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: Nov 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up. After several attempts, the vehicle still failed to start up. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding serious mechanical and safety issues with my 2020 Buick Enclave. These issues have created ongoing financial hardship, significant safety concerns, and an urgent need for investigation and resolution. Over the past several months, my vehicle has repeatedly displayed low‑oil notifications, sometimes occurring within one month of receiving a full oil... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
My 2023 Lincoln Aviator has a grinding noise when I back up. Also a rattle has begun at all speeds. I had vehicled check and the axles were found to be totally rusted. Prior to having it towed to the detail i did some research and found the following -- A 2023 Lincoln Aviator recall regarding a "rusted" or breaking axle generally refers to a serious issue where the rear axle bolt can fracture, ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
My backup camera does not work properly sometimes I get and error messages. Sometimes it shows everything upside down and sometimes nothing at all. It been like this since we got the vehicle from Osborne dealership in [XXX] . They sent us to Ford which across the street to get checked out. They told them they need to replace it Osborne Chevrolet never we suppose to have a [XXX] don't have paperw... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle from the sunroof, causing the parking brake to become inoperable. The “Service Parking Brake” warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the parking brake failed to function properly and failed to disengage as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was deter... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The onboard navigation and entertainment system, including both the primary dashboard/driver interface and the center console, went fully black for over 1 minute while driving on the highway. When the screen is blank, no input is available from the vehicle as to speeds, behavior of cruise control, warning systems such as lane control, front rear and side awareness, operator awareness of speed, o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The onboard navigation and entertainment system, including both the primary dashboard/driver interface and the center console, went fully black for over 1 minute while driving on the highway. When the screen is blank, no input is available from the vehicle as to speeds, behavior of cruise control, warning systems such as lane control, front rear and side awareness, operator awareness of speed, o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
My 2020 Ram 2500 Mega Cab truck Dash Leather Covering is coming loose from it base and may interfere with the passenger Air Bag deployment that is under the loose material. My truck has only 36,000 miles on it and has been garaged kept since I purchased it new. *I found this information online. Ram 2500 trucks (2019–2023) frequently experience dashboard leather bubbling or delamination, pa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2025
My 2025 Audi RS3 unexpectedly shifts into park and engages the electronic parking brake while the vehicle is in motion at low speeds. This issue has occurred multiple times, has been documented on at least nine occasions, and has undergone four (4) separate service attempts within the first 900 miles. The issue remains unresolved. On multiple occasions, the vehicle became immobilized in active t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine lost automotive power. The vehicle was able to restart. During a second failure, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled in the middle of the highway, and the vehicle was unable to restart. An alert message was sent by OnStar reporting a transm... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
On April 4th 2025 I received a letter concerning NHTSA Recall 25V099 and was asked to have dealership run diagnostics. On April 30th dealership says "YES" engine needs to be replaced. Two days later dealership calls me and says new software has arrived and they need to run diagnostics for recall again, this time on May 16th 2025 car passes. NOW, almost one year later and after warranty has expi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
The rear wheels suddenly locked up while driving. It did it twice then the check engine light came on and then the transmission would not shift into gear until I turned off the truck and turned it back on. This happened 3 days in a row all while driving. Exactly the same. No prior symptoms or warnings before the incidents happened. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being inspected. The... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
While sitting at school drop off in the morning the passenger side of my rear 3 piece power sliding window spontaneously shattered while my 2 year old daughter was sitting under it. I examined the outside of the window and there were no impacts. The rear window defroster was turned on at the time. No lights or fuses blew. Searching online this is a known problem and Ford has discontinued the win... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
My 2023 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro is experiencing multiple powertrain and safety defects beginning at approximately 48,000 miles. The vehicle is well maintained per the manufacturer schedule. ISSUE 1 - TRANSMISSION SHUDDER: The vehicle has a pronounced shudder and stuttering through the drivetrain during normal driving, especially under acceleration and load. This began at approximately 48,0... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
Passenger's side A-pillar molding flew off while driving.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
Driver’s side front window shattered seemingly spontaneously. Car was locked and parked overnight and found in morning with shattered window. No other signs of damage to car, no rock found next to car/window. Took to nearest toyota dealership who did take pictures and told me they would file a report.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
There are issues with the brake. Many times the brake pedal goes down to the floor and it losses ability to stop. Apparently there is a common ABS actuator and Brake issues. Toyota will not address the issue
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 29, 2026
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
As per safety recall 14S22 (NHTSA #14V682000) My 07 ford edge gas tank started leaking on two of the drivers side corners do to corrosion like said in the recall. When I brought it to sayville ny ford dealership they said my vin number doesnt show a recall so they wont look at it without me agreeing to pay one hour shop time of $258
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The AC Evaporator failed, this is after the condenser and compressor failed twice, which are also known issues within Honda's AC system. A failed evaporator can cause the windshield foggy issues and cause drivers visibility issue which endangers driver and passengers. Yes dealer has diagnosed the issue. There was no warning of the failure, and there are already many reports about this part failing... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The AC Evaporator failed, this is after the condenser and compressor failed twice, which are also known issues within Honda's AC system. A failed evaporator can cause the windshield foggy issues and cause drivers visibility issue which endangers driver and passengers. Yes dealer has diagnosed the issue. There was no warning of the failure, and there are already many reports about this part failing... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The AC Evaporator failed, this is after the condenser and compressor failed twice, which are also known issues within Honda's AC system. A failed evaporator can cause the windshield foggy issues and cause drivers visibility issue which endangers driver and passengers. Yes dealer has diagnosed the issue. There was no warning of the failure, and there are already many reports about this part failing... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
Unknown what actually occurs but the entire car shuts off while driving. It has happened to me twice in traffic. Once no warnings, the second time the tire pressure sensor fault flashed went away and then the entire car just shut down while I was driving. I had my child with me and was a scary moment could’ve cause a serious accident or potential death. Car was stuck in the road for over 30min b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
The front camera that controls adaptive system died within 4years of owning the vehicle so all the warning lights come on now.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
On September 3, 2023, the fuel pump failed while the truck was in the corner of an on-ramp for an interstate. The truck immediately lost power while in the corner causing a loss of control of steering. This resulted in a near collision with a concrete dividing wall while attempting to maintain control of the vehicle until the vehicle came to a stop. There were no warnings, check engine lights, or ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
On March 17, 2026, while my vehicle was parked, I observed light smoke coming from the rear seatback, followed by a visible burn/melt mark in the seat fabric. I believe this occurred due to concentrated reflection of sunlight from nearby house windows onto the rear seat. There were no external heat sources or open flames in the vehicle, and the truck was parked under normal residential conditions.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
1. The front brake on my 2023 Audi Q8 produce an ear-piercing noise when backing up after the car has set for a period of time. 2. The dealer and manufacture state this is not a safety concern, but rather just an annoying noise I have to put up with. 3/4. This ear-piercing noise has been inspected and confirmed by the dealer, and I have provided several video recordings of the noise to the deal... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The SRS spiral cable assembly (clock spring), located directly behind the driver's instrument display in the steering column, is producing an intermittent crackling noise. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The clock spring is a safety-critical component responsible for airbag deployment, horn operation, and steering wheel controls. A malfunctioning clock spring ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
Rear passenger seat heater shorted out and burnt through seat cushion and and sleeping bag. We ripped the seat out and taped up the power cables. The vehicle has not been to a dealer as our local dealer sold / closed within the last year. There were no warnings before this issue.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
While traveling at approximately 55 mph under normal road conditions, the rear tire experienced a sudden and catastrophic failure. I felt the tire fail first, followed by an immediate loss of stability. The tire split down the center of the tread without warning. There were no prior symptoms, warning signs, or handling issues before the failure. During the loss of control, I then felt the rear of... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate unexpectedly opened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V904000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
I see there was a P0420 error code related to catalytic converter oil consumption recall, but when I put in my VIN it said no recalls. This is for a 2020 Hyundai Elantra 2020. The problem comes and goes and was able to be reproduced or confirmed by a dealer Hyundai. The warning lamps, messages comes on frequently and was reportedly fixed charges $2000 for a sensor. I the code and it is all over th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
This vehicle is subject to Safety Recall 24V-700 (Manufacturer Recall R24B2) due to a defect in the lithium-ion battery that can cause a fire during Level 3 DC Fast Charging. Since the initial notice, I have received four separate recall communications from the manufacturer, yet as of March 2026, no permanent remedy has been provided. The manufacturer’s only "interim" solution is an instruction... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
This vehicle is subject to Safety Recall 24V-700 (Manufacturer Recall R24B2) due to a defect in the lithium-ion battery that can cause a fire during Level 3 DC Fast Charging. Since the initial notice, I have received four separate recall communications from the manufacturer, yet as of March 2026, no permanent remedy has been provided. The manufacturer’s only "interim" solution is an instruction... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
I was turning into a parking space in my 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Touring, in a plaza area. As I depressed the brake, I felt some pressure, but then all of a sudden it went straight to the ground, which caused my car to go over a landscape median, and hit the tree in the middle of it, causing my car to hit a stationary vehicle on the other side to the right, which in-turn caused my car to flip on i... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2023
RE: Failed Radar Braking on a 2024 Hyundai Palisade What component or system failed or malfunctioned .. . . On Feb 8th, 2026 I was driving in to Lakeland FL on I-75 N, in the right hand lane, near a green stoplight following a car 2 lengths ahead. The radar cruise control was slowing me down, keeping up with the car in front. Another driver suddenly cut in front of me from the far left lane. T... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
Trim around back window is kept on with sticky tape and it comes off on highway driving. Poses a safety risk
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
Component/System Failure: The turbocharger system failed, specifically the wastegate arm, resulting in loss of boost and reduced engine performance. The failed component should be available for inspection upon request through the servicing dealership. Safety Risk: The failure caused a sudden loss of engine power while driving, placing me and others at risk, especially in traffic situations where ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
Component/System Failure: The turbocharger system failed, specifically the wastegate arm, resulting in loss of boost and reduced engine performance. The failed component should be available for inspection upon request through the servicing dealership. Safety Risk: The failure caused a sudden loss of engine power while driving, placing me and others at risk, especially in traffic situations where ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
The vehicle experienced a failure of the air suspension system, initially presenting with warnings indicating the vehicle was raising and advising not to drive to avoid damage. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle became visibly uneven, tilting approximately 2–3 inches to the driver side. I took the vehicle to Rivian service, where they confirmed the air suspension had failed. The repair was not cove... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
The vehicle experienced a failure of the air suspension system, initially presenting with warnings indicating the vehicle was raising and advising not to drive to avoid damage. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle became visibly uneven, tilting approximately 2–3 inches to the driver side. I took the vehicle to Rivian service, where they confirmed the air suspension had failed. The repair was not cove... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
Driving on Interstate at a speed of 70 when truck lost power. Check engine light came on and other lights on dash came on also. 2007 with 160k miles original barely driven. This year should be a part of the Class Action Suit
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
I was involved in a rear end collision where I was at fault. I suspect the ADAS in my 2024 F-150 malfunctioned because it did not prevent the collision. I impacted the rear of a minivan at approximately 20 mph. The ADAS did not take evasive action. Previously I have had nuisance activations of the visual and aural warnings for the pre-collision system, followed by a warning message that radar guid... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
I was involved in a rear end collision where I was at fault. I suspect the ADAS in my 2024 F-150 malfunctioned because it did not prevent the collision. I impacted the rear of a minivan at approximately 20 mph. The ADAS did not take evasive action. Previously I have had nuisance activations of the visual and aural warnings for the pre-collision system, followed by a warning message that radar guid... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
Vehicle experienced a loss of acceleration while driving. When pressing the accelerator, engine RPM increased significantly but the vehicle did not increase speed. The vehicle felt as though it was stuck in one gear and would not upshift or downshift. The issue was most noticeable while driving uphill, where the vehicle was unable to maintain speed despite full throttle input. This created a safe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
1. My safety system/camera system is no longer working properly. The screen displays either a black/blank screen, an inverted (upside down) image, or an image that appears to be zoomed in to a very small viewing area. The alerts (beeping) does not function consistently when backing up. The horn does not always work. At times the entire electrical display including the sound system will reset witho... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
I am writing to file a formal safety complaint against Tesla, Inc. regarding a software update failure that has disabled legally required vehicle functions on my Tesla for over two years. For more than 26 months, my vehicle has been unable to complete a software update through Tesla's over-the-air (OTA) update system. As a direct result of this failure, my vehicle's display screen does not functi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The contact lifted her foot off the brake pedal and then firmly depressed the brake pedal another time. The vehicle was able to come to a stop. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle had stalled while d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred in the middle of the road. The vehicle was pushed to the shoulder of the roadway. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
My truck engine stopped working while driving down the road causing me to lose power and I was not able to exit the roadway. There were no warning or messages until the loss of power and dash stated to "restart the engine". This was not possible. The truck was towed to a Chevy dealership and they confirmed the engine seized up do to unknown engine failure. This is a 2024 6.2L engine with 4500... Read more