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: Jun 29, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system appears to have failed. When I attempted to slow down for a stop sign, the brake pedal went straight to the floor and did not respond as expected. I began pumping the brakes out of panic, but they only engaged at the last moment—approximately one foot or less from the vehicle in ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
This vehicle continues to exhibit transmission shuddering, slipping, and hesitation during acceleration—despite two full transmission replacements in two years and multiple dealership service visits. These unresolved issues compromise safe operation, especially during highway merging, rapid acceleration, and lane changes. Both dealerships were unable to permanently address the issue after extens... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
We were rear ended on the interstate. Cars in front of us stopped and we also came to a complete stop and a few moments later we were hit. During the collision, none of the airbags were deployed. Both our front seats fully reclined backwards. None of our seatbelts locked. Only the two seats that no one was in locked. Also, my headrest completely broke off. Our car was later determined by the insur... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 1, 2017
The turbocharger failed on my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T. It is still on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. The turbo failure caused a severe loss of engine power, making acceleration dangerously slow and unpredictable, especially when merging onto highways or passing vehicles. This sudden reduction in power could have caused a rear-end collision or made it impossible to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V302000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was invalid.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Kia is aware of the engine oil consumption causing misfires, failed emissions test, blowing a rod and engine lock up. THEIR SOLUTION WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT STATE ONCE THE CAR IS LOCKED UP OR ROD HAS BLOWN THROUGH THE ENGINE THEN THEY WILL FIX IT. I HAVE HAD TO ADD OIL AT LEAST 3 TIMES EVERY 3000 MILES AND CONTINUE TO REPLACE THE OIL FILTER AS WELL. THE SPARK PLUGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED MUTLI... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, I received a warning that my EyeSight was disabled in the middle of driving. This meant that I was unable to utilize cruise control or any driver assistance functions. The weather was clear, sunny, and there was nothing obstructing the EyeSight cameras, nor were there any cracks in the windshield. The following day, Monday, July 14, EyeSight worked normally in the mo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
On April 13, 2025, around 5:00 PM, while driving, a warning appeared on my dashboard: “Forward Collision System Reduced.” Not knowing the full meaning but understanding it could pose a safety risk, I immediately contacted the dealership the next day. I informed them it was urgent, but no one followed up. Days later, I called again and was told to bring the vehicle in. When I did, I asked about... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
My child’s seat buckles are still not locking into place. I’ve contacted Nuna and their response was they needed 24-48 hours to find a solution as I’ve already don’t the seat recall solution. But they told me I can’t use this seat for my child. So I’m stuck without a car seat until they find some solution for me. I found this issue because my child was able to move the seat straps on h... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
My child’s seat buckles are still not locking into place. I’ve contacted Nuna and their response was they needed 24-48 hours to find a solution as I’ve already don’t the seat recall solution. But they told me I can’t use this seat for my child. So I’m stuck without a car seat until they find some solution for me. I found this issue because my child was able to move the seat straps on h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, there was a loud squeaking sound coming from the front driver’s side of the vehicle before the vehicle lost power. Simultaneously, the check engine warning light started blinking. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
My wife called me while I was at work today to let me know that our soon to be [XXX] old toddler locked himself in the car with her keys inside while the car was running with the air conditioning on. She repeatedly tried to use the My Mazda app to unlock the car but it kept giving an error message. She called 911 and luckily he finally unlocked it on his own just prior to the police department's ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
1) Rear passenger window failed a couple months ago. I believe it was regulator, not 100% sure. Cost me a couple hundred to fix. Now, few months later, the driver side rear window has failed. I rarely use the windows so I believe the failing parts are Kia known manufacturing defect. The dealer acknowledged that it’s a known problem with the vehicles like mine and even suggested the other one is ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
1) Rear passenger window failed a couple months ago. I believe it was regulator, not 100% sure. Cost me a couple hundred to fix. Now, few months later, the driver side rear window has failed. I rarely use the windows so I believe the failing parts are Kia known manufacturing defect. The dealer acknowledged that it’s a known problem with the vehicles like mine and even suggested the other one is ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
Car stalled in traffic. The engine was cranking but it would not start. Had AAA tow off the road and to my home. Car sat for 10 days waiting for a fuel pump (thought this was the problem). After sitting for 10 days the battery was totally dead! New fuel pump installed battery was jumped but could not start the car. After 2 hours on the charger the battery still did not have enough energy to t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
Headed home from a vet appointment in mountain home. Was driving on the freeway at 80mph when the tire blew at the Wendell exit. Checked the tire to find that the inside wall had failed and had a blowout. The tire was installed June 8th 2025 and had less than 1,000 miles on it. I have never in 26 years of being around vehicles had a brand new tire fail in less than 1,000 miles. Tire was a good yea... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
1. Lane Keeping Assistantance: The green vehicle indicator on the dashboard will disappear and stay off while driving. When it is off, it is unsafe. 2. Parking Collision Warning: The front and back sensors will disappear and become nonfunctional while driving and parking. Sometimes they activate for no reason as well. 3. Both exterior mirrors: After starting the engine to drive off , both exte... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
1. Lane Keeping Assistantance: The green vehicle indicator on the dashboard will disappear and stay off while driving. When it is off, it is unsafe. 2. Parking Collision Warning: The front and back sensors will disappear and become nonfunctional while driving and parking. Sometimes they activate for no reason as well. 3. Both exterior mirrors: After starting the engine to drive off , both exte... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
Brake Rotor and Pad issues at 10k, 20k, 30k, and 44k. Severe damage to the Brake Rotor with bad gauging present. OEM parts replaced with aftermarket Duragold Rotors and Pads. Subaru dealership did not properly resolve issues
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
For the last six months (since Dec. 2024) my jeep has randomly stalled out at traffic lights or won’t restart immediately after having just driven it. Sometimes when it stalls out while driving into a traffic light it will restart without a jump but then the check engine light is on for a few drives then eventually turns off. This happens once or twice a month and typically requires a jump to g... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
My vehicle will not sense that it is in park when it is in park and therefore will not allow me to shut off the vehicle. This is become a problem multiple times and does it consistently enough that it could be a danger. What if I needed to exit the vehicle quickly and it will not allow me to.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
Fuel pump faulted, engine would just cut off in middle of driving whether on highway, street, or interstate. Engine would randomly shut off. Took to ford dealership, they had to replace low pressure and high pressure fuel pumps, the dealership says this model is notorious for that, the fuel pumps tear apart and send metal into the fuel rail. This caused the truck to not get diesel and shut off. An... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 1, 2025
UNKNOWN There is a issue with paint on the car. The paint is white and is chipping on hood, top of car and back of car. The car looks terrible with a cheap paint job.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
My 2019 Volkswagen Jetta cannot be refueled — gas nozzle clicks off instantly or overflows. The check engine light came on, and VW Corporate confirmed code P00FE, indicating a failure of the EVAP system vent valve. This is a sealed emissions component integrated with the fuel tank. Dealership initially claimed there were “no codes,” but a video shows their technician confirming the EVAP cod... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
My 2019 Volkswagen Jetta cannot be refueled — gas nozzle clicks off instantly or overflows. The check engine light came on, and VW Corporate confirmed code P00FE, indicating a failure of the EVAP system vent valve. This is a sealed emissions component integrated with the fuel tank. Dealership initially claimed there were “no codes,” but a video shows their technician confirming the EVAP cod... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
While driving on I-17 Southbound near mile marker 311 at approximately 75 mph, I experienced a sudden and dangerous malfunction of the Lane Keep Assist (Auto-Steer) system in a 2021 Subaru Forester. The feature was active at the time and unexpectedly veered the vehicle sharply toward the concrete wall on the left shoulder of the highway. I attempted to regain control, but due to the abrupt nature ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
When attempting to move forward from a stop, there is a momentary delay in the truck responding to stepping on the accelerator pedal. This is a real safety concern when attempting to pull into traffic, as the "dead spot" in the pedal occurs after the truck has already moved forward a few feet, leaving the front end of the truck out in the traffic lane. It appears to be related to the automatic t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while in the process of parking the vehicle at the residence and driving 1-5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and hit another unoccupied parked vehicle, causing the other vehicle to move 50-60 ft. away. The rear end of the other vehicle was damaged, and the front end of the contact's vehic... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
Vehicle motor suddenly stopped working. Vehicle was pulled into a driveway safely then wouldn’t crank anymore.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the B-pillars had started to peel off. The c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as indented and started to decelerate unintendedly. The contact became aware of a rattling sound coming from underneath the vehicle. Several warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Freightliner XC Line Motorhome. The contact stated that the ICU on the coach had delaminated over time and made it difficult to read. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the ICU panel was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximat... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
2025 Subaru Outback has been to the dealership three times for software issues. Cruise control, back-up camera, rear collision system, eyesight system all operate some of the time and other times they do not work at all. Software recall in March 2025 and fix was not successful. In May of 2025, dealership reinstalled entire software system. Same safety functions are again not working all the ti... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The contact stated while at a complete stop at a red traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power relay assembly (PRA) located underneath the rear seat had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repair... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
A few months ago, my 2021 F150 started sending me repeating dashboard messages that there's a front camera fault and service is requested followed up with a message about how the pre-collision assist is not available. It's bad enough that this is a problem on a late model vehicle, but my real gripe is that the message repeats over and over non-stop, with a repeating chime to go along with it. I... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
A few months ago, my 2021 F150 started sending me repeating dashboard messages that there's a front camera fault and service is requested followed up with a message about how the pre-collision assist is not available. It's bad enough that this is a problem on a late model vehicle, but my real gripe is that the message repeats over and over non-stop, with a repeating chime to go along with it. I... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) — ENGINE
Jul 8, 2025
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle jolted forward while parking. The brakes were locking up. While driving 5 MPH, the steering wheel locked up. The 4-WD fault light was illuminated. The contact stated that the Pre-collision Assist, Hill Assist and Reverse messages were displayed. The contact stated that the failure was r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
I purchased a brand-new car from Freeway Honda (1505 Auto Mall Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92705) in December 2024. Since then, I’ve been experiencing an issue where the car makes clicking noises when turning the steering wheel left or right. It appears to be related to the axles, and this is not normal for a new vehicle. This situation is becoming extremely frustrating, as I bought this car for comfort ... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2025
Sudden jerk power train and deceleration while driving and towing 5th wheel, immediate loss of power and could have been catastrophic. GM has a known defect that requires immediate attention and investigation to affirm this is a broad national problem with the Allison 10 speed 10L1000 transmission, specifically the defective transmission control valve body assembly. Do we have to wait for multi... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2023
Emission system control error please see your dealer do not accelerate at high speeds, ACC control, module error, brake system failure, error, lane control, assistance, failure, numerous lights illuminate on dashboard 7 to 10 error codes all at once. Vehicle was taken to Diagnosed and found turbo Charger for engine acceleration was faulty, spark plugs changed, 4 coils and cam shift sensors2 total.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
I got into my parked car, turned it on put it in drive and it barely went. I looked down at the dash and it had a wrench lit up on it. I pulled over and looked up what codes it gave me on my app. There were no warning signs before this event.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
On July 2nd my daughter was driving her car and the engine slowed and turned off. She tried to out it in reverse and it would not function. We took it to our mechanics and he got a P287A - code - I then spoke with Ford Customer Service and they stated the extended warranty on that same issue expired June 30th and advised me to reach out to you as the extended warranty was not listed for our vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Electrical system is astoundingly horrible in these Jeep Compasses. When steering wheel is turned to make a turned or when it is raining, the dashboard lights up with error messages stating, front collision unavailable, auto high beam unavailable, Auto Emergency Braking Limited Functionality, blind spot alert unavailable all requiring service. This is not the first Jeep Compass this has happene... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
The ESL has failed and it has happened in a lot of these cars.i was unable to move my steering wheel.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
Vehicle is getting errors for Emssions controls, parking brake, and sh-awd system faults all at the same time. Car will still function normally and codes will go off and come back intermittently. Also while reading the codes it will get a U3006-16 code for low voltage on the ecm. Confirmed battery is good under load test and alternator is charging at 14.2 volts.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
Power steering assist quit working while driving. It appears to be an electrical problem because it works when restarting engine before it goes out again. There are no apparent mechanical issues with it.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
When driving for a hour ac shuts off and only blows warm air. Had everything tested and comes out perfect they can’t find an issue. Happened multiple times but reporting the most recent
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
Seals around both headlights appear to be improperly/weakly sealed. Water intrusion is coming in from light rain or even a car wash causing entire headlight system to shut off until the moisture dries up often while driving. This vehicle has matrix adaptive led headlights and there is no self service bulb to replace since they’re leds. Local Porsche dealer service advisors appear to know this is... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
Car was being driven on the highway in cruise control, when the cruise control turned off and the car began to decelerate. When the gas pedal was pressed, the RPMs shot up but there was no acceleration. The car was pulled over, turned off, and we were not able to turn it on again. The car was towed to a shop, where they were able to identify the engine wasn’t working but not the root cause, and... Read more