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 16, 2025
On November 9th, the vehicle became undrivable with the following alerts: "Stop safely now", "Pre-collision assist not available", "Check Brake System", "Front Camera Temporarily not available", "service vehicle soon", "service advance trac", "hill start assist not available" The accelerator was non-functional; however, when releasing the brake pedal the vehicle starts to accelerate, without press... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
Sunroof spontaneously shattered.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
Rear passenger seat buckle not working. We have always had a car seat that was tethered at this seat and have not had to use the seat buckle until yesterday when we decided to reconfigure to high back booster configuration and tried to use the seat belt to buckle the kid in.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
EXCESIVE OIL BURNING. ALTERNATER WENT BAD.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
I own a 2017 Kia Optima with a major internal engine defect. Starting shortly after purchase, the car lost power and consumed fuel unusually quickly. Over time, the engine began burning excessive oil and now produces a loud knocking sound (bearing knock), indicating internal bearing failure. These symptoms are consistent with known Kia engine defects (bearing wear / piston ring failure). The defe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
The dash at the bottom of windshield and where the dash meet is coming up.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the dealer recommended that the timing belt be replaced. After the timing belt was replaced, there was a ticking sound coming from the vehicle while being started. The sound occurred while driving at various speeds or while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated while driving approximately 60 MPH. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
Continental ProContact RX 235/40 R18 91W DOT 1A3 OFBK7W 25 Honda Civic Touring Hybrid 4 mths old, 2300 miles brand new car On Sun Oct 19 approx 11:30am traveling on I95 N at SC/NC border this Conti tire mounted on LR blew out suddenly causing the 25 Honda to fishtail on the hwy. I gained control of vehicle and safely pulled to the side of I95. Honda Roadside refused to tow the vehicle because ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2025
Was driving for 12 miles, at a stop light. Light turns green, I accelerate, loud collision warning goes off and warning “battery overheated! Pull over safely and leave the vehicle”. Could not pull over safely because the car immediately ceased and locked up, car behind me nearly rear ended me and swerved to avoid. Is this another ICCU unit failure? Car towed to dealership (car has 2056 miles i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2025
Was driving for 12 miles, at a stop light. Light turns green, I accelerate, loud collision warning goes off and warning “battery overheated! Pull over safely and leave the vehicle”. Could not pull over safely because the car immediately ceased and locked up, car behind me nearly rear ended me and swerved to avoid. Is this another ICCU unit failure? Car towed to dealership (car has 2056 miles i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Tailgate struts failed within 2k miles of the 3/36k warranty. Even with the power back door feature "off", the struts are not simply converted to normal manual hydraulics. To lift the gate and close the gate it takes significant effort and I injured my shoulder while trying to lift it while holding items I didn't want to get wet on the ground during a rain event.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
The transmission had to be replaced before 100k miles. If I didn't notice it in time, I could have caused an accident if the transmission stopped working. The dealership I got it fixed at said there were other cars, same make and model, that had to have full transmission replacements. I saw online that a bunch of other people had the same problem as me. It has not been inspected by the manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
I am reporting an ongoing issue with my 2016 Honda Accord Touring V6 caused by a misdiagnosis at Honda of the Avenues in Jacksonville, FL. In December 2024, they diagnosed my oil leak as a valve cover gasket issue and charged me for the repair, but the leak never stopped. I returned multiple times and was told “everything is fine,” even though oil was clearly visible. Because the real issue wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
My Subaru has an auto start/stop. I was at a complete stop, making a left-hand turn, and my car completely shuts off with the following message: For safety, auto restart disabled; eyesight with a \ through the words, put car in park and restart vehicle. In the time it took me to put the car in park and restart, I was almost T-bone. This was terrifying. This had happened on previous occasion in st... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
While driving a 2015 Toyota Rav4 (w/AWD) the vehicle's steering wheel started to shake and the vehicle lost acceleration. The check engine, AWD, and traction (trac) control lights illuminated. After pulling the vehicle over I tried calling AAA. After about 30 minutes, the warning lights went out. I decided to try to drive it home. After about 5 miles the same thing happened. However, after slowing... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
Oil Pump Solenoid will get stuck and will cause the car to go into LOMP mode or in worse cases cause the drivetrain to lock up and a lose all power. It can happen at random.
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2015) - BACK OVER PREVENTION
Nov 10, 2025
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that the rear-view camera was inoperable and that the display screen was not fully functional. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was a cosmetic issue, but provided no assistance. The failure mi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
Four of the eight oil lifters in my 6.2L engine in my 2019 GMC Yukon failed. The car has around 53,000 miles. The issue was confirmed by an independent service center. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the issue. Zero. The service center even ran diagnostics with no result and could not confirm the issue until after it partially took apart the engine. I noticed a noise similar to a ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
Monday, November 3rd, 2025 In electric mode - I drove the vehicle forward out of a parking spot. The vehicle made three very large lurches over a 200 foot length of parking lot, enough to bang drivers and passengers heads hard against the head rests each with a loud clunk. Within seconds after the third lurch, the car went into gas/oil refresh mode (which transitions the vehicle from electric mo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
Total loss of power while driving 2021 CRV hybrid on interstate. Check engine light came on and immediately started flashing and significant engine noise heard.Vehicle taken to Honda dealership and diagnostic test completed which stated fuel injector failed which then caused spark plug damage and engine misfire. We were traveling at interstate speeds and had no ability to accelerate causing signif... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
My car started making a loud noise several months ago so I took it to a mechanic. When he looked at it, he informed me that the bearing in my transmission failed and could not be repaired because it would all need replaced. I couldn’t afford it so I called 3 other places who told me it needed fully replaced also since it’s CVT. I’ve been trying to trade it in with issues for months and nobod... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
Auto Start Stop Issue - Vehicle will stall and not start when waiting at a red light after you let go of break. All warning lights would turn on and stall.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
My 2015 BMW 320 is having a performance issue. After I diagnosed this is due to corrosion on the wastegate actuator and has failed. The bushing and part corroded and the rod is dangling. This should be covered by the extended warranty on the part as it’s a known defect failure by BMW
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated while parked and occupied in the vehicle, attempting to start the vehicle infotainment system displays a black screen and glitched. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnoses. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mention the failure has occurred on two differ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (Power Train); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
My screen on my truck went out and had to be reset manually, next my heated steering wheel stopped working. The problem is the cool spring in my steering wheel. Upon research there is a common problem with this said coil spring. This can cause multiple problems including loss of air bag function and front end collision indicator which comes on time to time saying it’s disabled due to this same s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
My screen on my truck went out and had to be reset manually, next my heated steering wheel stopped working. The problem is the cool spring in my steering wheel. Upon research there is a common problem with this said coil spring. This can cause multiple problems including loss of air bag function and front end collision indicator which comes on time to time saying it’s disabled due to this same s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Vehicle has been inspected by 2 different mechanics, both confirming our PTU is failing. This is our sons only vehicle; while he was driving the vehicle to and from work, and going to school sometimes the car will start flashing “ESC off” and will stop while he driving. Almost like the car has slammed on its breaks. This has happened while he going 10mph and happened going 40mph, most dangerou... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
On Two seperate occasions, the message telling me to "Shift into P, and then desired gear." appeared while driving. I shifted into P while parked at an intersection both times and the car died. The second time it happened as I was driving away from Rairdon's Jeep in WA. I made it one street after having my ignition system replaced to the tune of $2,600. Was able to turn the car around and get it b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
I have the exact same issue as this person https://www.clublexus.com/forums/tx-models-2024-present/1025518-new-problems-with-3rd-row-seats.html When I fold the 3rd row seat it leaves a bump under a loose cloth cover. If I remove the cover I see that a plastic attachment linking the spare wheel well to both sides of the trunk is bent. Lexus says that to replace it I need to replace the whole unit ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the infotainment screen glitched while using the Navigation system and other features. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V710000 (Electrical System) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V741000(Electrical System); however, the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
Failed windshield Available for inspection Unexpectedly Cracked across full length of windshield Blocking view of road causes glare There is a 2020 model class action suit and many complaints
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
Failed windshield Available for inspection Unexpectedly Cracked across full length of windshield Blocking view of road causes glare There is a 2020 model class action suit and many complaints
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a rear-view camera system failure. The contact was informed that the rear-view camera system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
While driving the "Service Power Steering" light came on. Made it very difficult to pull to the side of the road because the steering was very stiff
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
My engine completely failed and required replacement. It failed on the highway and luckily I was able to coast to an exit ramp. I had a repair shop replace the entire engine. There are complaints all over the internet about this engine and it failing. GM recalled the 2021 through 2024 engine, but this one is also faulty.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that the steering wheel was shaking abnormally with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on three occasions, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was jump-started... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
Vehicle Headlamps fail to project adequate light to see the road. Several hundred dollars have been invested in attempting to fix this, resulting in zero noticeable help.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Driving on Interstate 64 in southern Indiana approximately 70 mph in left lane when engine died without any warning signs. Was able to safely maneuver vehicle to shoulder without incident. Paid to have the vehicle towed 60 miles to Hyundai dealer. Dealer stated engine failure was due to injector issue known by Hyundai as a technical issue was released.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
Passenger side captain seat frame has too much play causing shaking and noise in the seat when passenger is in seat. Frame was replaced 05/2024 and same issue has occurred less than a year later. After accident on 10/17/2025, sound has gotten worse in seat and inspection shows frame to be critical. At time of accident passenger was in seat. Accident involved a deer on front passenger side bumper a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
While driving 40mph, pressed clutch and the transmission would not shift into gear. Car began to slow in traffic ans I was unable to accelerate as the clutch would not engage a gear. Mamaged to sagely get iff road. No fluid leaks found. Would shift into gear with car off. Gear selection works, not a shift cable issue.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
While driving out of my neighborhood at a low speed, the vehicle’s brakes suddenly stopped responding. I pressed the brake pedal multiple times, but it felt soft and failed to slow or stop the car as expected. I had to rely on the parking brake to bring the vehicle to a stop safely. Fortunately, there were no injuries or collisions, but this created a serious safety risk for myself and others. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
The wireless charging pad in the vehicle below the climate control system. Yes, it is. The charging component malfunctioned and overheated the back of my phone when it was set in the console while driving. I had no intention of charging my phone, but instead place my phone down while driving. When I picked up my phone at a stop light, I laid it in my inner thigh when the light changed. The burnin... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
I am filing this complaint regarding a catastrophic engine failure in my 2011 Hyundai Sonata. According to Hyundai’s own documentation, Service Campaign 953, issued in 2018, was never performed on this vehicle. This campaign addresses the risk of connecting rod bearing failure caused by residual metal debris in the crankshaft oil passages.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
On Sunday, Nov. 2nd, 2025, about 3:50pm EST, I was driving East on Hwy 25, 5 miles west of near Knox Central High School, heading towards Barbourville, Ky. I was coming from Kingsport, Tn heading to Corbin, Ky to take my mother to her cancer doctors in Lexington on Monday, the 3rd. I was driving 55 mph, in the left lane, the weather was foggy, gray, temp 45 degrees. It was 62 when I left home... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
The transmission failed. It is being rebuilt when the dealership can get to it. So it's available until then. The transmission would slip, lag shifting or slam into gear sporadically and unpredictably. This caused inconvenience at best and erratic vehicle behavior that endangered myself and other drivers at worst. This has been confirmed by the dealer who recommended a rebuild with improved par... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
The steering column upper shaft may have been manufactured wrong and can result in losing the steering. I can not drive the vehicle. I live far from Boise and I'm missing family events and hunting for which I paid tags/license. The parts for this will not be in till next year sometime, per the recall letter. The vehicle has not been inspected and the recall letter doesn't ask for it to be.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2017
PTU had to be replaced. Light on, check by a authorized dealer, replaced by my local dealer as the jeep dealer could not get the part in a timely manner. I am aware other Jeeps were recalled but not this jeep. Safety at risk. I need 4 Wheel drive as I am a home health nurse in Colorado and rely on 4WD to get me to my patients.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
ABS Module has gone bad. Replacements are not being made, and it is unable to be rebuilt. This forces me to drive with the anti-lock brake system not working. This is my only means of transportation and I have to drive it to work to pay the grocery bill. I feel unsafe driving it, but I have no other choice. Something needs to be done, and replacement parts need to be made available. 1
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
While driving on the highway at a speed of approx 35 mph, no traffic in front of me, I got an audile warning and the car started slowing down, and the message on the dash said EMERGENCY BRAKING, this has happened twice in the last month.