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: Jan 6, 2026
On 1/15/2026, my 2025 Ionic 5 Limited AWD car with 11K miles on it suddenly lost power about 1/2 mile from my home. I pulled over to the side of the road and within seconds the car was totally dead (nothing worked). After waiting 1 1/2 hours (in an unheated car with outside temperatures in the 30's (F)) the car was towed to the dealership, where the ICCU was determined to be the problem. The de... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
On 1/15/2026, my 2025 Ionic 5 Limited AWD car with 11K miles on it suddenly lost power about 1/2 mile from my home. I pulled over to the side of the road and within seconds the car was totally dead (nothing worked). After waiting 1 1/2 hours (in an unheated car with outside temperatures in the 30's (F)) the car was towed to the dealership, where the ICCU was determined to be the problem. The de... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Taken vehicle at least 6 times to dealer (Corwin Toyota), to enquire about the 23v-865 recall, and each time have been told the repair is not available. Most recently asked December 2025.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
At about 75k miles my mustang started misfiring at about 2,500 rpm’s and higher. Turns out it was a blown head gasket. This engine model is prone to what happened to it. Ford should have a recall for these engine and a solution as they’re ticking time bombs. I wish I could drive with the peace of mind of not worrying about it. I couldn’t drive my car for months because of the warranty not ev... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
The ICCU failed as confirmed by local Hyundai dealership. That was on Jan 4. Car taken to dealership on Jan 5th 4 weeks later on Feb 1 still awaiting part (ICCU) which is on national back order as per the dealer and Hyundai customer support.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
We had the L87 engine recall completed at 14,318 miles on Nov 20, 2025 on our 2023 Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L engine. Engine passed all tests by dealer and we were sent on our way with 0W-40 and a new oil cap. Fast forward to Jan 21, 2026.... My wife pulled the vehicle out of driveway and noticed a deep pitched, knocking sound. She slowly started to drive down the street a bit and then the ve... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Driving the car the engine bearing went out and wrecked the engine which has caused the engine to be replaced.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
EVERCHILL refrigerator burnt wiring between the freezer and the circuit board. I had to replace the Everchill refrigerator just one week after the warranty expired.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
My vehicle is included in NHTSA Recall 25V099 / Kia SC336 for defective piston oil rings. The vehicle has experienced stalling, loss of power, knocking noises, and oil consumption. The engine behavior is unsafe and consistent with recall-related engine damage. Kia closed my case based on a dealer’s subjective noise judgment, but no mechanical engine testing (oil consumption, compression, or cyl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
My car keeps having sensors go out. Such as the tire pressure sensor and fuel compression sensor I think is what they called it anyways. They start to go up a hill. And my car loses all speed and slows way down my traction control. Don't turn on when it's supposed to. And needs to my cruise control, quit working when this went out. And my engines started sounding louder, which is weird because it'... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle in sub-zero temperatures, the HVAC unit failed to blow hot air through the vents. During the failur,e the contact was unable to defrost the windows. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the heater control module was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the sunroof glass exploded and shattered. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained pending an inspection. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,988.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
MY CAR WAS DRIVING ALONG AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING WHEEL GOT EXTREMLY TIGHT AND THE CAR WAS HARD TO STEER, I HAD TO PULL OVER TURN THE CAR OFF AND THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON, I WAS LIKE 2 MILES AWAY FROM MY HOUSE, TALKING TO A NEIGHBOR THAT HAS SAME CAR DIFFERENT YEAR, STATED TO CHECK RECALL HIS CALL DID THE SAMETHING YEARS AGO WHEN WE HAD A COLD (LOW TEMPERATURE) WINTER AND IT WAS REPLACED BY ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
this vehicle was delivered to me on Sept 1, 2025 / i have been back to the dealership a few times regarding the front windshield is totally scratched up this had to happen from the windshield wipers the issue is that when i drive into the sun the glare from all the scratches is annoying the second issue that hyundai cannot fix is that the app on the phone has stated since day 1 that the cars veh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
this vehicle was delivered to me on Sept 1, 2025 / i have been back to the dealership a few times regarding the front windshield is totally scratched up this had to happen from the windshield wipers the issue is that when i drive into the sun the glare from all the scratches is annoying the second issue that hyundai cannot fix is that the app on the phone has stated since day 1 that the cars veh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
Rearview Camera Has turned dark....
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
The speedometer on the new 2025 Volkswagen Taos undervalues the speed by 5%. For example, if the SUV speedometer says 40 mph the actual speed of the vehicle is 42 mph. This seems to be a known problem on new Taos vehicles but is not being addressed by Volkswagen. They are saying legally a 10% variance is allowed and the vehicle passes electrical tests. This problem has been reported to corporate a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The stated that while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate opened independently, and the tailgate was manually closed. The contact stated that the next time after stepping out the vehicle, the tailgate opened independently. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started the tailgate was down, and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
Hood latch sensor alarms hood ajar when hood is actually closed and secure. This issues inhibits the use of remotely starting, or unlocking vehicle. This appears to be a possible recall with the make and year of my vehicle but has never been listed as recall.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The battery has died several times and had to be replaced over the years due to a likely slow drain issue that Subaru is well aware of and was part of a class action suit against them.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 FORD F-150 . The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
PART 4 SUBARU STRUT ISSUE How come no one can tell me what’s actually wrong. Was this a faulty part or was it not installed correctly, who knows, no one can tell me. The strut was loose and I could hear it rattling or jolting on many occasions before I knew that’s what it was. Was it not torqued to specs, installed in hurry, or defective part. They had my car for atleast a week the first t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
PART 4 SUBARU STRUT ISSUE How come no one can tell me what’s actually wrong. Was this a faulty part or was it not installed correctly, who knows, no one can tell me. The strut was loose and I could hear it rattling or jolting on many occasions before I knew that’s what it was. Was it not torqued to specs, installed in hurry, or defective part. They had my car for atleast a week the first t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
I have experienced a catastrophic engine failure due to the faulty GM DFM lifters and oil pump. I was advised that my vehicle will need a new engine. I know there is Bulletin No.: 24-NA-173 for my vehicle. I have contacted GM, and they advised that there is nothing they can do since the truck is out of warranty. I know they are under investigation for the 6.2 L engine failure issues, and I feel as... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
A few weeks ago my seatbelt censor started acting up, and then two weeks later that my heater quit. They blamed Chewed wiring because of soy based coatings, and set its not in the warranty and accused rodent damage since the rear seat was eaten. I got the call during diagnosis demanding i bring the loaner car because they wanted $1,349.07 which i did not have because a 9/11 first responder and don... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
A few weeks ago my seatbelt censor started acting up, and then two weeks later that my heater quit. They blamed Chewed wiring because of soy based coatings, and set its not in the warranty and accused rodent damage since the rear seat was eaten. I got the call during diagnosis demanding i bring the loaner car because they wanted $1,349.07 which i did not have because a 9/11 first responder and don... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
SUBARU STRUT ISSUE PART 2 Today is January, 28, 2026 To Whom this may concern, and all parties involved at Peltier Subaru, location 3200 S Southwest Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701 I regret to inform you that you failed to address my many concerns regarding my vehicle. This caused me to be out of pocket on multiple occasions, with regards to my safety, and my family’s safety when in the vehicle wit... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
SUBARU STRUT ISSUE PART 2 Today is January, 28, 2026 To Whom this may concern, and all parties involved at Peltier Subaru, location 3200 S Southwest Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701 I regret to inform you that you failed to address my many concerns regarding my vehicle. This caused me to be out of pocket on multiple occasions, with regards to my safety, and my family’s safety when in the vehicle wit... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
SUBARU STRUT ISSUE PART 2 Today is January, 28, 2026 To Whom this may concern, and all parties involved at Peltier Subaru, location 3200 S Southwest Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701 I regret to inform you that you failed to address my many concerns regarding my vehicle. This caused me to be out of pocket on multiple occasions, with regards to my safety, and my family’s safety when in the vehicle wit... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
Safety Complaint – DC-to-DC Converter Failure Causing Vehicle Shutdown I am submitting this complaint to report a DC-to-DC converter failure that rendered my vehicle inoperable. The authorized Land Rover service department diagnosed a failed DC-to-DC converter. This component is part of the vehicle’s electrical system and its failure caused a loss of vehicle functionality. I was informed the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that on the first day the vehicle was purchased, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the carbon canister and evaporative (EVAP) canister had failed. The... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
On [XXX], our 2016 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire while being driven on a public highway in Houston, Texas. The vehicle had been operating normally and displayed no warning lights, alerts, or diagnostic trouble codes prior to the incident. The driver was forced to pull over immediately for safety. The fire caused catastrophic damage and resulted in a total loss of the vehicle. Law enforcem... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
On November 16, while driving on the highway, my GMC vehicle suddenly lost engine power without warning. I was forced to stop in traffic, creating a dangerous situation and putting my life at risk. The vehicle required towing and has remained at the dealership since that date. The dealership determined that the engine requires replacement. Repairs have been significantly delayed, including an inco... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
Fuel tank on both sides is rusted through, tracking this shield holds the actual plastic tank in place and prevents the tank from coming lose. Pieces of the metal are literally rotted and rusted.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
WHILE COMING FROM THE GROCERY STORE TO MY APARTMENT I HEARD A LOUD POP AND I SAW THRU MY MIRROR THAT MY REAR WINDOW WAS SHATTERED. I. STOP ON THE NEXT BLOCK AND PARK TO SEE IF SOMEONE OR SOMETHING HIT MY WINDOW BUT NOTHING... I NOTICED ON THE SIDE OF THE SORROUNDI WINDOW THE WINDOW WAS SEPARATED FROM THE WINDOW FRAME... I DID SOME RESEARCHED AND FOUND OUT IT HAS HAPPEN TO OTHER NISSAN OWNERS ....... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
The vehicle is suffering from excessive oil consumption (over 1 quart per 1,000 miles) and a recurring P0420 (Catalyst Efficiency) code. This is a documented precursor to catastrophic engine failure and engine compartment fire in the 2.oL Nu GDI engine. The engine's oil consumption is poisoning the catalytic converter, causing it to clog. This creates extreme exhaust backpressure, leading to sudd... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2019
ABS warning light illuminated and the system failed while driving, causing longer braking distance and reduced steering control during braking. I am concerned this ABS malfunction increased the risk of a crash for me and other road users.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2019
January 25th, 2026 13:30 I was coming to a stop at an intersection with my foot on the brake pedal when suddenly my vehicle lurched forward potentially causing rear end collision with the truck in front of me that was stopped at the red light. My vehicle finally came to a stop when I pressed hard on the brake pedal. This problem happened today, so I have not reproduced it. I have not had it check... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
2011 Mazda6 A serious safety defect occurred on my vehicle and matches NHTSA Recall 19V-323 / Mazda Recall 2818I (front cross member corrosion due to insufficient coating) despite this recall not being associated with my VIN. Front cross member cracked due to rust, causing loss of steering control, wheel misalignment, and scraping from the front wheel. This is exactly the failure described in the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
2020 HYUNDAI Tucson Engine blown @ 89,307 miles and 1,265 miles after oil change due to missing oil plug. Daughter drives about 5 miles per day for college and groceries. The day before Thanksgiving 2025, her 2020 HYUNDAI Tucson died about 48 miles down the Highway without warning, no prior warning lights or sounds before shutting down. I had the car towed to the local HYUNDAI dealer in the to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The generator bearings are making a wining noise. It was confirmed by an experienced independent mechanic that the E-torque generator needs replacement. The dealer said the generator is not in stock. Further research showed the part is on back order for months, with thousands of others waiting and in the same boat of no parts available.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
I was involved in an incident where the vehicle (R1S 2026) accelerated unexpectedly, struck the car in front of me and the brakes were unresponsive at the time. The car only stopped after crashing.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
I was involved in an incident where the vehicle (R1S 2026) accelerated unexpectedly, struck the car in front of me and the brakes were unresponsive at the time. The car only stopped after crashing.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
The DC/DC converter failed causing the generator not to charge. This caused the car to lose all power whilst I was driving the vehicle and come to a complete stop on an active road.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
Iccu 12 v battery failed
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
Our 2017 High Country 1500 Chevy Silverado is garage-kept and has very low mileage (73k). But it has the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, which just caused lifter failure, thus causing catastrophic engine damage. In research, we discovered newer models with the AFM have been recalled for this exact problem. Unfortunately, our model truck with the AFM has not been recalled, despite the fact ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
Clicking coming from Axle when making sharp turns left or right, Took to Honda dealership and was told there is no fix for this issue currently and it would be something i have to live with.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. While driving in a rainstorm, rainwater leaked into the vehicle from the driver’s side sliding door. Additionally, the passenger’s side sliding door was misaligned. The contact stated that the vehicle was a converted mobility vehicle and that the failure m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
There are two primary complaints on the vehicle since it was lease on May 26, 2025. (1) Clunking metal on metal sound when the vehicle is in reverse as well as sharp right or left turn or general braking. The sound is most audible on the rear right side of the vehicle. This matter was reported > 3 times to the Freeport Landover Dealership; the last visit was in October 2025. During the visit t... Read more