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: Sep 15, 2025
My [XXX] mother in law was told by Subaru White Plains NY her both her front control arms and both front sway bar links had to be replaced due to rust as they were not safe and would not pass the NY vehicle inspection. So I did a Google search and saw 2017 Subaru Foresters had rust issues in this area and had a recall. However it doesn't show up for this VIN. [XXX] ) Her car was built before 7/2... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
My [XXX] mother in law was told by Subaru White Plains NY her both her front control arms and both front sway bar links had to be replaced due to rust as they were not safe and would not pass the NY vehicle inspection. So I did a Google search and saw 2017 Subaru Foresters had rust issues in this area and had a recall. However it doesn't show up for this VIN. [XXX] ) Her car was built before 7/2... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
I scheduled a recall appointment for my Jeep Grand Cherokee. The dealer confirmed that the appointment was scheduled and that the necessary recall part had been ordered. However, when I arrived, my vehicle was parked and no work was started. I was not given an estimated repair time, and after waiting for 3 hours, no progress had been made. This recall is mandatory, and the dealer failed to compl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
We've had the red lightening bolt with wrench warning light go off a dozen times since April 2025. 1st time we were setting in traffic after 100+ mile drive down the interstate.i It sounded like the transmission had dropped into part. My wife thought the car behind us had ran into us. I have had it to the dealer many times about this. They tell me the can't duplicate the red warning light going of... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
I have written about repeated issues with Auto Start/Stop on this vehicle. Prior dealers have not been able to isolate the problem. Some of the problems seem to mimic a much earlier issue that went to court but did not happen during the timeframe of the class action suit. The prior submission to NHTSA was with this tracking number: 11681967 . I am now submitting repair information that aligns... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
The instrument cluster went out on my 2020 Jeep Wrangler. There is a recall (NHTSA#24V-652) for this issue, however my VIN # is not included in the recall. This is a critical safety issue because the speedometer and warning lights to not work.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
Coolant leak into cylinder head. Upon start up a cloud of white smoke came from the exhaust.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
Coolant leak into cylinder head. Upon start up a cloud of white smoke came from the exhaust.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The driver's side head rest popped out and hit me in the back of the head, luckily I was not driving at the time, was stopped at a flagger for road work. It hit so hard that I thought the person behind me rear ended me, however when I looked in mirror that vehicle was nowhere near me. I have not had it to a dealer, nor called them yet, was checking first for a recall that maybe I missed. No war... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
We have experienced sluggish/poor acceleration response, scary hesitation at take off regardless of how hard you depress the gas pedal and when driving and are at a speed approx.45-55 mph and press the gas pedal as much 75% and there is no acceleration. I have had the vehicle at an authorized Hyundai Dealer repair shop 3 times and have filed a formal complaint with Hyundai. Hyundai states that thi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts... Read more
SUBARU
B9 TRIBECA
(2008) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 12, 2025
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
The chrome trim strip above the windshield flew off while driving. This poses a safety hazard for anyone driving behind a GV60 and unfortunately this issue seems to be very widespread (examples: [XXX] ). Genesis refused to fix the issue for me despite being under warranty, so I suspect they are doing the same for other owners despite the safety risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Toyota Sienna. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 48,230. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 241,080.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
When attempting to stop, the brakes were rock hard and would barley compress. Almost crashed into the car in front of me. Brake booster was replaced a month ago by dealer, but still is losing vacuum. No codes are being thrown, so any reasonable driver would assume everything is fine with the vehicle. It is going to get someone killed.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to turn to the right, the steering wheel seized. The contact used excessive force to maneuver the vehicle. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and remained at the residence. The contact called and notified the manufacturer of the failure. Upon further investigation, the contac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
Basically since I bought this car back 2020, brand new, the engine loses oil. Vehicle even stalled in the middle of the highway because there was no oil and no warning at all. Kia dealership tells me over and over that there is nothing wrong with it, after doing oil testing for 1000 miles. They have replaced components but nothing has worked so far. Latest issue that after 2700 miles from an oil c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Thor Motor Coach Four Winds Motorhome constructed on a 2017 Ford E-350 Chassis and hauling a 17-foot cargo trailer. The contact stated that while traveling to another state in the mountains, the RV suddenly began to buck and lost motive power and stalled on several occasions. The contact was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The RV was take... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
Opened the sunroof and a loud popping sound followed by complete sunroof failure and a loud flapping sound from sunroof which appears to be from the sunroof wind deflector that is not attached I tried to take photos of this too, I pulled over and the sunroof has completely come off the runners on one side leaving it not flush to the roof, it was scary for myself and my child in the car, I did some... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
The contact's brother rented a 2015 Nissan Versa Note through Turo. The contact stated that while her brother was driving at approximately 15 MPH in a tunnel, the transmission was slipping, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle unexpectedly rolled backwards while on an incline. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The renter contacted the company, which stated... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
Vehicle has been Altered/modified. Vehicle has been altered to be a 7 passenger. The vehicle has been prepared for inspection but needs to be cleared by NHTSA to allow the changes that were made by the modifier to be accepted by NHTSA. Please help me with this, thank you
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
Steering experiences sticking during gradual curves in the road. It requires some effort to return the steering wheel from the stuck position and I’m worried that it won’t someday and cause a collision.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The front multipurpose camera has failed “due to internal failure” according to the service tech at local Honda dealer. The camera functions - lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, and auto High beam lights, have not functioned for the past month. The windshield was replaced more than a year ago and no other incidents caused the failure, so it seems the camera ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The front multipurpose camera has failed “due to internal failure” according to the service tech at local Honda dealer. The camera functions - lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, and auto High beam lights, have not functioned for the past month. The windshield was replaced more than a year ago and no other incidents caused the failure, so it seems the camera ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The contact stated their fiancé owned a 2007 Pontiac Vibe. The contact stated that while their fiancé was driving, MPH unknown, the vehicle was drifting, then suddenly veered towards the opposite lane going south, causing the vehicle to crash into two vehicles in that lane. The vehicle spun from the impact and ended up in the opposite lane, stopped. The front driver-side air bag deployed. The ve... Read more
Crash
1 deaths
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
The component/system that is malfunctioning is coding P-0826. Dealership says replace Transmission.Based on my experience with the vehicle, the transmission is not the main issue. There are symptoms of an electrical issue that is causing the vehicle to lose power, rough shift, stutter and hard shift. This situation began when traveling back from GA to NC. After having stopped at a rest stop, I pro... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
I am experiencing a recurring issue with my 2021 GMC Sierra where the dashboard displays a “Shift to Park” warning even though the vehicle is already in Park. This typically occurs when I attempt to shut off the vehicle. The doors unlock as expected, confirming the truck is in Park, but the warning prevents me from turning off the ignition immediately. After a few seconds, the warning usually ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
Sunshade on sun roof is sagging and now blocking visibility through rear window. This is a safety hazard and concerning.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
This is for a paint problem that my car has lost its paint within six months. My car is peeling off very fast and there was a class action lawsuit. And now a new one has started. I see nobody at your office wants to help people.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
Vehicle experiences a loss a power will driving. A lawsuit for defective throttle control and pedal position sensor was filed but eventually dismissed. GM is aware of the issue but has done nothing to fix it
Incident date: Sep 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning, the steering wheel was sticky and failed to return to center automatically. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25009 (Steering). The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2025
Lane departure feature is overly sensitive, often adjusts the car when not needed and has made car swerve inadvertently
Incident date: Sep 8, 2025
Lane departure feature is overly sensitive, often adjusts the car when not needed and has made car swerve inadvertently
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering wheel was sticking and notchy while attempting to return the steering wheel to center. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the power steering motor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notif... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2025
While driving my vehicle broke down in the middle of the road and locked up the engine because of the etorque generator. I was blocking traffic and had to be assisted by police and then towed. This is the second time this component has failed in 14 months. Both times leaving me stranded. I am now being told it could be weeks or months before the dealer can get my part. The etorque also ca... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2025
The rear view camera does not work most of the time. Hasn't for years. Seems Ford can't make a rear view camera that works, since I see Ford recalling all manner of other vehicles for their rear view camera. They need to do it for the Focus as well.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts were not available. The contact was concerned that while his wife was driving with the grandchildren in the vehicle that if the failure occurred, the failure could cause their lives to be in danger. In addition, the contact was informed by the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
When I bought the truck it was working fine. Went through Chevy and got all the inspections done before buying the truck and it worked fine. About 2 months later my front collision automatic breaking, lane keep and assist, and automatic high berms stopped working. I’ve talked to many other Silverado owners and this is happening to them too. Even when trying to reset it. With the amount of times ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
On 9/5, a car darted out in front of me while I was traveling straight at 45 miles per hour. I hit the brakes but t-boned him. The car then spins around and hits me again on the passenger quarter panel. No emergency brake, precollision no warning light came on. The airbag didnt deploy. I hit my chest on the steering while and my head on the window. The seat belt didnt lock me down. I purchased the... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, and turning the steering wheel to the right, the steering wheel became stiff, and the contact had to forcefully maneuver the steering wheel to correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the power steering sys... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
Yesterday again my 2024 I7 x50 bmw suddenly engaged its auto brakes. I have been in communication with different dealers trying to repair this problem as it almost cause another accident. Luckily there was no cars behind me and there was no cars ahead of me. The cars door also would not close. I have video evidence of this
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the vehicle started to display failures with the air conditioning system blowing hot air. The vehicle was taken for inspection at a local dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures due to water entering the footwells, with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The v... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and several messages were displayed. The vehicle was driven to the side of the road to safety and turned off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle failed to start due to the 24-Volt battery failure. The vehicle was jump-started and operated normally, but the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the contact indicated that the emergency key failed to open the doors of the vehicle after the battery malfunction. A locksmith was called to the scene to open... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
My "4WD needs service" warning badge has come on and I took it to the Jeep dealership and they ran said it was related to the active recall on the PTU. They ran a diagnosis on the PTU and verified it is bad. Stellantis will not fix the issue as they don't have a solution. It has been 8 months since the recall was announced. They want me to pay for the PTU ($3-4K) and when/if the solution is found ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
Steering wheel is "notchy" when turning, mostly to the left. Worse at higher speeds, like exiting or entering the freeway. It often feels like it may get stuck and I have to jerk it to the right a bit to get it unstuck.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
Vehicle rolls back very often when in drive. Even holding down the brake at a hill then hitting the accelerator it still rolls back. When in cruise control and I take over it also tends to make the vehicle jump when the vehicle takes back over. Overall harsh riding. Feels like it’s all coming from that CVT. Dealer says that it may be an issue but can’t replicate it unless it stays there with t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
I am writing to file a complaint regarding my 2014 Ford Focus, which is experiencing transmission failures related to the known defective transmission system. Ford acknowledged widespread issues with this transmission in Customer Satisfaction Program 14M02, which extended coverage for the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Unfortunately, my vehicle’s failure occurred 2 months after the program ... Read more