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: 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
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
Incident date: Oct 4, 2021
The manufacturer, Subaru, admitted they have an issue with the ECU setting false error codes (P0128) when they issued a TSB, # 11-102-11R, calling for a software upgrade to fix the problem. This is an emissions related issue, in that it turns on various warning lights, including the SES light, making the car impossible to pass the routine smog check. So why should I, the owner, be required to pa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2021
The manufacturer, Subaru, admitted they have an issue with the ECU setting false error codes (P0128) when they issued a TSB, # 11-102-11R, calling for a software upgrade to fix the problem. This is an emissions related issue, in that it turns on various warning lights, including the SES light, making the car impossible to pass the routine smog check. So why should I, the owner, be required to pa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2021
This is a new car and recently seemed to be having some mid software issues. However, when I went to start it this morning, it is completely dead with no battery power. It has been driven less than 12k miles and should not encounter this issues. I am aware there is a class action lawsuit related to faulty electrical systems in a range of years of this Subaru and I want to note this issue
Incident date: May 1, 2021
Issue started at 8,000 miles. Dealership blames my driving habits (about 15 miles a day for the most part, with more on the weekends) and states there are no issues with the battery. Walmart. Autozone, etc. tests indicate faulty battery. I've been stranded countelss times until I purchased a portable starter. Before a software update that allowed me to disable the auto start/off function, I got s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2021
The backing camera won’t come on when I’m baking and if there is cars it won’t beep, the apps on the screen won’t display and console screen is not operational at all not even for the radio.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2021
The backing camera won’t come on when I’m baking and if there is cars it won’t beep, the apps on the screen won’t display and console screen is not operational at all not even for the radio.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2021
The backing camera won’t come on when I’m baking and if there is cars it won’t beep, the apps on the screen won’t display and console screen is not operational at all not even for the radio.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2021
When I arrived at work I noticed a 4 inch crack at the bottom left corner of my windshield. I had not noticed any rock hitting my windshield. By the time I got out of work, the crack had expanded to about 8 or 10 inches and continued to expand to over 1 foot. This has never happend to me in the 35 years I've been driving and not to any of the many cars I've owned. I filed a claim with my insur... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2021
I reached inside the back lift gate of the car when it dropped on my head. I went to the ER where they did a CT and MRI of my head and spine to rule out a fracture or head bleed.There was no warning message on the dash or problem noted from the dealership. I have owned the car since April 2021 and had no problem with it before that day. The car dealership has replaced the hydraulic lift struts on ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
At about 101,000 miles I took the car in to the dealership where I bought it for another issue. When the tech got it up on his lift he came in and notified the service manager that there was bubbles on my brake line. The service manager came to us and she said “I really shouldn’t let you drive out of here with those bubbles because I would be an unsafe condition”, the implication was that if... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
At about 101,000 miles I took the car in to the dealership where I bought it for another issue. When the tech got it up on his lift he came in and notified the service manager that there was bubbles on my brake line. The service manager came to us and she said “I really shouldn’t let you drive out of here with those bubbles because I would be an unsafe condition”, the implication was that if... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
Two windshield cracking incidents in 6 months, from no apparent cause. Interferes with “eyesight” system.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
Two windshield cracking incidents in 6 months, from no apparent cause. Interferes with “eyesight” system.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
Two windshield cracking incidents in 6 months, from no apparent cause. Interferes with “eyesight” system.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
The air bag light and “passenger airbag off” lights on dash come on sometimes when a passenger is in the car. I took my car to the Subaru dealer/service department and they charged me $140 to reset the lights and tell me the solution is to replace the passenger seat for $900.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
The air bag light and “passenger airbag off” lights on dash come on sometimes when a passenger is in the car. I took my car to the Subaru dealer/service department and they charged me $140 to reset the lights and tell me the solution is to replace the passenger seat for $900.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
When an adult passenger is sitting normally in the front passenger seat the passenger air bag regularly turns off. The warning light comes on indicating the air bag is off. This put the front passenger at risk if their air bag fails to deploy.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2021
This is not a safety complaint. However I wish to share this information for your records kindly . Oil usage for 2017 Impreza per 2000 miles : 1.5Quarts (1419ml) ; Odometer approx 32 000 miles ; 5MT; Age 4 years Manufacturer notes this to be normal operating finding.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
Windshield cracked without any cause
Incident date: Apr 3, 2021
Battery prematurely dies. I have replaced it 3 times in the short life of the car. It's especially a problem when I'm running errands and make several stops, turning.off vehicle. It struggles to start and maybe by 4th stop, it doesn't start and I'm left stranded. There is something draining the battery and it's not reliable.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2021
Second time windshield had to be replaced from cracking after sustaining small rock chip.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2021
The car regularly lurches or feels as it will stall. This occurs when trying to go from stops to starts both in a slow and faster manner. Has occurred while trying to turn left with oncoming traffic and I was concerned I may get hit. Dealership said “all 2015 Forrester do this. It drives like the others on the lot. There aren’t any issues and if there were we would see light”. Obviously th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2021
The car regularly lurches or feels as it will stall. This occurs when trying to go from stops to starts both in a slow and faster manner. Has occurred while trying to turn left with oncoming traffic and I was concerned I may get hit. Dealership said “all 2015 Forrester do this. It drives like the others on the lot. There aren’t any issues and if there were we would see light”. Obviously th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2021
The problem has been recognized as a vehicle that is not meeting manufacturer specifications by the Subaru from Pembroke Pines. Shifting and harm is visible to frame and vehicle is having clonking and parts are touching.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2021
The problem has been recognized as a vehicle that is not meeting manufacturer specifications by the Subaru from Pembroke Pines. Shifting and harm is visible to frame and vehicle is having clonking and parts are touching.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2021
The problem has been recognized as a vehicle that is not meeting manufacturer specifications by the Subaru from Pembroke Pines. Shifting and harm is visible to frame and vehicle is having clonking and parts are touching.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2021
Vehicle has not release the key three times so I had to figure things out in 30 minutes each time
Incident date: Sep 9, 2021
Windshield spontaneously cracked while using defrost function on 9/9/2021. Crack started from bottom center of windshield, at the ceramic defrost line, below rubber seal. Crack approximately 6 inches long. Called Subaru within minutes and directed to take to dealership to have photo taken and submitted to Subaru for warranty work. Visited dealership and photos taken on 9/13/2021. Have been told b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2019
Parasitic Battery Drain: When the vehicle is in use, the CAN system in the car relies on an electrical current to be operated as intended. When the vehicle is not being driven, the CAN system should enter a sleep mode in which it stops drawing significant electrical current. However, vehicle does not enter sleep mode when the car turns off, resulting in a "parasitic battery drain." Local Subaru d... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact had received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V578000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for the recall repair. The contact then received a call from the dealer that the appointment was canceled due to parts not being available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a re... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
Frequently while stopped at traffic light, fast food pickup line, or intersection engine begins rapid unintended acceleration with RPM racing as high as 8K. The brake pedal is firmly pressed yet the car attempts to lunge forward. The only way to stop the acceleration and return the car to normal idle is to place the car in park while the engine is racing. Placing the car in neutral does not sto... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2021
While driving down interstate, windshield must have made contact with rock or other foreign object at mid/low left side of glass. I say must have because object too small to create any noticeable sound at impact. Within minutes, large linear crack appeared extending slightly farther than midline. This is the 2nd incident of this type creating damage to the windshield of this vehicle. Another pre... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2021
Noted to have large vertical crack in front passenger window while driving. Appears area of impact approximately size of #2 mechanical pencil lead point. No sound from impact noticeable. Resulting damage: large vertical crack extending the entire span of passenger window. Vehicle less than 1 year old at time. This vehicle has had 2 other grossly exaggerated glass incidents of this type (to the w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
The battery on my outback keeps draining. I’ve had the car for about 2 years and we are on out third battery.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a standstill when the contact saw unknown warning lights were flickering on and off. The contact parked the vehicle and went inside a store when approximately 10 minutes later the vehicle was on fire. Fire marshals and police extinguished the fire and a report was taken; no one was injured. The vehicle was then tow... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 29, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The battery failed and car was inoperable. this happened after 2 years of purchase. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Me and family including children were left stranded in cold outdoors until help arrived. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or indepen... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2021
Check engine/break/ABS/traction control/ cruise control and AT OIL TEMP lights are all on. Now my back break lights are not working! Car jerks at times. Read on a few forms that this was an issue for Subaru Imprezas 2012 and up. There was also a recall on this issue on April 2019. Please have this recalled again.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2021
Check engine/break/ABS/traction control/ cruise control and AT OIL TEMP lights are all on. Now my back break lights are not working! Car jerks at times. Read on a few forms that this was an issue for Subaru Imprezas 2012 and up. There was also a recall on this issue on April 2019. Please have this recalled again.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2021
Check engine/break/ABS/traction control/ cruise control and AT OIL TEMP lights are all on. Now my back break lights are not working! Car jerks at times. Read on a few forms that this was an issue for Subaru Imprezas 2012 and up. There was also a recall on this issue on April 2019. Please have this recalled again.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2021
Several warning messages appeared on the dash at the same time: Check engine, Check emissions control system, Hill start assist system needs to be checked. In addition, the pictures of a car climbing a hill and a car with swerving skid marks behind it lit up. (I don't know the official names of these icons.) The engine then either lost power and would not accelerate when I pressed the gas pedal... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2021
Several warning messages appeared on the dash at the same time: Check engine, Check emissions control system, Hill start assist system needs to be checked. In addition, the pictures of a car climbing a hill and a car with swerving skid marks behind it lit up. (I don't know the official names of these icons.) The engine then either lost power and would not accelerate when I pressed the gas pedal... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2021
Several warning messages appeared on the dash at the same time: Check engine, Check emissions control system, Hill start assist system needs to be checked. In addition, the pictures of a car climbing a hill and a car with swerving skid marks behind it lit up. (I don't know the official names of these icons.) The engine then either lost power and would not accelerate when I pressed the gas pedal... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2020
On at least 4 or five occasions my car has been dead in the garage of my home. So far I have been lucky and it has not gone dead while I was out. After the first three dead issues, I had the AAA come and they replaced the battery. I brought it to Subaru then and was told a light was left on. This was a lie. I wrote a letter to Subaru regarding the dead battery and associated costs and they refund... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2021
10/4/21 engine suddenly surges while waiting in line at bank -- thunderous roar, heavy shaking. Assumed it was transmission problem. I put it in park and removed the key to stop it. I got out of car because I was scared. Got back in after a few minutes and started it up again. It shook and roared again. Turned it off and got back out. After about half an hour I tried again, and it seemed to run ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
Trying to pass an 18-wheeler on PA Turnpike. Weather 68-degrees, sunny day, no precipitation. When accelerating, the vehicle began shaking. There was a stutter in engine, shaking the vehicle. Suddenly a loud bang jolted the car and the Crash avoidance system applied breaks (I was the left passing lane, at a speed of 70 mph, with more than a dozen vehicles close behind). Emergency collision war... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
Trying to pass an 18-wheeler on PA Turnpike. Weather 68-degrees, sunny day, no precipitation. When accelerating, the vehicle began shaking. There was a stutter in engine, shaking the vehicle. Suddenly a loud bang jolted the car and the Crash avoidance system applied breaks (I was the left passing lane, at a speed of 70 mph, with more than a dozen vehicles close behind). Emergency collision war... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
Bought vehicle new in October 2019, now has 20,000 miles. Started having issues a couple months ago with not starting and needing to jump start. I can tell it is getting harder to start on its own as time goes by. Its going to the dealer this week for a new battery. One or two times the hatch may have been open for a short period as described in some of these posts. For those reading this, there i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2021
After turning off the engine in Park, the keys are not being released from the ACC position of the ignition in my 2016 Subaru Impreza, which has 32,000 miles. I must repeatedly depress the shift lever and/or shift gears back and forth and/or restart and turn off the car in order to get the key out. This has been going on for two months now for at least half the time although not every time I turn ... Read more