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: Mar 25, 2025
Component or system that failed: Electric Drive System / Charging System / Software – repeated failure displaying “EV System Off” message, rendering vehicle inoperable. Description of incident: This is the second time within 30 days that my 2025 Nissan Ariya (VIN: [XXX] ) has completely shut down and become undriveable. On [XXX], while attempting to use a DC fast charger at Electrify Americ... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
Rodents Chew on Car Wires Consequences of Rodent Damage: Malfunctioning Components: Chewed wires can lead to a variety of problems, including issues with the engine, lights, sensors, and other electrical components. Expensive Repairs: Repairing or replacing damaged wiring harnesses can be costly, potentially running into the thousands of dollars. Safety Hazards: Damaged wiring can pose safety risk... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2025
ICCU (Intergrated Charging Control Unit) failed after two mandatory recalls were completed. Vehicle is not drivable as it’s awaiting for a replacement ICCU (backordered). Replacement ICCU will not remedy the issue since it has not been improved upon from the original failure. Vehicle shutdown on a two lane highway with a 65mph speed limit. The section where the vehicle shutdown was without cel... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
Check engine light came on as well as hybrid malfunction message. While on the highway could not accel or go past 60 mph, gas pedal would then not work and speed went down, I pulled car over to breakdown lane and car abruptly stopped and would not move. Many warnings flashed and car needed to be towed. Temperature rose and ignition messages came up, steering wheel locked and car was not drivable.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
Phone charger does not work. Power was out and I could not charge phone. Best I've ever got was 1% on a 1 hour drive. The phone however gets extremely hot. Anecdotally, my usb port also didn't work leaving me with no way to have a charged phone during a prolonged power outage. The wireless charger is a widespread common problem. Below, I have included links to multiple threads and videos whe... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2025
I have a constant issue with the power steering. This issue makes it hard for my vehicle to turn properly as well as when you go to turn a corner you have to be a body builder to get the car to even turn. At times I can't even drive my car because it gets so bad. Along with this issue I also have a wheel bearing issue in the front suspension. To me this issue feels like my whole car is going to ra... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
My car is a 2016 Ford fusion and it was working fine until February of 2025. There was a message that appeared on the dashboard as soon as I started the car. The message was “steering loss, stop safely” making it extremely difficult to turn. The steering can’t even turn left or right. It’s locked in place. I had to get it towed and now it’s undrivable. I can’t even get it fixed because... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a popping sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly and started driving rough. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic who diagnosed an engine cylinder misfire. The mechanic replaced the fuel injector and engine lifter, and the vehicle was r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
Water intrusion on front passenger side of vehicle causing mold. Vehicle still has original windshield and all original carpet and interior. Ford Service department unable to do “leak detection at facility” but referenced several online sources believing it is a defective cowl or a/c part that is not sealed. Service department dried vehicle out for 3-4 days and water intrusion is still happeni... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
I am reporting a repeated and potentially dangerous transmission failure in my 2020 Mazda CX30. At 6 months old, the original transmission failed. Mazda confirmed it was defective and replaced it with a refurbished unit with 10,000 miles on it. That replacement is now also failing—within 4 years of the first failure. This means the car has experienced two transmission failures before reaching 5... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
I am reporting a potential safety and mechanical defect involving the cylinder head in the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. Many owners, including myself, have experienced premature cylinder head failure, often without warning, leading to loss of power, engine misfires, rough idling, and in some cases, sudden engine shutdown while driving. This issue appears to be widespread among GLA models equipped with ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
I am reporting a potential safety and mechanical defect involving the cylinder head in the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. Many owners, including myself, have experienced premature cylinder head failure, often without warning, leading to loss of power, engine misfires, rough idling, and in some cases, sudden engine shutdown while driving. This issue appears to be widespread among GLA models equipped with ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
In 2022, my 2013 Kia Sportage (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a spontaneous engine compartment fire while parked. I was unaware of any existing recalls at the time. The vehicle was stationary and turned off when the incident occurred. I extinguished the fire myself. There was no crash involved, but the damage rendered the vehicle inoperable. I later discovered that this exact vehicle is subject to Reca... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The engine can fail at any time. The truck has not been fixed in a timely manor. I pull trailer with livestock. I need to declare the lemon law on this vehicle to get one that is reliable.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
* The component that appears to be malfunctioning is the driveshaft and/or related transmission system. I have experienced repeated issues such as abnormal jerking when switching gears, grinding or clunking noises, and jerking through the drivetrain with erratic RPMs before the vehicle regains power. These symptoms are consistent with problems covered in recent recalls for the 2020 Ford Explorer. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
* The component that appears to be malfunctioning is the driveshaft and/or related transmission system. I have experienced repeated issues such as abnormal jerking when switching gears, grinding or clunking noises, and jerking through the drivetrain with erratic RPMs before the vehicle regains power. These symptoms are consistent with problems covered in recent recalls for the 2020 Ford Explorer. ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
This is a second report of an issue that first happened in February 2025, the dealer replaced the battery and called it fixed. On Friday 5-2-2025 I started the vehicle and as I was driving the dash lit up with these warnings: Service Trailer brake system, Service ESC, Brake System Failure 62 mph top speed, Steering assist reduced drive with care, The vehicle steering got stiff and brake pedal went... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving on two occasions, the vehicle did not accelerate as intended. The contact stated that when the vehicle reached 55 MPH, the vehicle dead stopped, and she was thrust forward, and on the second occasion, she sustained a head injury from hitting her head on the steering wheel. Medical attention was not needed. Additional... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and DTC: P0014; was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain and cam phasers had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
C1391 error, "Abnormal Leak of ACC PRESS". This is a common failure in many prius and requires the replacement of the brake master cylinder and brake accumulator. Toyota has an expired customer support program but no actual recall. Parts were replaced to bring braking system back into working condition.
Incident date: May 14, 2025
Active Headrest system deployed without collision on the passenger side. Could have impacted passenger and caused serious head injury. Vehicle was taken to dealer and directed me to Chryslers customer hotline. They were reluctant to do anything and were trying to put the blame on me. They said they would call back in the next 2-3 business days to examine the vehicle after much back and forth. Ther... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
So the electrical would be when I shut my truck off in park I cannot turn my key completely back to release the key so therefore I’m killing my battery leaving the power on as far as the tires they’re rated for 50 or 55,000 miles I have 37,000 miles and I have no tread left and as far as my drivetrain when accelerating onto a highway pulling my fifth wheel camper that is 16,000 pounds loaded t... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2025
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated the vehicle had been driven for three hours and parked. Moments later, the vehicle was restarted and while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration. While pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle did not stop and continued to accelerate forward, and the speed increased. While attempting to a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the passenger's side sliding door failed to close properly. The contact had to force the door closed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
During the first week of March, 2025, my Polestar 3 suffered a total AC charging failure, meaning I was no longer able to charge at home. March 7 I brought the vehicle to Dyer & Dyver Volvo in Atlanta, GA, and they confirmed that the AC charging inverter failed and would have to be replaced. This part took more than two weeks to receive, and I retrieved the vehicle April 1. This issue seemed reso... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
During the first week of March, 2025, my Polestar 3 suffered a total AC charging failure, meaning I was no longer able to charge at home. March 7 I brought the vehicle to Dyer & Dyver Volvo in Atlanta, GA, and they confirmed that the AC charging inverter failed and would have to be replaced. This part took more than two weeks to receive, and I retrieved the vehicle April 1. This issue seemed reso... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Engine overheating and causing multiple problems
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
I was driving my Vinfast I was approaching a intersection when the vehicle throws a gear error code. My Vehicle shut down and turned off immediately while I was still moving. I restarted my car but was unable to get it to go in gear. I was in a busy intersection for 2 hours waiting for Vinfast to get a tow truck to get my car towed. Since then, the dealership told me they are under order from V... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
I kept smelling a burnt plastic smell. Eventually my driver side rear door did not lock. Upon inspection of the wiring the wire harness from the door to the truck showed the wires on the truck side had burned/melted the sheathing off the wires and leaving them exposed and touching.
Incident date: May 13, 2025
My wife was driving in the vehicle with our two (2) infants on Dixie Hwy in Boca Raton, FL when the breaks suddenly stopped working. Fortunately, there was not a lot of traffic on the road at this time and eventually the vehicle slowed down and no one was injured. No warning lights came on. Once the car came to a complete stop my wife turned off the vehicle and started it back up; still no warning... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
For the last 1.5 years the ABS control module light, check engine light, and the traction control light is on. I have taken my jeep to multiple dealers and mechanic shops for this issue and I am repeatedly informed the ABS control module is not in production. It is the only vehicle I own and I fear for my safety. I need to replace this part but the manufacturer is not selling to the dealer or mech... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The message "Starter Motor Overheating" was displayed; however, there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the starter motor and battery were faulty and needed to be replaced. The... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling rough while shifted into drive or reverse. The contact stated that the vehicle operated normally while moving. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 20-227... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
This suv has 10 speed transmission that has faulty harsh shifting hesitation, acceleration problem when shifting on highway or in situations when you need to slow down and or accelerate. This has happened many times while trying to get on the highway and switching lanes. I have almost been run over because it stalled someone is going to get killed. I have had the Powertrain control module pcm repr... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
My engine shakes when shifting into the V4 from the V6 and my transmission shifts hard as well as a dieseling affect when shifting from 2nd gear to 3rd gear. Rear main seal was replaced 1000 miles ago and now has to be replaced again due to the rapid shaking of the V4 cylinder deactivation(which was a terrible way to make the reliable 4.3 Lt engine unreliable)
Incident date: May 31, 2024
I have a 2017 Ford Escape. Have owned the car for 4 months and it's already experiencing transmission issues i.e. hesitation, slipping etc. Took it the repair shop and found other issues (turbocharger, thermostat, water pump). They claimed they didn't see anything wrong with the transmission. Car ran well for a couple of weeks and then I got transmission fault warning. It wouldn't engage and I cou... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2025
APIM fault affecting Backup camera and Handsfree phone system (JK2T-14G371-CCC) The issue seemed to be the result of a sudden glitch. That occurred in January 2024. The screen appeared as if the system was rebooting, then it went dark and would not come back on, no longer displaying the camera feed from the rear camera when the transmission is put in reverse. After consulting the owners manual, ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the blind spot warning light was inoperable, and the Forward Collision Avoidance assist sensor warning light was deactivated on the instrument cluster. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electrical system and harness had failed and needed to be repl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD became inoperable. The message “Service 4WD” was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (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 exce... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
The water pump began leaking somewhere around 62,000 miles, however there were no visible signs of a leak and no maintenance warnings appeared on the dashboard. I only know there was a leak because I took my Bronco Sport into the Ford dealership to have other recalls repaired and they advised me to have the water pump replaced as it was leaking. I have researched this issue and it appears to be a ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
Driving the vehicle, I was turning right on exit , the steering wheels turn extremely hard. It turn so hard have to pull over on side of the road. Steering light and traction turn on. Cycle the key and vehicle reset light nothing happen. Vehicle do not give fault code after key was cycle.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
After routine service at South Coast Toyota in Costa Mesa, CA, I unknowingly drove my 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for over a week with two missing lug nuts and one extremely loose lug nut on the front passenger wheel. The service performed on April 5, 2025, included an oil change, tire rotation, and full inspection. No issues were reported to me at pickup. Over the next several days, I heard increasin... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
I am writing to formally request reconsideration for including my 2017 Kia Forte in the existing recall (NHTSA Recall No. 21V-260, Manufacturer Recall No. SC210) affecting similar 2017-2018 Kia Forte models. Despite my vehicle not being initially included, I believe it should be reconsidered due to the following reasons: 1. Similar Engine Issues: The recall pertains to certain 2017-2018 Kia Forte... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
[XXX] Here is a link that explains this further. The oil pump on this vehicle has gone out with 11,000 miles on it. This a known problem from GM and they will not fix it. I am being told my car is out of warranty so no luck. This is not right. The pump should not go out that quick. I am being thrown to the side because I cherished my GM vehicle and didn't drive it as much as others. It risks b... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle started shaking excessively and then lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was take... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
The vehicle rolled and killed the occupant because the roof caved in. The shoulder portion of the seat belt did not hold the occupant (only the lap portion) and the occupant was partially ejected out of the rear of the cab. The vehicle was inspected and purchased by State Farm insurance since the vehicle was totaled. The 2000's Ford F-150s have roofs that are too weak to support the weight of the ... Read more
Crash
1 deaths
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
Having issues with my engine, it’s throwing the code saying that my glow relay is stuck on and has something to do with the knock sensor, which is on a recall on 2015 Kia Optima, but my VIN number doesn’t seem to be one that’s on the recall list, but my engine is doing the same thing that the other ones are being recalled for.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jaguar I-Pace. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V633000 (Electrical System). The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to complete the final remedy, which involved repurchasing the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time ... Read more