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.

2,215,138 Total Complaints
138,663 Reported Crashes
56,255 Reported Fires
8,561 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›
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Showing 34,453 complaints for SUBARU

SUBARU FORESTER (2024) — ENGINE Dec 22, 2025
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Dealer failure to to remedy engine replacement under settlement. I am entitled under the March 1, 2022, Settlement Agreement (the “E2 Settlement”) due to recurring Theta II engine failures caused by the oil-starvation/connecting-rod bearing defect. Vehicle stalling on highways and heavy traffic, Repeated codes and failures of MAP sensors, VVT solenoids, camshaft position sensors, starters (×3... Read more
SUBARU FORESTER (2024) — LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST Dec 22, 2025
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The eyesight system fails on almost a daily basis. When this happens, multiple safety features shutdown. Lane assist and departure warning stops working. Collision avoidance stops working. Cruise control stops working. Proximity warning alarms stop going off. The local dealership has repeatedly just indicated that this is how it works.
SUBARU FORESTER (2024) — LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING Dec 22, 2025
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The eyesight system fails on almost a daily basis. When this happens, multiple safety features shutdown. Lane assist and departure warning stops working. Collision avoidance stops working. Cruise control stops working. Proximity warning alarms stop going off. The local dealership has repeatedly just indicated that this is how it works.
SUBARU FORESTER (2023) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL Dec 22, 2025
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The eyesight system fails on almost a daily basis. When this happens, multiple safety features shutdown. Lane assist and departure warning stops working. Collision avoidance stops working. Cruise control stops working. Proximity warning alarms stop going off. The local dealership has repeatedly just indicated that this is how it works.
SUBARU FORESTER (2023) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Dec 22, 2025
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
In three years I've had the Automatic Emergency Braking system engage and almost cause accidents several times. The breaking system engages when it's not needed. Going down a road driving straight at 25 MPH, no obstacles in road and breaks engage. Verry scarry, what if I was going 65 MPH on the highway! Another incident was on an off ramp in a curve, and another making a U-turn. This is not o... Read more
SUBARU FORESTER (2023) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Dec 22, 2025
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
In three years I've had the Automatic Emergency Braking system engage and almost cause accidents several times. The breaking system engages when it's not needed. Going down a road driving straight at 25 MPH, no obstacles in road and breaks engage. Verry scarry, what if I was going 65 MPH on the highway! Another incident was on an off ramp in a curve, and another making a U-turn. This is not o... Read more
SUBARU LEGACY (2025) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Dec 21, 2025
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
3rd ICCU failure. Was Driving and went into limp turtle mode. Was in a dangerous area for it to happen and took a while to get to a safe place.
SUBARU LEGACY (2025) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 21, 2025
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
The Legacy (my third one) was about a month old and had about 30 miles on the odometer. I had no warning of any problem with the car. On or about 5:45 PM on Oct 22, 2025 I was driving my Subaru Legacy when the engine stalled. I was in the HOV lane of an interstate highway. Multiple times the starter failed to restart the engine. Traffic was blocked in my lane and diverting around me. It was dusk w... Read more
SUBARU LEGACY (2025) — STEERING Dec 21, 2025
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
The Legacy (my third one) was about a month old and had about 30 miles on the odometer. I had no warning of any problem with the car. On or about 5:45 PM on Oct 22, 2025 I was driving my Subaru Legacy when the engine stalled. I was in the HOV lane of an interstate highway. Multiple times the starter failed to restart the engine. Traffic was blocked in my lane and diverting around me. It was dusk w... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2016) — LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST Dec 21, 2025
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
I recently purchased a 2025 Honda Prologue. I've had multiple issues with the advanced driver assistance systems. The rear automatic braking will slam the brakes on when I'm backing up if it detects something like a pedestrian on the sidewalk (that I am in no danger of hitting). I've also had issues with it misinterpreting where the lane lines are on the freeway, and automatically trying to incorr... Read more
SUBARU FORESTER (2020) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 21, 2025
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
the rear camera showed " unavailable" on the center display screen so I had to get this fixed and i paid $658.34 to get this fixed because the recall informational stated that "ford motor company is working to provide parts for this repair. when the remedy becomes available, ford motor company will notify you via mail to schedule a service appointment with your dealer for repairs to be completed f... Read more
SUBARU ASCENT (2025) — ENGINE Dec 21, 2025
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
A whole lot of mess! I recently bought my 2022 nissan rogue in May of 2025. We took it to the regular oil change and check ups and nothing concerning came up. We got mail for a recall and I brought it in and the Nissan dealership in Elk Grove, Ca turned us down and said "it was not in their system yet." So, took it again and still the same answer. Well in November before thanksgiving, we started t... Read more
SUBARU CROSSTREK (2019) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Dec 20, 2025
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
Onstar telecommunications module failed within 5 months of ownership. GPS and in car navigation goes crazy showing incorrect position which is distracting on the infotainmet screen. Been almost 4 weeks with no estimate of part availability from GM.
SUBARU CROSSTREK (2019) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 20, 2025
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
Own a 2019 Suburu Crosstrek vehicle that has unexpectedly accelerated/lurched on its own when pulling forward into a parking spot. This has happened twice...last month & today.
SUBARU OUTBACK (2019) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 19, 2025
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
Camera backup manufacturing not working suddenly after freezing day .
SUBARU OUTBACK (2019) — STRUCTURE:BODY Dec 19, 2025
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
Water began leaking into car from front windshield while driving on 11/25/2025. Air whistling noises present also. Safety risk of injury from windshield failure. Repair person says risk for windshield coming off when driving or if involved in collision. Possibly related to recall N221 Land Rover Discovery SE 2018. Had Koch 33 perform assessment and they reproduced water and air leak and deter... Read more
SUBARU CROSSTREK (2025) — POWER TRAIN Dec 19, 2025
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
10r80 transmission failure at 67,000 miles. My wife drove the vehicle with our 6 month old daughter in her carseat. The vehicle would not shift out of 3rd gear while getting onto the highway. Two days later, I was driving and it would not shift out of first gear. Extremely dangerous and will (not if) lead to injuries and death. Dealership confirmed the entire transmission will need to be replaced
SUBARU LEGACY (2025) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Dec 18, 2025
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
Dealer inspected my 2019 Honda CR-V on 12/18/2025 and informed me that 3 of my 4 fuel injectors need to be replaced. When the problem occurred, my safety was at risk, and others could have been put at risk because the vehicle stalled and smoke came out, indicating something was burning. I visited the dealer for this problem because they replaced the defective/recalled fuel pump in January 2025. T... Read more
SUBARU LEGACY (2025) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Dec 18, 2025
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
At the end of a drive of 75 mi, 55-65 MPH on an 8 lane highway the engine stalled. Stopped in HOV lane. Restarting failed several attempts. Called police 911. Dusk, with light rain, slick highway. Poor visibility. Wife and I prayed a lot. Scarier than my year in Vietnam. Restarted after about 10 minutes, and prior to police arriving. Made it home 5 min away. Neither dealer nor Subaru can recrea... Read more
SUBARU LEGACY (2025) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Dec 18, 2025
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
At the end of a drive of 75 mi, 55-65 MPH on an 8 lane highway the engine stalled. Stopped in HOV lane. Restarting failed several attempts. Called police 911. Dusk, with light rain, slick highway. Poor visibility. Wife and I prayed a lot. Scarier than my year in Vietnam. Restarted after about 10 minutes, and prior to police arriving. Made it home 5 min away. Neither dealer nor Subaru can recrea... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2015) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 18, 2025
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
The car's OBD (on board diagnostic) is not functional. This means that if a check engine light comes on it's impossible for the mechanic to know why. This means the car can never complete a state inspection and more seriously if there's an electrical problem, could result in a fire. I took the car to a Ford dealership and they verbally told me that lots of Ford cars are having this problem and ... Read more
SUBARU XV CROSSTREK (2013) — POWER TRAIN Dec 18, 2025
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
When these problems started it was only 6 months after purchase and I was already having issues with power train malfunctions and it didnt want to switch gears. I purchased this at roughly 47,000 miles and it didnt make it to 70,000 miles before I ultimately decided it was not the safe vehicle that was advertised to my family and I. It was taken to the dealership over 3 times in under a year and f... Read more
SUBARU CROSSTREK (2026) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Dec 18, 2025
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had no... Read more
SUBARU CROSSTREK (2025) — ENGINE Dec 18, 2025
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
“Charge system service now” came on the dash, battery lost power after about 10 seconds, screen went black, dash went black, car locked up, opened the hood and the engine was on fire, called 911 who came quickly and put the fire out without the entire car burning, insurance later total losses the car. I don’t know if it was the battery or the engine responsible for the failure, because the ... Read more
Fire
SUBARU WRX (2024) — ENGINE Dec 17, 2025
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
My Engine is on my car will not go over 25 miles and if it does it shakes and I place the car in park or shut it off u can hear like water sound coming from the engine were it’s seems as if it was boiling
SUBARU WRX (2025) — ENGINE Dec 16, 2025
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
This 2021 Kia Seltos car’s engine has randomly seized up 4 times over the last year causing very serious safety concern. Fortunately, these 4 seize-ups happened when the powerless Seltos car could be safely directed to the shoulder of the road while driving in slower paced traffic. Each time this occurred, our 2021 Kia Seltos had to be towed; towed twice to a mechanic shop and twice to directl... Read more
SUBARU IMPREZA (2024) — STRUCTURE:BODY Dec 16, 2025
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
Purchased the car in 2020 paint above windshield was beginning to peel, within months the a-pillars were peeling off, the hood is peeling off and now the section above the windshield is beginning to rust due to the peeling. Additional Cases Snow White Pearl paint! Complaint #11700960, 11663682, 11636915, 11630983, 11521467, 11498038.
SUBARU IMPREZA (2024) — SERVICE BRAKES Dec 16, 2025
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
On 12/12/2025, Subaru Orange Coast (Santa Ana, CA) service advisor stated via text: "Breaks feel fine, no issues there," "Tires no issues there," "Struts no leaks or issues," and "Car is ready for pick up." On 12/16/2025, Service Director confirmed: brake rotor defects, weak struts causing tire wear, and replaced both rear struts, tires, and "the other 2" components under warranty/customer satisfa... Read more
SUBARU IMPREZA (2024) — SUSPENSION Dec 16, 2025
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
On 12/12/2025, Subaru Orange Coast (Santa Ana, CA) service advisor stated via text: "Breaks feel fine, no issues there," "Tires no issues there," "Struts no leaks or issues," and "Car is ready for pick up." On 12/16/2025, Service Director confirmed: brake rotor defects, weak struts causing tire wear, and replaced both rear struts, tires, and "the other 2" components under warranty/customer satisfa... Read more
SUBARU LEGACY (2012) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Dec 16, 2025
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The Check Engine warning light was flashing, and the messages "No Propulsion Power" and "No Power To Engine" were displayed. The contact stated that two individuals pulled over and assisted the contact in pushing the vehicle to the side of the road to prevent a crash. The ve... Read more
SUBARU LEGACY (2012) — STEERING Dec 16, 2025
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
Brakes malfunctioned and car spun out and hit deer
Crash
SUBARU LEGACY (2012) — POWER TRAIN Dec 16, 2025
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
Brakes malfunctioned and car spun out and hit deer
Crash
SUBARU SOLTERRA (2024) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Dec 16, 2025
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 RAM 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number:  24V896000( Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experien... Read more
SUBARU SOLTERRA (2024) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Dec 16, 2025
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
On December 15, 2025, driving on a highway in low temperatures, my 2024 Subaru Solterra (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a progressive loss of power. At 9:20 a.m., I departed NYC for Amenia, NY (91 miles). The range showed ~130 miles (no AC). For the first ~70 miles, the range indicator consistently remained higher than miles-to-destination, confirming sufficient charge to arrive safely. Around mile 70... Read more
SUBARU SOLTERRA (2024) — POWER TRAIN Dec 16, 2025
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
On December 15, 2025, driving on a highway in low temperatures, my 2024 Subaru Solterra (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a progressive loss of power. At 9:20 a.m., I departed NYC for Amenia, NY (91 miles). The range showed ~130 miles (no AC). For the first ~70 miles, the range indicator consistently remained higher than miles-to-destination, confirming sufficient charge to arrive safely. Around mile 70... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2018) — ENGINE Dec 15, 2025
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
On December 9th, my Jeep compass caught fire in Tyson’s corner parking lot (1750 Tysons BLVD). The fire department believes it came from the engine. No warning signs such as engine lights or temperature overheating prior. The car was parked in a spot when this occurred. My daughter was in the car and smelled smoke, car was turned off, got out and it was smoking and sparking then caught fire. 91... Read more
Fire
SUBARU FORESTER (2025) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 15, 2025
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
It does not detect pedestrians walking by side of vehicle very close and neither blind spots until you are about to hit pedestrians or cars on blind spot
SUBARU ASCENT (2020) — SUSPENSION Dec 12, 2025
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while reversing, the driver's side rear wheel flipped over. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a corroded I-Beam assembly on the rear wheel. The contact was informed that the driver's side rear hub and the BRG assembly, rear suspension, and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufact... Read more
SUBARU IMPREZA (2025) — STEERING Dec 12, 2025
Incident date: Apr 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was a grinding sound coming from the steering column while making left and right turns. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel jerked while driving and making left or right turns. The contact stated that three unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the traction control w... Read more
SUBARU FORESTER (2019) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Dec 12, 2025
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V741000 (Electrical System) and 25V766000 (Engine); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the vehicle would lunge forward, and the engine w... Read more
SUBARU CROSSTREK (2024) — TIRES Dec 12, 2025
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek equipped with Falken Tires, Tire Line: Ziex ZE001A A/S, Tire Size: 225/55/R18, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the front driver's side of the vehicle suddenly lowered. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road, where the contact became aware that the side wall of the front driver's side tire had blown out in 5 differe... Read more
SUBARU CROSSTREK (2023) — STEERING Dec 11, 2025
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
2019 ram 1500 bighorn Power steering is going out intermittently while driving without notice or indication that it's going to happen, and it's throws power steering service light.The behavior matches exactly to the confirmed recall from Dodge "Safety Recall VB8 / NHTSA 19V812 Electric Power Steering Gear", I'm unclear why this vehicle VIN was not part of the recall as the recall description mat... Read more
SUBARU WRX (2023) — POWER TRAIN Dec 11, 2025
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
I took my vehicle to dealer shortly after purchase due to jerking forward during stops. A software update was performed and did not have any issues until recently. The past few weeks it began to hesitate upon acceleration and jerked forward harshly into first gear. Today there is a very noticeable prolonged hesitation during acceleration and an odd revving noice coming from TPU. This should be a ... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2015) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Dec 10, 2025
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
The contact leased a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V741000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2015) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Dec 10, 2025
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
A particular corner where the arterial has a y turn. With cruise engaged the vehicle will do the emergency braking even though the lane is clear. Has occurred several times at this same location.
SUBARU OUTBACK (2015) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Dec 10, 2025
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
A particular corner where the arterial has a y turn. With cruise engaged the vehicle will do the emergency braking even though the lane is clear. Has occurred several times at this same location.
SUBARU OUTBACK (2025) — SERVICE BRAKES Dec 10, 2025
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
While driving in approximately 10°F weather after the vehicle had been parked outside overnight during snowfall in Chicago, the vehicle displayed a warning that said “Do Not Drive — Maximum Speed 43 MPH.” At the same time, the brake pedal became extremely hard and the vehicle had significantly reduced braking ability, requiring much longer stopping distance. This occurred without any brake... Read more
SUBARU CROSSTREK (2016) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Dec 10, 2025
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact was unable to use the battery. There were no illuminated warning lights. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V741000 (Electrical System) and 25V766000 (Engine). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed there was no ETA on parts availability. The manufacturer ... Read more
SUBARU LEGACY (2017) — POWER TRAIN Dec 10, 2025
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
CVT transmission went out at about 101,000, and is currently sitting in my yard.
SUBARU OUTBACK (2017) — ENGINE Dec 10, 2025
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
In the middle of driving, multiple warning lights came on in the car and the steering became very stiff, which made it difficult to steer the car. We brought the car to the dealer service station and they identified that the crank pulley system had a failure and the vibration damper needed to be replaced. Apparently, this issue also resulted in the engine not properly charging the car battery, w... Read more
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