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 24, 2025
The stirring wheel very stiff it's hard to drive smoothly.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
Transmission has completely failed at 68,000 miles and 4 years old. Ford is willing to cover cost of the tramission with a “partial good faith” agreement but the dealership who provides the service is charging $5,656 to put in new transmission. This is a widely known transmission problem with safety issues with multiple service bulletins. They are passing the issue onto the consumer instead of... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
Several incidents: 1) I was on a 3 lane road and gained some speed to get around a car, when I got into the other lane the car collision warning came on and slowed the car down significantly b/c it detected a car that was at least 300 feet in front of me. That is too far for a car accident. I was told by the dealership that the alogorithum between speed and object detection is what made the car r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
When I first received the care it would either be sluggish or delay when accelerating. My CVT power reduced light started to come on at 44,000 miles. This happened for a total of 6 times before the dealership was able to diagnose it. The transmission was finally replaced at 55K miles. My car is now at 59,975 miles and not only has the CVT power reduced light come back on, but now the engine light ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
sound coming from engine / transmission other issues with the 2 ruber seals on the minivan keep worping out i looked on all the forms everyone is making the same complaint i toook it to toyota they just put tape and its off again they didnt help for a perminent fix back door is miss alined pasanger side sliding door sometimes does not close takes 3-4 atempts pressing the button
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
While turning lnto my driveway, the passenger rear spring fell off and the car tilted to the passenger side
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. NHTSA: #24V-608, Recall: #24V-608:474 Engine Coolant Pump
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
When braking over uneven surfaces or while the vehicle dynamics reduce the weight on the wheels, the ABS system activates and greatly increases the stopping distance.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The fail that the Kia sportage 2025 had is that every time when accelerating the car would bounce back in a violent way. Safety was at risk on busy roads since car was not able to accelerate and instead bounced back making it more dangerous for the car behind. No problem has been confirmed. The car has not been inspected yet. The car seemed as normal without check engine lights or any manual trans... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The fail that the Kia sportage 2025 had is that every time when accelerating the car would bounce back in a violent way. Safety was at risk on busy roads since car was not able to accelerate and instead bounced back making it more dangerous for the car behind. No problem has been confirmed. The car has not been inspected yet. The car seemed as normal without check engine lights or any manual trans... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Left my home and drown about 1 mile and car Oil light came on then battery light came on then car started rolling I had no control of the speed and car stopped in middle of street got it towed to mechanic . Mechanic advises known issue with fords and should be under a recall. coolant leaking from turbo lines
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
I was stopped at a red light and the engine stalled. It read "FOR SAFETY, AUTO RESTART DISABLED". All warning lights on the dashboard lit up. I had to put the car in park and restart it in order to drive. I was honked at and put in a dangerous position. This has happened at least twice now.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
We received the recall notice NHTSA Recall Number25V467 and called both the dealer and Ford to inquire about our son's safety traveling from RI to FL and the potential safety issues related to this recall. Ford's only advice was to "hope" nothing happens before they have the parts to fix the fuel injector safety issue with no idea of the timeframe for the remedy. It is unbelievable that a company ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
Recall is for 25S12 FRONT HALF SHAFT INSPECTION red McCombs completed and passed on June 23 2025 a week later the shaft had been bent Ford is denying paying for the recall because it was initially passed. I’m writing to follow up on an ongoing issue involving my 2021 Ford EcoSport currently at your dealership, Red McCombs Ford. I’ve been without a vehicle for several weeks now, and despite mu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
Transmission flutters a little before changing from 1st to 2nd gear. In 4th and 5th gear the transmission pauses a few seconds before going into the next gear. From 8th gear to the ninth gear, the transmission jerks really hard. The transmission only has 72000 miles on it. And also the dash board material is coming up.The lane assist jerks really hard sometimes, forcing you in another lane. No wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
In June of this year, with about 82,000 miles I began to experience a clunk felt through the vehicle while slowing down from @35 mph upon the downshift. The clunk was more noticeable under braking, i.e. approaching a stop light. This went on for a few days growing more frequent and noticeable. On June 30th, 2025 I dropped my Explorer off at my Ford dealer's service department. The mechanic tes... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an abnormal vibration sound coming from the vehicle while accelerating and decelerating with the stability control warning light intermittently illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump was le... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering with an abnormal rattling sound coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the display screen became inoperable. During the failure, the back over prevention camera was inoperable, and features including the engine temperature gauge was not available to the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the D-Pin needed to be replaced. No further information ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
I have had this car a little more than two years. I took it in for a recall and they told me the transmission mounts needed to be replaced. The service department said that the repair was not covered and charged me two thousand dollars ($2000).
Incident date: May 16, 2025
The trim piece located between the sunroof and moonroof is secured only with double-sided tape, which is inadequate. As a result, the trim becomes detached and falls onto the sunroof shade. This causes the shade to come off its track, leading to sagging or complete detachment. When this occurs, the shade obstructs the driver’s rear visibility, presenting a potential safety hazard
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
At approximately 36,600 miles, my 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sahara began experiencing a critical and recurring electrical malfunction. Upon attempting to start the vehicle: •All dashboard electronics power on, but the engine does not crank or start. •The brake pedal remains fully depressed and will not release. •The vehicle cannot be shut off by the ignition; the only way to power it down is by dis... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED AFTER I EXPERIENCD A SUDDEN ACCELERATION LEXUS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AN PRINTED OUT ALL SORTS OF DATA WHICH THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO EXPLAIN TO ME IN45 DAYS NOT PRIOR WARNIG SIGNS
Crash
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Vehicle overeheated and stalled. Engine light came on. Had it to garage who told me call Ford because vehicle needed a new engine. Got a second opinion a few months later, and they confirmed that coolant was leaking in to the spark plug cylinders.And yes it needed a new engine. Prior: At 80000 miles the transmission needed replaced.I was told that my my car was notorious for needing transmissions... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
On three separate occasions, while in reverse backing out of my driveway, the car failed to engage the transmission when shifting into drive, acting like it was in neutral. There were no warning lights or messages on the dashboard. The only way that I found to engage the transmission was to turn off the vehicle, turn back on, and move selector to drive. This is a safety issue as I've had cars appr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
Approaching sliding exit gate slowly at 2 mile per hour the Honda suddenly accelerated and crashed into sliding gate. Damaged the gate and the right side of the Honda. Honda was placed in neutral and the engine was turned off. Next day the Honda was transported to the body shop for repairs. Transported by flat bed. Unsafe to drive.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
Approaching sliding exit gate slowly at 2 mile per hour the Honda suddenly accelerated and crashed into sliding gate. Damaged the gate and the right side of the Honda. Honda was placed in neutral and the engine was turned off. Next day the Honda was transported to the body shop for repairs. Transported by flat bed. Unsafe to drive.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
I own a $35,000 2018 gmc Sierra 1500 6.2l V8 4x4 Denali, which is currently down due to engine failure while I was driving down the road.. never had a check engine light on the dash. Haven't had the truck a year before it quit. Rods knocking, crankshaft bearings, loss of power, high rpm with little acceleration. I could have the peddle down to the floor and would barely get to 20 mph.. the motor w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was informed by another driver that the front headlights were not functioning as intended. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the contact inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the front headlights were extremely dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
Sunroofs suddenly exploding
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The contact stated that while pulling into a parking spot with the brake pedal pressed, the vehicle displayed unintended acceleration, crashing into the wall of the building in front of the parking space. The air bags did not deploy. The contact immediately placed the vehicle in reverse, with the brake pedal still pressed, and the vehicle accelerated at approximately 20 mph in reverse on its own.... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring issue in the coolant bypass valve of my 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium. Although there was no check engine light, the vehicle displayed a persistent warning: “Engine Maintenance Required – Visit Dealership.” This message repeatedly appears on the instrument cluster and blocks critical driving information, including the speedometer, fuel eco... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring issue in the coolant bypass valve of my 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium. Although there was no check engine light, the vehicle displayed a persistent warning: “Engine Maintenance Required – Visit Dealership.” This message repeatedly appears on the instrument cluster and blocks critical driving information, including the speedometer, fuel eco... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
I was driving from lunch and slowed to turn when all of a sudden, my steering wheel was jerked from my hands causing me to barely make the turn in front of an 18-wheeler truck. I manual steered it to the parking lot at my job. I immediately call AAA to tow to the nearest shop only to find out cost to repair is $4935.64 quote. I did some research later and found this is a known issue so I called de... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly and failed to exceed 40 MPH. Additionally, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the vehicle later operated as needed; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. Several unknown warning lights were i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that while returning from vacation, the vehicle stalled while the contact's wife was driving at 70 MPH. The contact's wife managed to pull to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was towed over 100 miles to the nearest dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campai... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the front passenger's side restraint warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a seat belt restraint failure. The contact was informed that the front passenger's side wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the conta... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the front passenger's side restraint warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a seat belt restraint failure. The contact was informed that the front passenger's side wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the conta... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
The check engine light came on and I took the vehicle to the Ram service center. The tech said the turbo actuator caused the light to go on. He reset the computer and said to bring the vehicle back if it comes on again. About 1 month later it reappeared. The Ram service said the turbo charger actuator needed replacing (the complete turbocharger). They said the failure could result in a total loss ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approxima... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
Unknown or uncertain about needing a recall. Recently my car has been having trouble with acceleration in the sense that either it will lag or stall out and at times will give acceleration even without me trying to depress the gas harder. It sputters like it either cannot get gas or the fuel system is faulty, it keeps throwing codes and the check engine light dings and flashes. Cruise control some... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while in the process of adding the vehicle to the insurance policy, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 65,298, and while the vehicle was being added to the insurance policy, it was discovered that the mileage on the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Electronic gear shifter light appears on dashboard check gear shifter.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The infotainment system in the car has suffered from screen delamination, which is apparently common with these models. This has left the touchscreen both non-responsive to touch as well as randomly selecting items on the screen, rendering it unusable. This is a safety issue because the only way to deactivate Reverse Automatic Braking and the rear parking sensors is through the touchscreen. Bein... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
I was at a red light and when it turned green, I had the clutch in and was in first gear, but as soon as I barely lifted my foot, the car started moving forward on its own. I almost rolled into the car in front of me. At first, I thought maybe it was just me or the shoes but then I noticed the clutch felt like it was getting stuck while pressed. When I tried changing gears, it made a metal-on-meta... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
My 2016 Colorado is having a power steering failure identical to the 2015 recall. Recall #16V054000 (issued February 2016) covered 2015 Colorados and Canyons with the same type of electric power steering (EPS) gear assembly prone to internal corrosion. Exact failure symptoms: Sudden stiff steering, steering wheel locks/stiffens “Service power steering” or “Stabilitrak” warnings DTC codes... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
While driving on the highway, it was barely raining so I turned my wipers on low and about 5 minutes into my drive the rain picked up, and I tried to turn my wipers up at which point the stopped working altogether. I had to pull off on the shoulder and wait for the rain to end, which was about 20 minutes later. Afterwards I proceeded to the nearest gas station and purchased a squeegee to use while... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
Arriving at my childhood home, I followed the driveway to the left to park in front of the garage door. With my foot on the brake and slowly rolling to a stop, the car suddenly accelerated and jolted forward making contact with the garage door and the frame of the garage. This caused damage to the house, garage door and the front of the car. Thankfully there was no other car in the way or a pedest... Read more