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: 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: Aug 7, 2022
I bought this Outback new back in June of 2018. I just purchased the 3rd battery for it today 8/11/22. I’ve noticed that the past 2 batteries have been corroded and barely last 1.5-2 years. It sounds like this is an issue with many other owners as well where the battery either doesn’t fully charge or continues to deplete when the car is off and parked. The battery gets so low and is so corrod... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The temperature outside was below freezing and I was running the defrost on the highest temp. There was a loud pop and I thought maybe something had hit the windshield, but there was nothing. Then a few days later I noticed a crack emerging just above where the wiper rests. It proceeded to move up, then out in a T, then curl around and meet itself, it has just continued to spread. The dealership (... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The head unit of the vehicle has malfunctioned causing the following: - Touch screen is non-responsive - Rearview camera is blurry/difficult to see out of making backing up dangerous - The entertainment unit has deleted paired phones making connecting a phone impossible The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer and they recommended ordering a new head unit.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the antilock braking system (ABS), vehicle dynamic control (VDC), and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake light switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact then stated that the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
My Subaru Forester is equipped with Airbags and Subaru's Eye Sight anti-collision braking system. On Aug 5th my wife met with an accident while trying to avoid a head-on collision side swiped a vehicle on the right lane which hit the car on the rear side and the impact further changed the direction of her car and she went and hit the steel fence stone pillar on the right side. The frontal collisi... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
My Subaru Forester is equipped with Airbags and Subaru's Eye Sight anti-collision braking system. On Aug 5th my wife met with an accident while trying to avoid a head-on collision side swiped a vehicle on the right lane which hit the car on the rear side and the impact further changed the direction of her car and she went and hit the steel fence stone pillar on the right side. The frontal collisi... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
My Subaru Forester is equipped with Airbags and Subaru's Eye Sight anti-collision braking system. On Aug 5th my wife met with an accident while trying to avoid a head-on collision side swiped a vehicle on the right lane which hit the car on the rear side and the impact further changed the direction of her car and she went and hit the steel fence stone pillar on the right side. The frontal collisi... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 2, 2021
The lower part of the windshield has cracked and I have no incident that occurred to cause it to crack. If a piece of gravel caused it, it was so small to not even be noticed by me. I have never had a windshield crack so easily in all my years of driving.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
Moonroof Cracks in the same spot randomly. 4 times now. Same exact area. No impacts.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
I recently bought this vehicle (used) with ~1900 miles. After 1.5 months of owning the vehicle, I suddenly had several warning lights as well as systems disabled within the vehicle. The first time this occurred I was about 2 hours into a drive, and suddenly my eyesight disabled, check engine light came on, cruise control disabled, lane departure disabled, collision warning and automatic braking di... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
I recently bought this vehicle (used) with ~1900 miles. After 1.5 months of owning the vehicle, I suddenly had several warning lights as well as systems disabled within the vehicle. The first time this occurred I was about 2 hours into a drive, and suddenly my eyesight disabled, check engine light came on, cruise control disabled, lane departure disabled, collision warning and automatic braking di... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
I recently bought this vehicle (used) with ~1900 miles. After 1.5 months of owning the vehicle, I suddenly had several warning lights as well as systems disabled within the vehicle. The first time this occurred I was about 2 hours into a drive, and suddenly my eyesight disabled, check engine light came on, cruise control disabled, lane departure disabled, collision warning and automatic braking di... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
Electrical system repeatedly malfunctions. Intermittent starting and shut-off issues, rear hatch will not properly operate, per dealer the radio was replaced, and periodic unexplained battery drain issues resulting in replacement of battery. Dash warnings are displayed for no apparent reason. When radio was replaced there were still issues and dealer said it "would take a few days for the issue... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
Windshield cracked while parked
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
We took the car into the dealership due to an engine light being on and the recall was something they informed us about and we decided to take care of it all at the same time. We have never recieved safety recall information from Subaru. My Son owned the car prior to us and purchased from Subaru dealership. After several weeks of the car being at the dealership and a very large bill we picked up... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
We took the car into the dealership due to an engine light being on and the recall was something they informed us about and we decided to take care of it all at the same time. We have never recieved safety recall information from Subaru. My Son owned the car prior to us and purchased from Subaru dealership. After several weeks of the car being at the dealership and a very large bill we picked up... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
Front windshield spontaneously cracked windshield on drivers side midway to 1/3 across windshield. Had not driven in 2 days. Sitting in driveway. Was excessively hot day (upper 90 degrees). No prior windshield (or car) issues. Awaiting repair guidance from dealer and insurance.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that there was a crack on the windshield. There was no impact on 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 approximately 2,800.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2022
We have a 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium with Eyesight with 58,582 miles. During the first week in June, 2022 the Eyesight System failed and displayed an error message that stated to “See Owner’s Manual “. The Owner’s Manual stated ”take the vehicle to Subaru dealer for servicing” which we did on June 9, 2022. The Subaru servicing dealer’s statement from the diagnostic invoice st... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2022
We have a 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium with Eyesight with 58,582 miles. During the first week in June, 2022 the Eyesight System failed and displayed an error message that stated to “See Owner’s Manual “. The Owner’s Manual stated ”take the vehicle to Subaru dealer for servicing” which we did on June 9, 2022. The Subaru servicing dealer’s statement from the diagnostic invoice st... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2022
We have a 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium with Eyesight with 58,582 miles. During the first week in June, 2022 the Eyesight System failed and displayed an error message that stated to “See Owner’s Manual “. The Owner’s Manual stated ”take the vehicle to Subaru dealer for servicing” which we did on June 9, 2022. The Subaru servicing dealer’s statement from the diagnostic invoice st... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2022
A stone came off the road in Interstate 25 and hit my windshield. Within 24 hours, there was a crack halfway across. I have had the car for a year and this will be the second windshield replacement. The first one was from an impact so small that I could not see it--I thought it had just spontaneously cracked. The dealer showed me a pinhole impact (you could find it by tracing the crack with a ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
Battery continually drains. I have had 2 replaced since May. I have contacted Subaru and they said I just have not driven it around enough after battery install. I have had them check for a drain, and they can’t find anything. There are no lights on or any other reason to drain the battery. This coincides with my key becoming stuck in the ignition. Waiting on a part to replace the ignition under... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
Battery continually drains. I have had 2 replaced since May. I have contacted Subaru and they said I just have not driven it around enough after battery install. I have had them check for a drain, and they can’t find anything. There are no lights on or any other reason to drain the battery. This coincides with my key becoming stuck in the ignition. Waiting on a part to replace the ignition under... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the front windshield was previously replaced; however, the windshield was again cracked. There was no impact on the windshield that could have caused the crack. An auto glass company replaced the windshield. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
SEVERE, HEAD-ON IMPACT TO DRIVER'S SIDE, OTHER CAR WAS TOTALED. POLICE EXPECTED BOTH CARS TO BE TOTALED, AND WERE SURPRISED THAT DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED, HOWEVER, SHE TOOK A HARD HIT TO HER HEAD, NECK AND SHOULDER. DEALER, INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER HAVE NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, NOR HAS PROBLEM BEEN REPRODUCED. AIRBAG HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE MA... Read more
Crash
8 injured
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
The battery continues to drain by itself, even with no usage. I have already replaced the battery once and the issue continues. Seems like there is an electrical problem. I have tested the new battery and it is fine just needs to be charged regularly in order to start the car.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while in a parking space with her foot on the brake pedal and the transmission in drive(D), the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle drove over the parking median; however, she managed to stop the vehicle before accelerating up a hill. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle tow... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
No component failed or malfunction. It is working as designed but it is a serious safety concern that can not be addressed except by purposely bypassing the safety system or systems. For whatever reason Subaru added rear seat belt chime alarms to the rear seats. Three in total it appears. Driver, passenger, and center. The chimes will continue to grow louder until it blocks all radio and beco... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
My windshield cracked on its own (without any object hitting it) under the passenger side plastic that covers the lower aspect of the windshield. The crack extended upwards and towards the driver's side. I'm concerned the crack will start to obstruct the driver's view and that it will be dangerous for passengers inside. Subaru America was contacted by phone and then a few weeks later we were gi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
“Condensation like” artifacts have appeared on the substrate of the LCD control screen similar to the recall issued for the 2018 model year. This affects vital control for most any vehicle setting and navigation. Also the system behaves erratically while in motion.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
Found traces of silicone in my engine. Checked the dipstick out of curiosity and found silicone or RTV sealant. The car only has 500 miles on it. Will do oil change after break in period of Subaru’s recommended 1000 miles and will have them check the oil pan filter for more RTV…
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
Premature clutch failure due to faulty clutch release fork and bearings.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
The engine has excess RTV sealant and is clogging the oil pick-up tube. This is cause the motor to have restricted oil flow and causing premature motor failures.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
The new 2022 Subaru BRZ's and Toyota GR86's have been found to have an excessive amount of RTV silicone on the engine oil pan. This can clog up the oil pickup filter and cause oil starvation leading to catastrophic engine failure. A few engines have already failed and more people have been finding RTV silicone in their oil filters and dipsticks including me.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
My car has excess RTV sealant on the oil pan that has now gotten into my engine and is causing oil starvation.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
These particular vehicles (and their Toyota counterpart, the GR86) have been experiencing issues with excess RTV sealant used on the oil pan and timing cover getting into the oil. Once this RTV sealant is in the oil, it clogs the oil pickup tube filter. As the excess sealant collects on the filter, it begins to starve the engine of oil. There have been a number of documented failures so far (in... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Headlights keep burning out in less than a year.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
My brand new 2022 Subaru Forester will accelerate and stall while I am driving. It is more noticeable between 0 - 40mph speed shifts, especially 20 to 40mph. It is frightening because this may cause an unintentional accident.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
A/C Compressor locks up, and serpentine belt flies off and stops power steering. Stalls due to this locking up.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
A/C Compressor locks up, and serpentine belt flies off and stops power steering. Stalls due to this locking up.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
A/C Compressor locks up, and serpentine belt flies off and stops power steering. Stalls due to this locking up.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
Very small rock hit the windshield and bounced off creating an immediate 3 inch crack that grew to reach almost the other side of the windshield in the next 2 days. This is the second windshield that needed to be replaced in under 2 years. It definitely cracks easier than any other vehicles we have owned and considering the lawsuit for the Subaru glass being prone to this, It is not cool they cont... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
Cracked windshield, brittle thin glass causes visibility issues!
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - SERVICE BRAKES
Aug 5, 2022
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
Rear brake rotors and pads are wearing prematurely. Repairs to replace both were done in 2020 with mileage of 50,786. They needed to be done again in 2022 with mileage of only 63,000.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
about a year ago all warning lights came on. Subaru fixed the "rodent" issue for $4000. today, 8/5/2022 same issue happened, i was driving home and forward braking, cruise control, check engine light, ATC TEMP and dynamic traction control lights came on. this vehicle has some issues.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
about a year ago all warning lights came on. Subaru fixed the "rodent" issue for $4000. today, 8/5/2022 same issue happened, i was driving home and forward braking, cruise control, check engine light, ATC TEMP and dynamic traction control lights came on. this vehicle has some issues.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
about a year ago all warning lights came on. Subaru fixed the "rodent" issue for $4000. today, 8/5/2022 same issue happened, i was driving home and forward braking, cruise control, check engine light, ATC TEMP and dynamic traction control lights came on. this vehicle has some issues.
Incident date: May 30, 2022
UNKNOWN I was pulling toward a parking space. We heard a loud revving sound and the car jumped forward. I braked and then after a short discussion with my passenger trying to figure out what just happened I proceeded to turn into the space. All of a sudden the car revved even louder rapidly accelerated and we hit the pole grazing another vehicle. Felt like someone rammed us but nobody else was b... Read more
Crash