022
DASHBOARD HAS MELTED FROM SUN AND HEAT, HAS BECOME EXTREMELY SHINEY & STICKY, PLUS SUN & HEADLIGHTS REFLECT OFF THE WINDSCREEN.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Transmission failed on my 2011 Subaru Outback as I was entering the freeway, putting me in a very dangerous situation and at risk for being hit by other drivers. I didn't know it was transmission failure until I took it to a service center and they told me my transmission had failed and would need to be either rebuilt or replaced. Multiple dash warning lights came on as the car was stalling ou... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2022
spontaneous windshield crack. parked the car at night and there was nothing wrong with the windshield. Next day i go to drive and there is a seven inch crack starting mid way up the screen on the passenger side. There is no sign of an impact and the crack is very wide. I can get a finger nail inside the crack.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the passenger’s seat air bag sensor failed to recognize a passenger seated in the passenger’s seat. The air bag off message remained off while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and offered assistance. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2022
While driving one day on the road I heard a pop noise and noticed a huge thin line crack in my windshield. This was directly in front of my line of vision while driving. It made it extremely difficult and dangerous to see while driving and light would reflect off the crack causing a glare. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an independent service center and has been inspected by an independent... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, she noticed there was a crack on the front windshield. There was no impact to the windshield that could have caused the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,593.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
Apply getting in my car on June 20th I noticed a 8" Crack starting at the edge of the windshield on the right side about a quarter of the way up from the bottom pfrom the bottom. This is since propagated significantly. The interesting thing is that I just replaced the windshield 4 months ago for a failure that was remarkably similar no associated rock strikeThe crack starting at the right edge.Thi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2021
-Engine Head Gasket (Blown), Yes. -Engine coolant created cloud of white vapor while driving, impairing ability to visually assess the road. Leaked hazardous fluid over freeway possibly contaminating soils and affecting local wildlife. -The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by Eastside Subaru in Kirkland, WA. -The vehicle has been inspected by Eastside Subaru in Kirkland, WA. -There was n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Front passenger seat air bag sensor, front passenger seat occupancy sensor, front passenger seat airbag computer, red air bag warning light, yellow passenger airbag "on/off" light, seat belt warning and chime. Air bag disabled warning intermittently comes on. Specifically, air bag warning (red) light occurs and yellow pass airbag active light will indicate passenger air bag inactive/off. Some... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
When parking the vehicle has experience unexpected acceleration. this issue has occurred 2 times in the last few months and thankfully I did not hit another vehicle or person. I called the dealer but unfortunately they informed me that unless this happens with a tech in the car they will not replace anything
Incident date: May 11, 2022
FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED STARTING AT PASSENGER SIDE TO MIDDLE OF WINDSHIELD. CAR WAS SITTING IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. SUBARU SAID THEY WONT PAY FOR IT EVEN THOUGH THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY IS STILL CURRENT. HAD TO REPLACE WINDSHIELD, $1750.00.
Incident date: May 6, 2022
a crack developed at the base of the windshield and spread across the windshield
Incident date: Jun 18, 2022
Windshield developed large L or J shaped crack from very top near roof line, down center of windshield and turns toward the Drivers side. This car was PARKED in our driveway at home when it cracked. No stone chips, nothing dropped on it as you can see in attached pictures. We will schedule a visit to Subaru dealer here in Knoxville, TN. for inspection. No warnings because vehicle was parked in our... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2022
Windshield developed large L or J shaped crack from very top near roof line, down center of windshield and turns toward the Drivers side. This car was PARKED in our driveway at home when it cracked. No stone chips, nothing dropped on it as you can see in attached pictures. We will schedule a visit to Subaru dealer here in Knoxville, TN. for inspection. No warnings because vehicle was parked in our... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, she noticed a crack on the windshield which started from the bottom of the front windshield and expanded to the driver's side casing a visibility hazard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The representative at the dealer took a picture and forwarded the picture to the manufacturer. The ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2021
As I am driving when I move from coasting or light throttle application to applying the throttle there is a grinding sound and hesitation/momentary lack of engagement form the transmission. This is very concerning when traveling. Per the recall notice from Subaru at any time the transmission could lock-up or quit functioning and my family and I could be left on the side of the road with an inopera... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle performed as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,0... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
On multiple occasions the car battery was drained and required a jump to start. Battery replaced less than 5 months ago. Service technicians unable to identify problem with alternator or parasitic drain.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2022
The engine stalled/locked and clipped an 18 wheeler trying to get to the shoulder of I-294. I have been taking the 2014 Subaru to Countryside Subaru since April 14, 2021 with issues of lights coming on on the dashboard. It caused a serious accident. The car was totaled by the insurance company. Subaru had me call Subaru Advocacy who had just agreed to pay $3,500 towards a new engine, with me pa... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Battery was drained completely when rear hatch is opened for the short period of time to unload stuffs from the car. Similar situation happened when the car was about a year old. When rear hatch was opened for less than an hour to sit at rear part of the car and watch an event, battery was completel... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2022
I was using the adaptive cruise control on the highway set to 55 mph. The car suddenly decelerated to ~44 mph so quickly I had whiplash. There was no other vehicle in front of me and the highway was clear of debris. The dealership said this could be caused by a glare.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2022
I was using the adaptive cruise control on the highway set to 55 mph. The car suddenly decelerated to ~44 mph so quickly I had whiplash. There was no other vehicle in front of me and the highway was clear of debris. The dealership said this could be caused by a glare.