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: Jan 3, 2022
on 2/8/22 I brought my car in for service to an independent repair shop. The service was for the 120k standard service. I had been noticing exhaust smells. They checked the exhaust and found "exhaust leak from center exhaust flange, and exhaust leave from exhaust manifold". They recommended a complete replacement of the exhaust manifold "under Subaru recall". They printed the recall for me. It ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2020
I purchased this car in 2019 and I have brought into into the dealership because it keeps dying and I have to jump it. It will die several times a day and this has been a consistent problem since I purchased the car. I have made the dealership aware and they have inspected the car 4 times and I am always told that there is no issue that they can find with the car.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
Windshield cracked while using the defroster. This is a 2020 Outback. I had the same problem on a 2019 Outback that went through 3 windshields in less than a year. These windshields are defective.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
At a stop, the vehicle shut off, which required a jump start. The vehicle is fairly new, so a discharged battery shouldnt have been an issue.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
The 2003 Subaru Forester Sub Frame is rusted. I live in Illinois.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
I was driving from Gainesville Georgia to Stuart Florida and all of the sudden the windshield cracked from the top upper left corner to about 6 inches down. It continued to crack for about 18 inches or so within the next 24 hours. I only had the vehicle since September, 2020.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
I have a crack running across the bottom of my windshield. I took the car to SafeLite for replacement. They do a pre-service check of the EyeSsight camera system which provides forward collision avoidance and lane departure warning. The scan revealed History Code P00FF and a Current Code B280AA8. The SafeLite technician advised they could not replace the windshield until the codes were removed. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
I have a crack running across the bottom of my windshield. I took the car to SafeLite for replacement. They do a pre-service check of the EyeSsight camera system which provides forward collision avoidance and lane departure warning. The scan revealed History Code P00FF and a Current Code B280AA8. The SafeLite technician advised they could not replace the windshield until the codes were removed. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
I have a crack running across the bottom of my windshield. I took the car to SafeLite for replacement. They do a pre-service check of the EyeSsight camera system which provides forward collision avoidance and lane departure warning. The scan revealed History Code P00FF and a Current Code B280AA8. The SafeLite technician advised they could not replace the windshield until the codes were removed. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
I hand washed my 2015 Subaru Forester using a garden hose with no pressure nozzle on the hose. While drying it I noticed a very strong burning smell. I then noticed smoke coming from the drivers side door mirror. It smoked for 30 to 40 seconds. Afterward my key fob door locking/unlocking functions do not work. Also the dome lights and clock do not work, as well as the TPMS. When I lock the car wit... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
I bought my new 2020 Forester in November 2019. It now has 1604 miles on it. Twice already I've had to have it towed to the dealership because the battery was dead from just sitting in my driveway. The first time, February 2021, they said it was a bad battery. The second time, January 2022, they said it's because I don't drive the car enough. Said I have to drive or idle the car for at least ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, he discovered a vertical crack had formed on the lower center section of the windshield without incident. The contact stated that the crack then spread horizontally and was obstructed his vision while driving. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where the windshield was inspected and pictures were taken;... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
The windshield has cracked from the outer edge while sitting in the driveway. There was no initiating damage from where the crack started. I see online that there are concers with the integrity of the windshield and am concerned.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
On 9 February 2022 I was driving the vehicle when a Crack appeared on the front driver's side of the windshield. No object hit the windshield before hand that had caused a chip or Crack. The Crack extends from the bottom drivers side up about 1/4 of the height of the windshield and then takes a turn towards the passenger side approximately 9 inches.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
ABS, cruise control, and other driving assistance features are disabled while driving at night. I checked for recalls on Subaru WRXs and noticed a recall was issued for the same problems on 2011-2015 models. My vehicle is a 2016 model and demonstrates all the same failures observed from the recall of the 2011-2015 models.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
ABS, cruise control, and other driving assistance features are disabled while driving at night. I checked for recalls on Subaru WRXs and noticed a recall was issued for the same problems on 2011-2015 models. My vehicle is a 2016 model and demonstrates all the same failures observed from the recall of the 2011-2015 models.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
ABS, cruise control, and other driving assistance features are disabled while driving at night. I checked for recalls on Subaru WRXs and noticed a recall was issued for the same problems on 2011-2015 models. My vehicle is a 2016 model and demonstrates all the same failures observed from the recall of the 2011-2015 models.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2021
Windshield cracked around September 10 of 2021. Forward warning went off at times since crack. I had windshield replaced and new windshield cracked 4 months later. I must pay $500.00 deductible. Now the crack on new windshield is 3 weeks old and has spread to approximately 15 inches. Windshield must be replaced again. Forward safety now goes off at times as with previous windshield when it was cra... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2021
Windshield cracked around September 10 of 2021. Forward warning went off at times since crack. I had windshield replaced and new windshield cracked 4 months later. I must pay $500.00 deductible. Now the crack on new windshield is 3 weeks old and has spread to approximately 15 inches. Windshield must be replaced again. Forward safety now goes off at times as with previous windshield when it was cra... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
Over the weekend, the check engine light came on and I lost heat in my vehicle instantly (like flipping a light switch) after already driving with full heat for about 30 minutes. In addition to losing heat on a zero degree day, the vehicle also lost the capability to circulate and redirect coolant to the engine properly, causing a significant reduction in engine temperature causing it to run nearl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
The car regularly drains the battery. We are the original owners and have had to purchase 3 car batteries thus far. The car does not provide any warning messages or report any issues. Every time the battery has been drained it happens without explanation, over a dozen times since we’ve owned the car. We’ve always had the batteries inspected, and they’ve been in good contention with life left... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
The car regularly drains the battery. We are the original owners and have had to purchase 3 car batteries thus far. The car does not provide any warning messages or report any issues. Every time the battery has been drained it happens without explanation, over a dozen times since we’ve owned the car. We’ve always had the batteries inspected, and they’ve been in good contention with life left... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
02/08/2022, at 8:20am, I noticed a crack on the windshield on the passenger side. No explanation how it got there and there is NO chip. The crack comes from the edge of the windshield, out about 5 inches then curves up another 2-3 inches and then curves again towards the driver side another 3-4 inches. Within 12 hours it has grown. This crack will eventually impact my ability to fully see ahead w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
The windshield cracked on its own at the top of the windshield in the middle of the sights.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while the contact was attempting to shift gear, the gear selector failed to operate as designed. The failure occurred on cold starts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the failure was relat... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact self-diagnosed that the front struts were faulty. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was waiting for a callback from the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an indep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
I just leased a new '21 Crosstrek Limited. With only 90 miles on the car, while driving on the highway using the adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, the vehicle started aggressively jerking over towards semi trucks (while going 70mph)- I had to give significant input to not be pulled into a semi truck. I turned off the feature then turned back on. Again, it was hard jerking only towards ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
I just leased a new '21 Crosstrek Limited. With only 90 miles on the car, while driving on the highway using the adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, the vehicle started aggressively jerking over towards semi trucks (while going 70mph)- I had to give significant input to not be pulled into a semi truck. I turned off the feature then turned back on. Again, it was hard jerking only towards ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2022
Since I drove 1 mile out of the dealers lot I knew there were something wrong with the brakes Brakes don't feel right when I go to start the car I hear a thump sound than a pedal that has play in it before engaging it does the same while coasting and than applying the brake softly you hear that clicking and the play in it before it engages there's definitely something wrong with this cars brakes i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
Our low mileage car which we bought new and is under 10 years old experienced a complete brake failure in our driveway. The brake warning light did then come on. The brake pedal went to the floor when pressed. This event immediately followed a trip with a considerable passenger and luggage load on steep hills where complete brake loss would have been catastrophic and endangered us and the publi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
Once in a while when I back up out of my driveway the brakes slam on but there is nothing behind me. My windshield cracked and I have to get a new one.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
Once in a while when I back up out of my driveway the brakes slam on but there is nothing behind me. My windshield cracked and I have to get a new one.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
A cracked windshield - the second replacement windshield in two months - As in the case of the first replacement windshield, this second crack appeared as I was sitting in a parking space in a parking lot. No movement of my vehicle. I've spoken with representatives of the company which installed this windshield and this company claims no responsibility. This company is authorized by Subaru. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
Starting our 2017 Forrester has seemed sluggish recently, so we had the battery, starting system, and alternator checked. The starting system and alternator were in good working order. The battery's cold cranking amps (CCA) were below 400. The rated CCA for this battery is 525. It is less than 2 years old, but the check results indicated that it should be replaced. The check did reveal a "par... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
My windshield cracked by itself overnight while the car was parking with no signs of any trauma to it. searching online there are multiple cases reported same problem i definitely believe there is a manufacturers defect with these windshields
Incident date: Feb 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio system malfunctioned, which caused the blind-spot detection system, headlights, and instrument panel to fail to operate as needed. Additionally, the eyesight system would inadvertently engage, which caused the vehicle to stop without warning. The contact restarted the vehicle to correc... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving or coming to a complete stop, the driver's side front seat would inadvertently move back and forth. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle had previously been serviced for the front driver's side seat by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
Transmission slipping especially while climbing an incline though it’s happened while on flat surface accelerating
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
Front windshield cracked for no reason
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
The main battery drained completely while parked, once when left overnight, and once while on an errand for 30 minutes only. AAA jump-started car first time and Subaru Roadside Assistance the second. First incident was mid January 2022 when the new car had been in my possession for only 5 weeks (Dec 3 2021). Second incident happened one month later on February 5 2022. Subaru had no explanations ot... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2020
Bought car November 2019. New battery April 2020. Losing charge February 2021 got another battery. Reliable Subaru, Springfield, MO recommended trickle charge every night. Car losing charge June 2021. Reliable Subaru put in new battery. Again recommended trickle charge every night. August 2021 car dead and would not start. Reliable Subaru towed in and put in another new battery. December 2021 ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
The battery dies often. Liftgate opens spontaneously. Dealer replaced battery, issue persists. Vehicle is available for inspection; it isn't going anywhere right now! Battery failed 3 times in 2 weeks, and is dead right now. The vehicle is useless. No warnings. This has been a problem for the last year.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
Within 2 months of purchase 2020 Outback the car's Infotainment center has continually malfunctioned including times when the car's backup camera is displayed while the car is in drive and moving forward. Eye-sight constantly disabled as well is infotainment center constantly blacking out and then resetting itself while car is in motion. Constant beepind telling driver to look at road - all especi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
Within 2 months of purchase 2020 Outback the car's Infotainment center has continually malfunctioned including times when the car's backup camera is displayed while the car is in drive and moving forward. Eye-sight constantly disabled as well is infotainment center constantly blacking out and then resetting itself while car is in motion. Constant beepind telling driver to look at road - all especi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
Within 2 months of purchase 2020 Outback the car's Infotainment center has continually malfunctioned including times when the car's backup camera is displayed while the car is in drive and moving forward. Eye-sight constantly disabled as well is infotainment center constantly blacking out and then resetting itself while car is in motion. Constant beepind telling driver to look at road - all especi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
The vehicle becomes uncontrollable on light ice. The rear end will "ghost walk" (seems to steer on its own). I have driven in snow my entire life and have never experienced this issue in any other vehicle. I am also an ASE certified master technician. It only happens if I have passengers in the rear seat or groceries in the cargo area. The car is not even close to its cargo limit. The tires have ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
The vehicle becomes uncontrollable on light ice. The rear end will "ghost walk" (seems to steer on its own). I have driven in snow my entire life and have never experienced this issue in any other vehicle. I am also an ASE certified master technician. It only happens if I have passengers in the rear seat or groceries in the cargo area. The car is not even close to its cargo limit. The tires have ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
UNKNOWN Spontaneous, crack located near perfect center of lower windshield.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
In November of 2018 and again January 31, 2022. In November 2018, I was backing up in small parking lot tap the gas pedal. and my car speed up going backwards, even when I was pushing the brake. What stopped the momentum was another car, my car crashed into caused extensive damage to that car( it was totaled) . The second time; I turned the wheels to back-in as I had a several times into my dr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
In November of 2018 and again January 31, 2022. In November 2018, I was backing up in small parking lot tap the gas pedal. and my car speed up going backwards, even when I was pushing the brake. What stopped the momentum was another car, my car crashed into caused extensive damage to that car( it was totaled) . The second time; I turned the wheels to back-in as I had a several times into my dr... Read more
Crash