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 2, 2025
I have a faulty steering column in my truck that needs to be replaced. This is not normal wear and tear. The truck only has 60k miles on it and is still under warranty till 1/17/26. The steering column is supposed to last the Life of the truck. I brought the truck to dealership (nye) to diagnose the cause of the bad steering column. But instead they tell me they cant tell me the cause of the faul... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
The rear window shattered when bringing it in from the colder weather to a garage. There was no impact, nor was the rear door used. The car was brough to the garage from being outside at 9 pm on 12/1. When we got in the car on 12/2 at 11:30 am, the rear window was shattered. There is no evidence of forced entry, just shattered glass on the inside. The repair is going to cost $627 The car ren... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 experienced a failure.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Vehicle was suddenly completely disabled without warning with multiple lights and turtle emblem inside the dash. Battery which is a known problem defect was completely disabled.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
Hard shift stuttering when driving About 30000 miles ago Called Lincoln they said $150 to diagnose it No warning lights
Incident date: Dec 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); 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 not expe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Brake booster and vacuum failing due to cracked diaphragm
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Two incidents happened first battery died, we replaced the battery. Then Battery died again, we replaced the alternator on June 5, 2025. Then on Saturday September 13, 2025; all system lights came on at once on the dashboard then the battery died again. Car locks up and is stalled out. Cannot restart car, has to be towed. We replaced the battery cable and cleaned the terminals. Three months later,... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Two incidents happened first battery died, we replaced the battery. Then Battery died again, we replaced the alternator on June 5, 2025. Then on Saturday September 13, 2025; all system lights came on at once on the dashboard then the battery died again. Car locks up and is stalled out. Cannot restart car, has to be towed. We replaced the battery cable and cleaned the terminals. Three months later,... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
On November 17, my 2025 Nissan Rogue caught fire after my hour commute to work. During my commute, there were no warning signs on the dash for the entire duration. Got to the office, parked the vehicle, and within a few minutes a coworker called me to let me know the car was up in flames. The fire quickly intensified and got hot enough to melt the hood, and made its way into the interior after it ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the message "Faulty Battery and Charging System" flashed on the screen, and the vehicle failed to immediately start. The contact stated that while driving later, several messages, including the messages "Faulty Power Steering" and "Faulty ABS" were displayed, and the vehicle suddenly stalled and failed t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
8/25/25: Seat Heater came on by itself on a hot day this Summer, it got so hot it burned my Right thigh. Seat Heaters are burning people. I drove directly to Subaru Dealership Service and the Service person, Dave confirmed the Seat heater was off and felt that the seat was hot and getting hotter as the heat began going up into the back of the seat. The service personnel inspected my car and could... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 23, 2025
The Front Trunk on my Model Y is missing emergency release button. there is not way of to exit if kids get trapped in it.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2025
Air bags did not go off after a car accident with a commercial box truck, car seems to be totaled. Insurance is going to inspect vehicle to confirm it being totaled. No warning lights were on at the time. Just passed inspection a month a month ago.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
While driving on the highway, a strong burning smell began inside the vehicle, similar to a brush or forest fire. At first it was unclear whether the smell was coming from outside, but when traffic slowed, smoke was seen coming from the driver-side wheel well and from under the front hood. No warning lights, alerts, temperature warnings, or malfunction messages appeared before or during the smoke.... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
The front trunk (frunk) on my 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper lacks both internal lighting and an emergency safety release mechanism. This design flaw creates an unnecessary and severe safety risk, as a small adult or child could easily become trapped in the frunk with no way to signal for help or escape. In low-light conditions—such as at night or in a garage without adequate illumination—the abse... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags and seat belt warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bags and the passenger's side seat belt warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat was not occupied. The vehicle was taken to an unknown deal... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
I purchased this 2014 Jeep Cherokee from Taverna Collection in Feb 2025 and received it in March 2025. The selling dealer was required to inspect the vehicle before delivery and did not report any transmission or valve-body issues. On June 25, 2025, the vehicle received a multipoint inspection at Auto Angel in Santa Fe. No transmission failure, shifting issues, or valve-body concerns were found. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
I began receiving a notification labeled "Engine fault, service now" a few weeks prior to the incident. I took my car to a mechanic and everything checked out fine, so the code was cleared and did not return. A few weeks later, I was changing my oil and noticed my engine coolant appeared extremely low. I also noticed a wet spot under my car under the coolant chamber side. I refilled the coolant, d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
Yesterday my horn ceased working again and someone almost side swiped me. This is the 3rd time on my 2023 Elantra. I have 2 Hyundai Elantras that Have had to send to the dealership to replace the horns multiple times. I had the same issue with my Venue, which appears to have had some type of NHTSA action, and feel that the Elantras should be included on said action as they utilize the same horn... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
Recieved 2 recall notices in the mail. Recall 78C and 68C. Recall 78C safety risk : "A vehicle fire can result in increased risk of occupant injury and/or injury to persons outside the vehicle, as well as property damage. A loss of propulsion may result in a vehicle crash without prior warning". There is still no remedy for this as per my call with the dealer on 11/25/25. Recall 68C safety r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
I have a 2025 Forester. The new Forester has unexpectedly thrown on its brakes in a major way three times in 24,000 miles. The last incident was on a divided highway with a sweeping curve to the right. There were orange barrels closing off the lane to the left of me in the curve for maintenance work. In the middle of the curve to the right, the eyesight system saw the orange barrels in the other l... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Engine failure due to coolant leaking into engine block. Known issue from design flaw.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
Serra Chevy has my trax. A mechanic checked it it is blown engine. No time frame for an engine. I believe a fail msg flashed after engine failed all systems stopped i pulled to side of road oil pouring out from under my vehical. I was driving on expressway (approx 70 mi per hour) approx 1 1/2 hour drive to dinner theater 120 miles away. I was 5 mins away from destination. I paid 120.00 plus ins co... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a misfire. The fuel injectors were replaced, and a software update was performed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated on a separate occasion while the vehicle mileage was approximatel... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The rear seat belts come unbuckled. I was driving and about to get on a highway, and my children told me their seat belts unbuckled, another time it happened while I was driving in town. There's been a few others times too. I have not taken my vehicle to a dealer to check it out. This vehicle has not been inspected by anyone. No lights came on when the seat belt unbuckled. It has been happening on... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V347000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had detached and flown off the vehicle while his daughter was driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2025
My 2019 Honda CR-V EXL has all dash warning lights on, and the diagnostic code causing the issue is for fuel injectors. Upon my research this is a very, very common issue with this year model. It is an expensive one, at that. I was driving when all warning lights came on, and my car lost power in the middle of a busy highway and would not accelerate. The car sputtered and lost power and the warnin... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
While driving my 2022 Kia Sportage, the brakes suddenly stopped responding. I pressed the brake pedal hard several times and the vehicle did not slow down or stop at all. There was no braking pressure and no warning lights. Because the brakes failed completely, I crashed directly into a guardrail. The airbags deployed on impact. This was not driver error, it was a sudden and total brake system fai... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while slowly pulling into a parking space, while in the process of depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into a building. There were no reported injuries, fire, or an air bag deployment. A Police report was filed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
When turning right or left the vehicle is making a clicking sound. When I first got the vehicle within a month of ownership it made this sound prior to me making my first payment. I took it to the dealership for assessment and they said that there was an issue with the axle. They replaced both front axles but less than 3 months later the sound is back and I have taken my vehicle back to Honda. The... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
While I was driving the other day my entire infotainment screen (which shows my map, as well as climate controls) was completely overtaken by a giant ad for Sirius XM radio service. It was the ENTIRE screen and it required me to take my focus off of the road long enough to determine what was happening on the screen, find a button to make it go away, then accurately tap the button while driving. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2025
Abs light was on in morning and brake light was flashing and has not cleared, code says electronic parking brake issue
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
I got 3 messages on the dash going off simultaneously 1. Service Traction Control System 2. Forward Collision System unavailable 3. Service ESC I could feel the truck bogging and shaking a little at this point Then soon after the check engine light was flashing and it was noticeably misfiring and rough idling. I pulled some codes at Oreillys and got back 1. P0300 misfire 2. P050D cold start r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
Power steering TPM S and traction control lights are coming on after putting in a new battery. This is a recall for 2013 to 2017 Honda Accord sport with CVT transmission and for some reason, my car is not part of the batch, even though it is experiencing this issue. I am assuming the issue is the battery management
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
Advertisement for XM radio service popped up on console screen of the car, and would not go away unless manually dismissed (touch) - while driving, covering the entire screen. This is entirely unnecessary and distracting, all to serve an advertisement for a service I don't want or use.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2025
While driving get notice lane departure not working and thermostat registered zero, when code scanned, states low thermostat temp and able to reset with code reader. Will reoccur in minters to days later. This is an electrical issue to to the ability to reset with a code scan tool, but also a safety issue since it also effects the electrical safety ability associated with the sensor.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
The Power Steering pump (EPAS) when out on me yesterday while driving on the highway. I was switching lanes on the highway when the service advance trac light came on and the steering wheel became stiff really difficult to move putting myself in danger while driving in a higher speed limit zone.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
Sirius XM Ads are popping up on infotainment screen caused me to become distracted while operating my vehicle. I had to remove my eyes from the road to find the button to close the ad, then click on the ad to remove it from my screen. It has popped up twice in the last two weeks.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
Nissan chime speaker unbelievably loud at car start up. The seat belt chimes and any chime that comes from the dash speaker is louder than normal. The speaker is “ inst panel speaker 24832-6ra0a. “ I have only had this car for one year this November. It happened for a few days during the first month or two having the car then it went back to normal, now it is doing it again and has lasted a mo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
I purchased a 2023 Nissan Rogue from Galles Chevrolet, located at 2801 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107, on May 17, 2025. According to the vehicle history report, the vehicle has an active stop-sale record issued by Nissan. I am unsure of the specific component or system affected. Still, cars under an active stop sale should not be sold until the underlying safety or performance issue has... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
Because of this water intrusion, the following safety systems have malfunctioned or failed: • ABS and DSC (stability control) warnings • Chassis stabilization warning • Frontal collision and pedestrian warning malfunction • Airbag system warning • Loss of audible warning tones • MOST bus communication failure • Electrical modules intermittently shutting down or throwing codes These... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
The steering is "jerky" and stiff. The LKAS is OFF and so is sport mode. I've had this same issue on a previous Honda and the steering gear box needed to be replaced. It feels very unsafe to drive like this. I have attempted to take it to the dealership already and they state they do not feel it and the vehicle is performing as designed. It's still persistent to the point I almost side swiped some... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
My 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered sudden engine failure due to coolant intrusion. On Nov 20, 2025, Johnstons Toyota in Harriman, NY (RO#XXX) diagnosed the issue and recorded DTCs P26CA31 and P26CB, which indicate failure of the coolant flow control/bypass valve. The dealer confirmed heavy white smoke from the exhaust with a strong coolant smell and advised the engine had failed, re... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
I was entering an intersection to make a left-hand turn. I was driving at a low speed. My foot was pressing the accelerator and the car entered the intersection. In the middle of the intersection, the car wheels suddenly stopped turning. There was nothing in front of the car. Cars behind me began honking since my car stopped suddenly and unexpectedly while I saw a notice displayed on the car ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 330I. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and coming to a stop at a red traffic light, the contact started smelling smoke. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart with a message that the vehicle was unable to be restarted displayed. The contact turned on the hazard lights with the vehicle stopped ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for an oil change and snow tire replacement, the contact was informed that the sub frame and the brake lines were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, 802 Toyota (30 Berlin Mall Rd, Berlin, VT 05602) for a Trade-In, and it was confirmed that the sub frame... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2020
While driving my car to Virginia to see my daughter, the oil light came on in the middle of a highway, where the speed limit was 70, The car slowed down and I had to pull off to the shoulder as the car lost all acceleration, making it very dangerous on a highway I waited for about 2 hours for a tow truck I waited for almost 2 months to get my car back and it happened again after having ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
The vehicle is subject to Safety Recall 68C involving the high-voltage battery. The manufacturer instructs owners to stop charging the vehicle and to park it outdoors, away from structures or other vehicles, due to a potential internal battery defect that may cause thermal runaway, fire, or sudden loss of propulsion. The manufacturer has stated that parts are not available and provided no timelin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
I am writing to formally document serious engine defects I have experienced with my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with the 5.3L L84 V8 engine. 1.Crankshaft Failure: My Tahoe suffered a catastrophic crankshaft failure that required major repair/replacement. I am aware that GM has recalled certain vehicles equipped with the 6.2L L87 engine for crankshaft and rod-bearing defects. Based on my experien... Read more