Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 35,035 complaints for SUBARU
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
The windshield cracked with no apparent impact from an object. While driving, a loud pop sound was heard and a 10" long curving crack appeared on the left side of the windshield.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2020
Battery issue: 2020 Subaru Outback When I purchased the vehicle in April 2020 I drove it for 3 Months then the battery died. The Dealer told me it was a faulty battery and then replaced it. (Battery #2) For the last year and a half I've been experiencing Problems starting/Navigation & Display Screen not working correctly. Three days ago guess what happened? My Battery died again....Called ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
Front windshield had a spontaneous crack form from some point out of sight under the bottom seal, just right of the center of the windshield. The windshield had no chips, and the car is four months old. This took place in early morning, before sunrise, with an outside temp. of 20 degrees F showing on the car thermometer.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
After 2 week of new car ownership--battery dead. Only 359 miles on the car
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
CONSTITUENT WRITES IN REGARDS DANGEROUS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WITH CERTAIN SUBARU MODELS. THE CONSUMER STATED SUBARU FORESTER MODEL YEAR 2012 TO PRESENT AND SUBARU OUTBACK MODEL 2015 TO PRESENT EXPERIENCE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER STATED DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM OCCURRING. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VEHICLES WERE OPERATING AS DESI... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
Windshield cracked to the point of requiring repair from pinhead size chip that barely left a mark. The windshield is being replaced but photos are available upon request. The crack quickly spread to the outer edge of the windshield, causing further risk to the structural integrity of the entire windshield. The problem was confirmed by a glass shop as requiring a replacement.
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 3, 2022
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
My battery was dead and I was locked inside my car. I tried unlocking my car using the mechanical knob but it was not working. I was locked inside my car in a 28 degree weather at 6am until my roadside assistance came. This could happen in a summer day in Texas and can do the worst possible thing to myself.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, a crack had formed on her windshield obstructing her vision. All cracks to the windshield had formed after minor or no impact. The first crack was detected upon the entrance of the vehicle on the lower driver-side corner; the crack had spread from one edge to another. The second crack had formed while the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2021
Windshield cracked in cold weather.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
My vehicle windshield made a popping noise and a crack appeared on the front window, which was about 4 inches long, but the crack continues to grow as the vehicle is driven. The crack appeared on Dec 30 2021
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
I have just over 33,000 miles. I already had to replace the battery. Its 60 degrees out this past week and with a 1 year battery the car doesnt start. I have had to get my car jumpstarted 5 times in the past 5 days because the battery goes completely dead. Not even enough power to unlock the doors. I have to use the manual key.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2019
The battery in this vehicle consistently drains to the point it cannot start the car. It happened with the OME battery and all subsequent replacements. I reported it originally to Subaru on the date below but it has continued to happen and I have had to buy a portable charger along with new batteries to work around the issue. Leaving a door open for 15 mins or radio on for 4 mins without the engi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The battery will drain in under a week if the car is not driven. Subaru dealer gave me 3 batteries in 6 months. The battery tests fine, but discharges if the car sits for a week. Subaru USA gave $350 to go buy a top of the line battery and the issue persists with an Optima yellow top.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
Electrical system drains battery very frequently. I have had alternator checked and is fine. This vehicle drains batteries leaving the car unable to start. The batteries will be dead by the 2 year warranty. I see there is a lawsuit in NJ showing the CAN electrical system does not go to sleep when the car is off.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
Battery drains extremely quickly. I replaced with brand new battery and it completely drained overnight. When I tried to start car next morning the Engine clicked repeatedly then the infotainment and dash lights started blinking and acting strangely then went black but the music still played (with a black screen and car off). This is very alarming as it appears to be a major electrical issue that... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2021
Hello, I am writing to report an incident of a cracked windshield while driving on highway 5 in Los Angeles, CA. I have owned this vehicle for about 6 months. The vehicle is available for inspection and I have attached the photos for review. The windshield has been inspected by a Subaru dealership who states they cannot repair or replace the windshield. The dealership suggested filing a claim w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
oil leak from power train
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The battery goes dead prematurely. This is a 2017 Outback and I am having to replace the battery for the third time already. Something is wrong with the electrical system.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
The accelerator pedal position sensor is faulty. It is prone to wear in these vehicles based on my research. This caused my car to go into limp-mode on the highway, rapidly cutting my speed in half. The accelerator provides no response until vehicle was restarted. The ECU put out the code P2138 for loss of voltage in throttle system.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
The accelerator pedal position sensor is faulty. It is prone to wear in these vehicles based on my research. This caused my car to go into limp-mode on the highway, rapidly cutting my speed in half. The accelerator provides no response until vehicle was restarted. The ECU put out the code P2138 for loss of voltage in throttle system.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
Srs airbag system needs to be checked error. Airbag not going on sometimes when passenger is in seat
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
Srs airbag system needs to be checked error. Airbag not going on sometimes when passenger is in seat
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
Windshield broke on its own
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
Driver gets choked while drinking a cold beverage, gets disoriented and loses consciousness momentarily causing the vehicle to veer off the street and strike a tree with extensive front end damage. Airbags did not deploy at all. Driver has injuries from the crash, such as possible fractured wrist, contusions and much pain in the neck, chest and back areas. She was transported by EMS to the hosp... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
Driver gets choked while drinking a cold beverage, gets disoriented and loses consciousness momentarily causing the vehicle to veer off the street and strike a tree with extensive front end damage. Airbags did not deploy at all. Driver has injuries from the crash, such as possible fractured wrist, contusions and much pain in the neck, chest and back areas. She was transported by EMS to the hosp... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
Rear lift-gate (power tailgate hatch) emits an audible constant tone, and will not open. The car can be in park, off, or driving and will not stop the audible tone and the lift gate remains locked closed. You can not unlock the lift-gate by using the door mounted unlock, the rear lift-gate button or by key fob. No matter what the lift-gate will remain in a locked and fixed state. The only (tem... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
Rear lift-gate (power tailgate hatch) emits an audible constant tone, and will not open. The car can be in park, off, or driving and will not stop the audible tone and the lift gate remains locked closed. You can not unlock the lift-gate by using the door mounted unlock, the rear lift-gate button or by key fob. No matter what the lift-gate will remain in a locked and fixed state. The only (tem... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
Safety Recall: WVX34 NHTSA Campaign: 11V464000 The front lower passenger side control arm completely rusted in half. It occurred while parking vehicle, fortunately not driving at high speed. The recall was previously completed by Subaru dealership in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2011. According to service records, they had been treated with anti-corrosion coating... I purchased the vehicle from a fam... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
Safety Recall: WVX34 NHTSA Campaign: 11V464000 The front lower passenger side control arm completely rusted in half. It occurred while parking vehicle, fortunately not driving at high speed. The recall was previously completed by Subaru dealership in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2011. According to service records, they had been treated with anti-corrosion coating... I purchased the vehicle from a fam... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
Battery continues to drain prematurely. It's been an issue since the very beginning of out ownership in June 2018. We replaced the battery after it would not hold a charge for more than two days. The replacement battery still wouldn't last for more than a day or two. Now in the cold weather it won't even last a day. Two days ago, I went in the grocery store for about 45 minutes and the battery... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
my air bags didn't deploy when I hit a tree, and the seat belt gave loose. A police report was filed, and the car was evaluated by a collision center. The insurance company has not yet evaluated the vehicle. The air bag indicator light indicated the air bags were in good working order. I slid off the road in snow and hit a tree dead on and my entire front end crumpled, but my air bags didn't deplo... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
my air bags didn't deploy when I hit a tree, and the seat belt gave loose. A police report was filed, and the car was evaluated by a collision center. The insurance company has not yet evaluated the vehicle. The air bag indicator light indicated the air bags were in good working order. I slid off the road in snow and hit a tree dead on and my entire front end crumpled, but my air bags didn't deplo... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
The windshield has had 3 different pressure cracks (there's never been any evidence of a chip or impact) and the cracks have all appeared spontaneously. The cracks spread quickly and end up having to be replaced. The first crack was in May 2018, the second was in March 2020, and the 3rd (most recent) happened December 30, 2021.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
Battery will not start car.
Incident date: May 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the battery would become drained after three days of the vehicle not being driven. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the failure was not due to the battery. The contact stated that the vehicle was still being driven however, after being parked for several days the battery had to be recharged befor... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the battery drained quickly, and the vehicle had to be jumpstarted after three days. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
The left side of drivers seat collapsed. Upon inspection, the metal tab that was spot welded to the seat frame failed. The metal tab connects the left front of the seat to the power seat motor components and rail. The power seat no longer works and the seat sags noticeably to the front left. This failure occurred during normal driving conditions, and is typically not overloaded (the primary driver... Read more
SUBARU
OUTBACK
(2020) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS:ACCESORY POWER OUTLET/JACK/PORT/USB/SAE/CIGARETTE LIGHTER
Dec 30, 2021
Incident date: Apr 30, 2021
The TomTom navigation system quits unexpectedly while driving and if the Adaptive Cruise Control is on it will stop working and the car will begin to slow down. The computer screen will go black and then a message will come on saying the Navigation System is starting. The system will then reboot. This has been reported to Subaru and Subaru tried to replicate the problem at the dealership, but t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2021
The TomTom navigation system quits unexpectedly while driving and if the Adaptive Cruise Control is on it will stop working and the car will begin to slow down. The computer screen will go black and then a message will come on saying the Navigation System is starting. The system will then reboot. This has been reported to Subaru and Subaru tried to replicate the problem at the dealership, but t... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dec 30, 2021
Incident date: Dec 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Check Hybrid System" message was displayed on the instrument panel before the hybrid system shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with high voltage battery failure due to the battery being filled with water. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated on multiple occasions both the front passenger’s and driver’s side window had become stuck and would not close or open. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the window regulators and window tracks were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated on multiple occasions both the front passenger’s and driver’s side window had become stuck and would not close or open. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the window regulators and window tracks were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2021
1.) Headlights. They are extremely bright to oncoming traffic and oncoming traffic is always flashing or beaming you with their high beams as they think your brights are on when they are not. This is dangerous. Also LED lights do not put off enough heat and the headlamp body itself freezes over in cold rain or snowy conditions severely reducing your ability to see during low light situations. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2021
1.) Headlights. They are extremely bright to oncoming traffic and oncoming traffic is always flashing or beaming you with their high beams as they think your brights are on when they are not. This is dangerous. Also LED lights do not put off enough heat and the headlamp body itself freezes over in cold rain or snowy conditions severely reducing your ability to see during low light situations. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2021
On November 15, 2021 my car was in the garage as normal. I started my car and I heard a "pop" I was headed out my driveway is when I notice a crack at the bottom of the windshield that is about 3" high and then curves for about 4".
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
Replacement battery in under 35,000 mile Subaru discharged while sitting in garage for several weeks. There have been zero earlier problems with electrical system other than the original battery dying after about three years. When jump started the charging system seemed to work and the car started after sitting overnight. We are in a very cold northern environment and if the vehicle will not star... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
Windshield cracked overnight in garage without any driving or other incident Crack is over 12 inches long
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 1991 Subaru Loyale equipped with a replacement CV-axle from Master Pro, Part Number: SB8003. The contact indicated that while driving in reverse, the vehicle suddenly stopped moving and would not drive forward or backwards. The vehicle was towed to the residence and examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the CV-axle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2021
The hood seems to malfunction in the following manner: When driving at or over 65mph or in high, gusty winds, the hood seems to "wobble" around excessively. It has not come loose, and I've had the dealer look at it and they say it is OK. As an experienced mechanical engineer, I am not confident that failure will not happen as I've never observed this kind of hood wobble on any other large vehic... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2017
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while pulling out of the driveway, he heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the driver’s side wheel bearing had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred while driving... Read more