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: Aug 16, 2022
Purchased car on 8/15/2022 and encountering issues with: 1. oil in the air when engine is turned on 2. Onion smell when engine is turned on 3. AC if affected by oil and onion smell ; too hot when sitting in car with engine on ..sulfur? 4. Please check the gas tank for possible leak. 5. 3-yr old grandson is affected by onion, oil and possible exhaust fumes leaking into the interior of the car. Dayc... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated the low lever oil warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and he stated that the oil was low in the engine and more oil was added to the engine. The contact stated that in less than 5,000 miles the vehicle had burned all the oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
My 2021 Subaru Outback vehicle is subject to a recall for engine harness and ECM replacement, according to Subaru. I took my car in twice to the dealership and it was unable to perform the recall repair. That dealership told me that the issue presents no safety problem - is that true? (The current recall of 2022s sound like there is a safety issue.) Your website says my repair was performed. Tha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
My 2021 Subaru Outback vehicle is subject to a recall for engine harness and ECM replacement, according to Subaru. I took my car in twice to the dealership and it was unable to perform the recall repair. That dealership told me that the issue presents no safety problem - is that true? (The current recall of 2022s sound like there is a safety issue.) Your website says my repair was performed. Tha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
I was driving down the highway with no other vehicles around me. Suddenly, the middle of the windshield cracked from the bottom edge up and toward the passenger side. The car was parked overnight, and the crack spread further toward the driver side, directly in my sight line. There are 4,300 miles on the car.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger's side front seat and air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger's side front seat and air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger's side front seat and air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
There are various lights on on the dash of the vehicle when nothing is seemingly inherently wrong with the vehicle. I notified the dealership about this issue, the dealership claimed that special parts were ordered but I still have not been notifed of their arrival. This puts my safety at risk due to the fact that I am not sure wether the car actually has an issue, or if it is a mere malfunction. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
There are various lights on on the dash of the vehicle when nothing is seemingly inherently wrong with the vehicle. I notified the dealership about this issue, the dealership claimed that special parts were ordered but I still have not been notifed of their arrival. This puts my safety at risk due to the fact that I am not sure wether the car actually has an issue, or if it is a mere malfunction. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
UNKNOWN- Car electrical system drains battery to the point, after short drives, does not have sufficient amperage to start motor. No problem with battery, replaced many times, Took vehicle to dealer to trace issue and was told no issue. I found a class action Lawsuit that describe the same issue on multiple car models including mine. My spouse is a handicapped driver and has been left stranded,... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2022
Windshield cracked starting in the lower middle of the windshield. Crack started from underneath the rubber edge and grew straight up, then out to either side within a matter of days.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
My battery continues to drain prematurely. It’s been replaced twice within the year, and I just took it in for a 3rd time and the Subaru service department cannot diagnose the problem claiming my batteries were bad. There has to be an electrical problem. I’ve never owned a car with this issue and it’s less than 3 years old. It’s left me stranded with my children.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
Windshield is extremely soft and cracks easily. In less than 1.5 years I've owned the car I've gotten 3 chips/cracks and now a 4th major one that requires a full replacement. No car previously owned ever had this issue, not even the previous Subaru. After searching online this seems to be a common problem in Subarus, as there was a class action suit for earlier models. Yes, car is currently availa... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated after entering the vehicle it was discovered that the front windshield had developed a crack extending approximately four inches from the top of the windshield to the rearview mirror attachment. The contact indicated that no object or rocks had made contact with the windshield to cause the crack. The cause of the failure was not determin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
Windshield has a known cracking issue
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
Battery discharges too quickly, leaving me with a car that won't start. I've already replaced the battery once - to the tune of over $300 because I needed roadside assistance - and I'm looking at having to do it again. I've been stranded multiple times and have had to find someone to jump start my car. I just ordered a $200 car jumper so I don't get stranded again.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
Battery dies every couple months despite nothing being on without vehicle on.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
Over the last month or two the battery has been going dead over night, and sometimes almost immediately after parking it. I understand that there is a class action law suit pending on this issue, and I understand Subaru will replace the cheap small battery with another cheap small battery which is only kicking the can down the road since as far as I know not fixing the underlying electrical issue... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
Replaced 2 new batteries in 6 months. Batteries went totally dead. Batteries wer replaced by independent shop. Dealer changed battery to a subaru oem battery, checked system, said everything ok. Read about complaints about subaru batteries going dead months apart. Want to find out if there is a defect in subarus.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
2019 Subaru Outback. On 8/9/22 I was Driving on interstate and a tiny crack appeared in mid to lower left corner of windshield. Called dealer immediately because it is my second windshield—the first one was covered in 2020 under warranty after It spontaneously cracked. On 8/9/22 I called my insurance while driving (hands free) and they made same day appointment but Safe Lite could not repair th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
2019 Subaru Outback. On 8/9/22 I was Driving on interstate and a tiny crack appeared in mid to lower left corner of windshield. Called dealer immediately because it is my second windshield—the first one was covered in 2020 under warranty after It spontaneously cracked. On 8/9/22 I called my insurance while driving (hands free) and they made same day appointment but Safe Lite could not repair th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, a small rock hit the bottom, driver side of the windshield. The next day, the contact stated that the crack had formed and spread vertically along the driver-side windshield. The crack had obstructed the contact's vision while driving at various speeds. The dealer was notified of the failure and... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
The car set overnight (was fine) next AM no electrical. Everything locked except driver's door and passenger door. No battery charge at all. Everything DEAD.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
The car set overnight (was fine) next AM no electrical. Everything locked except driver's door and passenger door. No battery charge at all. Everything DEAD.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
The car set overnight (was fine) next AM no electrical. Everything locked except driver's door and passenger door. No battery charge at all. Everything DEAD.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
steering wheel drifting to the right, wabbly, unstable car dealer AppleFord in MD) checked and stated on Saturday August 13, 2022 that no problem with car, i am still having this problem, called Subaru at 844-373-6614, talked to Alex and issue Case #220815-22645 i am not comfortable to drive this car with issue, please advise
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
Ignition key can not always be removed. If I turn the ignition back on it will usually release the key.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
This vehicle has had two batteries replaced since it was bought in 5/2016. I believe is the same issue with the other newer models already in a lawsuit. I has left me stranded by failing to start without any warning, over four times because the car will charge work fine and then it died.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
After coming to a complete stop, the vehicle, a 2017 Subaru Forrester suddenly and without driver input surged forward. It crashed into a large garbage can directly in front of the vehicle, crushing it. It then continued forward crushing two whole-home air conditioning units and driving one of them into a brick wall, dislodging and breaking some of the bricks. The vehicle suffered considerable ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
Windshield cracked, what appears to be originated from the inside near the heating coil. Has spread horizontal about two-thirds of the windshield. Available for inspection upon request. Has not had any inspections yet. Can inhibit the eyesight if continues to spread.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2021
I drive this V little, but the steering wheel has repeatedly tried to jerk me into the left lane when tuning right and right when turning left! I stopped using cruise, but it still does it. I am an advanced driver, but don't low, if I could overcome this if it acted like some other 2020 Foresters I've read owners state have gone off the road and rolled over! Also the auto stop - start often shuts... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2021
I drive this V little, but the steering wheel has repeatedly tried to jerk me into the left lane when tuning right and right when turning left! I stopped using cruise, but it still does it. I am an advanced driver, but don't low, if I could overcome this if it acted like some other 2020 Foresters I've read owners state have gone off the road and rolled over! Also the auto stop - start often shuts... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2021
I drive this V little, but the steering wheel has repeatedly tried to jerk me into the left lane when tuning right and right when turning left! I stopped using cruise, but it still does it. I am an advanced driver, but don't low, if I could overcome this if it acted like some other 2020 Foresters I've read owners state have gone off the road and rolled over! Also the auto stop - start often shuts... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2021
The engine was hesitating, loosing power on incline, and shaking when stopping. I had the engine replaced and the a few months later the transmission went down. The car does start but it will not go into any gear other than Park and Neutral. The car is now not drivable.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2021
The engine was hesitating, loosing power on incline, and shaking when stopping. I had the engine replaced and the a few months later the transmission went down. The car does start but it will not go into any gear other than Park and Neutral. The car is now not drivable.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
I have tried to get the recall on airbag replaced to no avail, just alot of lip service and never any follow-up on repair of air bag. I am extremely ticked off that the very last current notification by mail this july 2022. I included a copy of it where it states DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO SIT IN FRONT-PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL THE AIRBAG RECALL REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON YOUR VEHICAL. This say to me... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
My fiancé and I driving down my driveway when I noticed my dogs were out, I stopped the car, put in park and got out, closing the door behind me. Unbeknownst to me the driver side impact airbag deployed causing my fiancé to loose hearing temporarily and obviously leaving her in shock. Corporate Subaru Of America did a 4 month investigation and told us we had to have shift a foreign object in the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2022
The continuously variable transmission failed at 114,000 miles. The unexpected lack of proper shifting on the roadway causes impediment to traffic expecting a continual flow of traffic. This causes the vehicle and drivers sharing the rode to have to make sudden braking or lane shifts without sufficient notice. The CVT was inspected by the dealer. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2017
My windshield cracked on its own, with no cause, chip, etc.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
The accident with my 2016 Subaru Forester happened on 07-07-2022. It happened in daylight on our farm. I was the only person in the car and was wearing my seatbelt. I had slowly pulled into a parking spot, had my foot on the brake and had essentially stopped at the 6x6 piece of lumber that was marking the spot. As I was stopping the car accelerated out of control and sped down a very narrow pa... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
The accident with my 2016 Subaru Forester happened on 07-07-2022. It happened in daylight on our farm. I was the only person in the car and was wearing my seatbelt. I had slowly pulled into a parking spot, had my foot on the brake and had essentially stopped at the 6x6 piece of lumber that was marking the spot. As I was stopping the car accelerated out of control and sped down a very narrow pa... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
The accident with my 2016 Subaru Forester happened on 07-07-2022. It happened in daylight on our farm. I was the only person in the car and was wearing my seatbelt. I had slowly pulled into a parking spot, had my foot on the brake and had essentially stopped at the 6x6 piece of lumber that was marking the spot. As I was stopping the car accelerated out of control and sped down a very narrow pa... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the transmission clutch was replaced. However, the failure reoccurred while driving approximately 30 MPH, and the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
Battery drains if not driven approximately every 5 days. We have replaced battery three times. We’ve asked the local Subaru dealer a couple of times why the battery goes dead so quickly. Their response it’s a known issue. Not good that whenever we park the car or take it out of town we have to take a battery charger with us. This includes manually unlocking doors, climbing over back seat to... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 12, 2022
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
Unable to turn off vehicle and remove key from ignition when vehicle is in park.
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) - ENGINE
Aug 11, 2022
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
Engine burst into flames during normal highway driving. Vehicle was well-maintained with all scheduled maintenance performed during the life of the vehicle. CEL was lit approximately 1 week before fire but driveability was normal.
Fire
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 11, 2022
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
Engine burst into flames during normal highway driving. Vehicle was well-maintained with all scheduled maintenance performed during the life of the vehicle. CEL was lit approximately 1 week before fire but driveability was normal.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
While attempting to park in a parking spot with a concrete parking lot stop the car experience an unintended acceleration and did not engage the safety braking system causing the car to jump over the concrete parking lot stops and hit a light lost and concrete supporting barrier behind the concrete parking lot stop. There were no warnings and this caused injury to the driver and passenger. A poli... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
While attempting to park in a parking spot with a concrete parking lot stop the car experience an unintended acceleration and did not engage the safety braking system causing the car to jump over the concrete parking lot stops and hit a light lost and concrete supporting barrier behind the concrete parking lot stop. There were no warnings and this caused injury to the driver and passenger. A poli... Read more
Crash
2 injured