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: Aug 20, 2025
On August 15th, 2025, I brought my new 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali to Bill Cramer GM Dealership, 2251 W 23rd St, Panama City, FL 32405, due to a complete loss of audio in the cabin. This affected the turn signals, radio, and critical safety alerts, including collision warnings and seatbelt reminders. Given the vehicle's high cost and its status as a new premium model, this malfunction was both dis... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while his wife was attempting to park the vehicle with the brake pedal depressed, the engine unexpectedly began to rev. The vehicle then accelerated inadvertently, resulting in a collision with a pole in front of the parking space. There was no damage to the pole. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a collision c... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light with five vehicles in front of her, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into several unknown vehicles. The driver swerved and crashed into a cement truck to stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. A woman occupying another unknown vehicle sustained head injuries. The vehicle was towed to ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the navigational screen failed to function as intended. The contact was unable to connect the cell phone to the infotainment system or use Google Maps. The failure prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. In addition, the touch-screen icons failed to function as intended. The... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
I initially brought my car in for a weird clicking noise. This noise went away after the car was towed to the Service Center. During service at Tesla Service Center in LA on August 04, 2025, technicians identified structural deformation of the left-hand rear subframe toe link mounting side wall. This deformation prevents proper alignment of the suspension bolt and makes a 4-wheel alignment impossi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
The instrument cluster failed to operate
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the contact observed smoke and coolant. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "High Engine Temperature - Stop Safely" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved DTC: P0303-28 (Cylinder #3 misfire) and P0316-28. The mechanic info... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
I front passenger window stop working and does not roll up and down. I had this issue and reported the issue since I bought it brand new from the lot. I main main audio console has been replacement 2 times already from defectives. My tires TMPS is flashing now but my tire pressure are fine. My incline break button comes on by itself from time to time and does not allow for me to move the car.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,118.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,118.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the B-pillar trim detached from the passenger’s side door. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (STRUCTURE); however, the VIN was not included i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owned a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the computer system failed. The contact stated that the traction control, tire pressure warning system, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering seized, and the tires slipped. In addition, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop a... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
The front windshield on my vehicle was cracked on four different occassions. Three times when a small stone/gravel hit the winshield while driving. And once while parked outside. My safety was at risk because while driving i was startled when the object hit the windshield and i immediately focused my eyes on the damage when my attention should have been keeping my eyes on the road at all times... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
Vehicle has a "4WD SVC" light on. I took it to the Jeep Service center to get it diagnosed and it turns out the vehicle will need a PTU (Power transfer unit). I was told that it is not covered under their 01C recall and that i would have to pay for the replacement which is almost $4000. I find it unfair since the vehicle is having the same symptoms stated in that recall and there is a class action... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
My 2025 Hyundai Tucson had approximately 150 miles when the forward collision warning system has started to provide false warnings. The first event happened as I was pulling out of a parking lot where there was a dip in pavement between the lot and road. The dip in the pavement was interpreted as an object about to cause impact so my car automatically applied full braking. I almost got hit from th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The car keeps shutting off while driving. Had to replace battery twice in the last few months. Also had relays replaced. Problem keeps happening. Something is draining the battery. I read there were problems with this make and model where even when the vehicle is shut off, certain connections remain active and drains. Shutting down with no warning while driving is very unsafe.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
While driving a Tesla Model Y on a freeway in Arkansas, the vehicle was operating in Autopilot mode (Tesla's driver-assistance system). During a highway merge, the vehicle followed a state trooper's car too closely and failed to slow down appropriately. The trooper had to apply his brakes to avoid a collision. After stopping the vehicle, the trooper issued a written warning, explicitly attributing... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
I first had this happen months ago and now I found another place to post about it. The locking and unlocking motor on the passenger sliding door is making a horrible noise and buzzing sound. This happens every time you lock or unlock it. It also happens when it locks automatically when you drive. It is horribly loud that it wakes up the baby and toddler every time. My mechanic has looked at it a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
While traveling on the interstate at 70-74mph without warning, the tire suddenly blew out, causing the car to shake and forcing me to the shoulder, which almost led to an accident. The car was recently serviced at a Honda dealership, which noted my tire tread was in good condition. The problem appears to be with the sidewall of the tire, which blew, causing the issue.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
The vehicle has been under recall since September 2024. They have been unable to repair it. I requested a refund or replacement since it has been nearly a year now without repair. The company offered me $9,000 and $9,000 to the lawyer I had contact them. This is not acceptable since they cannot repair the vehicle they need to refund my money or give me a new car.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
AC evaporator drain design problem June, 2024 approx. 3500 miles under warranty, AC evaporator drain line backed up into the passenger front right. Brought it to service - they unclogged and drained the line at no charge. June 2025 approx. 12,K miles under warranty, AC drain backed up again. The excess water drained onto my feet as a passenger and collected under the front seat, saturatin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
AC evaporator drain design problem June, 2024 approx. 3500 miles under warranty, AC evaporator drain line backed up into the passenger front right. Brought it to service - they unclogged and drained the line at no charge. June 2025 approx. 12,K miles under warranty, AC drain backed up again. The excess water drained onto my feet as a passenger and collected under the front seat, saturatin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
Oil pressure sensor failed. Fixed that. Check engine light came back on with battery light. New alternator. Check engine returned for oil pressure sensor. Temp gauge is fine. Changed oil twice within 3 months. When replacing jeep alternator melting of wires to alternator had occurred. This seems to be an issue with this model.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while receiving a tire rotation during a routine oil change, the dealer informed the contac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
I was driving on the SB 55fwy in light stop and go traffic and had my ACC w/ traffic aware system engaged. My car was doing as it normally does, keeping a safe distance to the vehicle in front of me, automatically slowing, stopping and accelerating at a safe speed for the conditions. This feature I had been using on my car since I originally purchased it and paid for these safety features. When tr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The vehicle started two jerk while driving and dropped in speed. My dashboard displayed a “transmission fault” message. After stopping the vehicle would have trouble getting back up to speed.
SUBARU
FORESTER
(2025) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Aug 20, 2025
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volvo S90PHEV. The contact stated that while driving in B-Mode, the braking system failed to operate properly. The contact stated that it felt as if the brake pedal was automatically being pumped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and informed the contact the failure was caused by a software failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
For the airbag the car was sold to me without a working airbag. It’s in the steering wheel (I have been told this by a Chevrolet dealership) and the part that is broken is the part that will make it inflate in case of crash. This is scary to me. I was just in my first (and hopefully only) accident a month before in a more steely car and while no airbags were deployed it still hurts. The sec... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
The fuel pump as been failing and caused issues
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
My fuel injection has been replaced 2 times in 3 years. Was advised that it could cause damages to other parts
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
My fuel injection has been replaced 2 times in 3 years. Was advised that it could cause damages to other parts
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
After arriving home from a short drive to the grocery store I parked my car in the drive way and went inside. On the drive home I could hear a low humming coming from the speakers and the car was decelerating when the accelerator was not being pressed, no warning lights or sounds came on. About 10 minutes after I parked a neighbor knocked on the door letting me know my car was smoking from insid... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Vehicle Information: 2014 Tesla Model S VIN: [XXX] Incident Date: [XXX] Component Affected: Suspension / Air Suspension / Ride Height Control Problem Description: On [XXX], while driving, my 2014 Tesla Model S suddenly raised itself to and/or beyond maximum ride height without any driver input. Immediately afterward, the front driver-side suspension collapsed completely, leaving the vehicle u... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
83,000 miles just changed oil and knock sensor and engine seized
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The passenger airbag sensor often, but not always, malfunctions in my 2017 Subaru Forrester. Often it says PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF when there is a passanger. Occording to KBB Kelly Blue Book there IS a current RECALL in place for 2017 Subaru Forresters for EXACTLY this issue, including for my car - but when i typed in my liscnese plate in the NHTSA website, no unrepaired recalls showed up for my car.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes Hydraulic). The contact called the dealer, who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact a second notice would be provided when parts became ava... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes Hydraulic). The contact called the dealer, who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact a second notice would be provided when parts became ava... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2025
My Subaru smelled like gas and caught on fire while I was driving to work less than 72 hours after it left the service department at the local Subaru dealership. Earlier that week I dropped the car off for service due to a check engine light and multiple other warning lights on the dashboard. The check engine light was determined to be due to a faulty thermo control valve (a known issue on several... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
I had a standard oil change done on my car and it was running fine afterwards. Later that evening, my car started smoking and spontaneously burst into flames from the hood. The fire originated in the hood of the car and melted the entire front of my car as well as the entire inside. It burned a lot of fuel and oil, which leaked onto the ground and continued burning on the ground. My car was overta... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The paint of my white Kia Soul 2016 has been peeling on the cars hood, roof, doors. It gets worst every day. I checked for paint recalls but there is no recall at this time.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2025
I leased a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 with the exact same issue. The VIN is [XXX] My new Hyundai Ioniq 5 is having the same problem again! Vehicle will hesitate/shudder and pulsate at highway speeds. Between 57mph and 78mph seems to be where I can feel it the most. This happens on all drive modes and with or without brake regeneration turned on or off. Nothing seems to make it worse or better. Here is... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Infotainment/Car Software upgraded to 3.7 and have not LOST the PIP 360 camera in reverse. 360 camera appears black and only left with rear camera.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Transmission had a huge delay when trying to shift into 4th gear. Was trying to pull out and was almost hit by traffic because the truck would not accelerate. The truck cut power and took 5 seconds before it would shift into the next gear. This is a known issue with the CDF drum in the transmission, it is a design flaw and ford knows about this issue. This is absolutely dangerous and needs to be r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
Subject: Failure of Nissan to Remedy Safety Issue Similar to Existing Recall – Nissan Rogue Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am submitting this complaint regarding Nissan North America’s refusal to address a serious mechanical issue on my Nissan Rogue that is substantially similar to an existing recall. Despite the fact that my vehicle is experiencing the same symptoms ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that upon returning to the parked vehicle, while attempting to unlock the doors with the key fob, the doors failed to open. The contact was able to open the door manually using the key. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle and closing the front driver's side door, the doors locked and failed to unlock. The contact depressed t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
EGR coolant compartment cracked leaked coolant
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
THE BRAKE PEDAL SOME TIME GOES DOWN TO THE FLOOR. I BROUGHT VEHICLE IN SUBARU DEALER FOR CHECK UP. THEY STATED THAT THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER IS DEFECTIVE, NEED TO BE REPLACE. THIS IS 2023 VEHICLE AND THE MILEAGE IS ONLY 46,000 MILES. For safety to me and other drivers please investigate this safety concern.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
My wife and I took our new vehicle on a 7k mile road trip this summer. Two times while on the freeway around 70 MPH, the sensors went wild. The cars auto break came on and red lights and collision warnings went off in the seat and the HUD. The vehicle slowed down to about 35 immediately! Then everything turned off and we sped back went down the road like nothing happened. Luckily there was no behi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
My wife and I took our new vehicle on a 7k mile road trip this summer. Two times while on the freeway around 70 MPH, the sensors went wild. The cars auto break came on and red lights and collision warnings went off in the seat and the HUD. The vehicle slowed down to about 35 immediately! Then everything turned off and we sped back went down the road like nothing happened. Luckily there was no behi... Read more