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: Oct 3, 2021
Random crack started on windshield from bottom middle lower area and quickly spread to drivers side. No rock chip or cause
Incident date: Oct 14, 2021
For months, there have been incidents of battery drain where the vehicle is unable to be started without a jump charge. I have replaced the battery several times; electrical testing by the dealership does not diagnose any problem.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2018
2017 Subaru Outback: The vehicle has become completely unreliable due to battery drain issues that result in battery failure. The battery has been replaced and upgraded and it continues to have issues. My children and I have been left stranded many times over the years. The dealer has tested the battery multiple times and the alternator, all tests have come back normal. The dealership has not offe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at a slow rate of speed and parking the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control and crash into a brick wall. During the incident, the brake pedal was pressed but the vehicle did not stop. The driver sustained a left shoulder injury. A police report was taken at the scene. T... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at a slow rate of speed and parking the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control and crash into a brick wall. During the incident, the brake pedal was pressed but the vehicle did not stop. The driver sustained a left shoulder injury. A police report was taken at the scene. T... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at a slow rate of speed and parking the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control and crash into a brick wall. During the incident, the brake pedal was pressed but the vehicle did not stop. The driver sustained a left shoulder injury. A police report was taken at the scene. T... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 14, 2021
My car is a 2019 Subaru Outback. It has less than 20,000 miles on the odometer. This morning is wouldn’t start. I called for a jump and when the service person arrived, they told me the battery was dead. They gave it a jump and I let the car run for an hour. After parking the car a couple of blocks away, I tried to start it again. Nothing. Now I have to have it towed to the dealership.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2018
September 6,2018 the vehicle suddenly unintentionally accelerated. Came off the highway.Pulled in to a parking lot to turn around. Reaching for the shifter with my foot on the brake. The vehicle went 42mph in less than four feet, a woman was directly in the front center of vehicle when a loud roar happened. The woman jumped out of the way. As the 2014 Subaru Forester shot forward hitting a suburba... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 6, 2018
September 6,2018 the vehicle suddenly unintentionally accelerated. Came off the highway.Pulled in to a parking lot to turn around. Reaching for the shifter with my foot on the brake. The vehicle went 42mph in less than four feet, a woman was directly in the front center of vehicle when a loud roar happened. The woman jumped out of the way. As the 2014 Subaru Forester shot forward hitting a suburba... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 6, 2018
September 6,2018 the vehicle suddenly unintentionally accelerated. Came off the highway.Pulled in to a parking lot to turn around. Reaching for the shifter with my foot on the brake. The vehicle went 42mph in less than four feet, a woman was directly in the front center of vehicle when a loud roar happened. The woman jumped out of the way. As the 2014 Subaru Forester shot forward hitting a suburba... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 16, 2021
In March 2020, I took my 2016 Subaru Forester to the dealership to fix the issues associated with the Subaru Safety Recall WUM-98 / NHTSA Recall 19V-701 (unstable electrical connections causing issues with the occupant detection system in determining the correct status of the right front seat occupant, which would prevent the front passenger-side airbag from deploying in the event of a crash). S... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2021
In March 2020, I took my 2016 Subaru Forester to the dealership to fix the issues associated with the Subaru Safety Recall WUM-98 / NHTSA Recall 19V-701 (unstable electrical connections causing issues with the occupant detection system in determining the correct status of the right front seat occupant, which would prevent the front passenger-side airbag from deploying in the event of a crash). S... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2021
In March 2020, I took my 2016 Subaru Forester to the dealership to fix the issues associated with the Subaru Safety Recall WUM-98 / NHTSA Recall 19V-701 (unstable electrical connections causing issues with the occupant detection system in determining the correct status of the right front seat occupant, which would prevent the front passenger-side airbag from deploying in the event of a crash). S... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph and making a turn, the vehicle hydroplaned as the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle inadvertently accelerated while hydroplaning going across 3 lanes of oncoming traffic and hit a curve. The contact stated that the front driver's side tire detached from the vehicl... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph and making a turn, the vehicle hydroplaned as the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle inadvertently accelerated while hydroplaning going across 3 lanes of oncoming traffic and hit a curve. The contact stated that the front driver's side tire detached from the vehicl... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
A pebble struck the lower right corner of the windshield which precipitated a long crack going one-third of the way across the windshield. I have had many rocks hit my windshield in other vehicles and not once have they started a crack across the whole windshield. In contacting Subaru of Surprise service center, they notified me of a two month backlog order for a replacement windshield.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2021
I chose electrical problem above, however to be specific, the issue is with the battery life. I’ve read numerous complaints online of other customers of Subaru outback and Ascent, and they are reporting the same issues that I am having. Premature battery drain. I am not misusing the car at all. This is happening with normal usage of the car. I have been left stranded in several places because of... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2021
Your form would not allow me to chcek all applicable issues. I believe the computer system and brakes are the major issues. The start/stop system engaged when I was turning in the middle of an intersection. When driving at cruising speeds (foot on the gas pedal), the car suddenly felt as if the brake was being engaged. The forward and rear collision warning signals do not work. The blind spot warn... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2021
Your form would not allow me to chcek all applicable issues. I believe the computer system and brakes are the major issues. The start/stop system engaged when I was turning in the middle of an intersection. When driving at cruising speeds (foot on the gas pedal), the car suddenly felt as if the brake was being engaged. The forward and rear collision warning signals do not work. The blind spot warn... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2021
Your form would not allow me to chcek all applicable issues. I believe the computer system and brakes are the major issues. The start/stop system engaged when I was turning in the middle of an intersection. When driving at cruising speeds (foot on the gas pedal), the car suddenly felt as if the brake was being engaged. The forward and rear collision warning signals do not work. The blind spot warn... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2015) — SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 14, 2021
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
caliper seized and caught on fire, front passenger side. Was told by mechanic second Crosstreck this week with same problem.
Fire
Incident date: Oct 12, 2021
OBD Code P2138 (Throttle/ Pedal Position Sensor/ Switch D / E voltage correlation). This code pops up intermittently resulting in the car going into "limp mode". Truly dangerous, if this occurs when traveling at speed in traffic or when pulling away from a stop light. It is hard to pin down; but, it generally happens with high humidity or When you start the car after a cool night when there has ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the windshield had fractured on the passenger’s side lower right. The contact took the vehicle to a repair shop and had the windshield replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2017
The passenger airbag occupancy sensor in my care is broken and has been since I purchased this vehicle in 2016. It is the same issue that caused the recall of 2012 Impreza models, however, my 2013 model is not covered under the recall despite having the same occupancy sensor for the airbags. If the passenger airbag sensor is exposed to moisture, whether from a wet seat, a sweaty bum, or even an e... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2021
The windshield cowl separates at the bottom of the windshield for reasons such as heat. The separation grows over time and has the potential to detach on the highway partially or entirely. If detached partially, obstructs vision and scares. If entirely, could impact following vehicle. This problem is reproduced and confirmed by both my dealership and multiple independent online sources. Look for ... Read more
SUBARU
CROSSTREK
(2013) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT
Oct 13, 2021
Incident date: Oct 1, 2013
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after refueling with the fuel tank at 3/4 tank full, the fuel gauge failed to provide the correct fuel level. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the fuel sending tank, but the failure continued to occur. The contact indicated that the failure had caused fuel leakage and spillage while adding fuel to the vehicle. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
I recently 10/7/2021 had my Subaru serviced for an oil change, and a couple of safety recalls that were needed. I also had a loose center console, and a loose wobbly drivers seat. Ramsey Subaru, Urbandale IA performed the service. Upon picking the vehicle up on the above date I was informed that all services were performed and fixed with the exception of the drivers seat. I was informed that the d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal grinding noise would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact then stated that upon turning into a driveway, the front lower control arm detached from the vehicle without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his home where he began to repair the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2021
I have only had the car for two years, but a number of chips and abrasions have occurred with the windshield. I have had at least 4 of the chips repaired, which is highly unusual compared with my other vehicles. About a week after the final repair, while driving, a large crack (approximately 48 inches) appeared over the drivers side window. When I called the dealer, I was told that the windshie... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while enter a freeway the speed suddenly reduced to approximately 15 MPH. The vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. Additionally, the vehicle lurched forward and would not immediately stop while depressing the brake pedal. During the failure several warning lights had illuminated including the check engine, brakes, and stability control. T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
Frequently, when I put the car in park and try to turn the key to off, it gets stuck. At this point you have to move the shifter into and out of gear many times to try to get the key to go to off. Sometimes the key will not go to off so you need to leave the key in the ignition. This is dangerous because the car can still be shifted into neutral and move at this point.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the wife was pressing the brake pedal and attempting to park the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into a brick building. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle sustained severe damage but the airbags did not deploy. The driver suffered head and torso injuries which required medical treatm... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the wife was pressing the brake pedal and attempting to park the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into a brick building. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle sustained severe damage but the airbags did not deploy. The driver suffered head and torso injuries which required medical treatm... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that the battery became drained on multiple occasions. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced several times by the dealer. The computer system had been updated on the vehicle as that was the failure diagnosis however, the failure had continued. The contact stated that when she went to retrieve the vehicle from the dealer the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
Car seems to have an electrical issue. Battery dies several times a year. Sometimes, you can jump it, but not always.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2021
We were gone for 10 days. Our Legacy was left under carport (North end of garage/shop). Upon our return, we found the battery was drained. We have only 7362 miles on it. I bought it new in June 2020. We tried to charge the battery, but the charger stopped charging and the red "trouble" light came on. We had to have the car towed to the dealer in another city. They mentioned that we need to d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2021
2012 Subaru Outback stalls when braking. It stalls going up hills, on flat roads, after high speeds and after city driving too. The vehicle has shut off at stop lights, on/off ramps, and stop signs putting me and my family at risk of being rear-ended. It also stalls when parallel parking, increasing risk of being hit on city streets. No warning or check engine light. Subaru issued a bulletin abou... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2021
2012 Subaru Outback stalls when braking. It stalls going up hills, on flat roads, after high speeds and after city driving too. The vehicle has shut off at stop lights, on/off ramps, and stop signs putting me and my family at risk of being rear-ended. It also stalls when parallel parking, increasing risk of being hit on city streets. No warning or check engine light. Subaru issued a bulletin abou... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2021
2012 Subaru Outback stalls when braking. It stalls going up hills, on flat roads, after high speeds and after city driving too. The vehicle has shut off at stop lights, on/off ramps, and stop signs putting me and my family at risk of being rear-ended. It also stalls when parallel parking, increasing risk of being hit on city streets. No warning or check engine light. Subaru issued a bulletin abou... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
I am on my third cracked windshield in FOUR MONTHS! First crack in July 2021, second in August 2021, third in early October 2021. Haven’t replaced the latest as I’m concerned about insurance rate increases. Each time the crack appears in the bottom of the drivers side and spreads to more than 12 inches in minutes. Summer in Utah is typically not problematic for cracked windshields. All windsh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
My windshield cracked with out a direct impact to the windshield. I replaced the windshield with an OEM windshield, approximately one week after install the windshield cracked again. There is most likely a bad lot of windshields.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
A small object struck the windshield on the lower driver side, it created a horizontal crack about 1.5 ft long within a minute.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
Car battery is constantly drained even when car is used every other day
Incident date: Oct 11, 2021
Battery died, currently a class action lawsuit indicating an issue with the manufacturer
Incident date: Sep 15, 2021
When operating the 2021 Ascent, I experience intermittent problems at various shift-points in the CVT and at various RPMs. The transmission seems to shudder and slip between shift-points, and the shuddering sensation is so severe that it transfers up through the steering column and the steering wheel shakes. I have brought the vehicle to my dealership (Kocourek Subaru in Wausau), and they have a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2021
2020 Crosstrek windshield cracked. The windshield easily chips. crack started in lower windshield. car was parked in carport when crack started. Subaru does not fix windshield and told us to call glass company. car taken to glass replacement center for replacement of windshield. Subaru dealer told us over the phone that the pictures show there is chip in windseild and Subaru will not cover repair.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2021
Driver side rear door window exploded while driving. Shattering was unexpected. No rocks were heading that way and car is only 1.5 years old.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2021
Driver side rear door window exploded while driving. Shattering was unexpected. No rocks were heading that way and car is only 1.5 years old.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2021
Driver side rear door window exploded while driving. Shattering was unexpected. No rocks were heading that way and car is only 1.5 years old.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2021
This summer, my 2012 Subaru Outback began shuddering and stalling when slowing down. This has happened approaching stop signs and stop lights, but has also happened going up steep hills and on the highway as traffic slows. Cars behind me have gotten incredibly close, and it seems only a matter of time before an accident occurs. We brought the car to the mechanic, who told us it was the torque conv... Read more