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 6, 2025
My 2020 Honda Ridgeline has an Auto Idle/Start system. The truck engine turns off when it stops, then automatically turns on when brake is released or gas pedal pressed. There was a Honda notice issued that the system may not automatically restart. A fix (software update) from Honda was implemented on my truck on 03/29/23. This "fix" did not work. On 09/05/25 at 1:25 pm I pulled up to an in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
My 2020 Honda Ridgeline has an Auto Idle/Start system. The truck engine turns off when it stops, then automatically turns on when brake is released or gas pedal pressed. There was a Honda notice issued that the system may not automatically restart. A fix (software update) from Honda was implemented on my truck on 03/29/23. This "fix" did not work. On 09/05/25 at 1:25 pm I pulled up to an in... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
When adaptive cruise control is enabled and I’m at cruising speed, new vehicles entering the lane in front of my vehicle are not being acknowledged leading to my vehicle getting too close and collision becoming likely. This leads to me having to takeover control frequently to prevent accidents. This happens often, not always, but it is becoming more and more frequent. This happens at all speeds... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
My car started jerking when I drive and it would stall. I went to the dealership and at first they stated that it was probably nothing. They told me I can leave it with them but it would take 2 weeks to be assessed. I was responsible for my own rental car during this "assessment period". After the assessment they determined it was the transmission and it had to be totally rebuilt and it would take... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
Front passenger caliber lock up
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that on one occasion, while stopped at a traffic light at a busy intersection, the Auto START/STOP system turned off the engine, and the engine failed to restart as designed. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where a mobile mechanic jump-started the vehicle, and a handheld diagnostic ma... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced reduced power temporarily, with the messages "4WD Unavailable - Service" and "Service 4WD" being displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Pow... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
It appears that the propane furnace broke loose from the vehicle frame and fell into the frame area of the RV. This was used for less than an hour where the vented heat started to burn the RV. I noticed afterwards when I went to check on something else the damage. I feel pretty confident that had I not turned it off, it would have resulted in possible fatalities, since the furnace was just underne... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
There are several spots on the front grill, around lights, bumper and other front end pieces that have bubbling, flaking, peeling chrome and paint. There are at least 20 paint chips all the way to the fenders in the front. This vehicle does not travel on gravel roads.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
1. engine/transmission 2. while driving and acceleration vehicle stalls/hard shifts. The truck was running just fine one day then the next day upon starting the truck, Vehicle warnings for "service" Parking brake system and ECS started showing up and the truck started running rough, smoking exhaust, smelling, and the air conditioner went out. all at the time/day. 3. An independent service center ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
1. engine/transmission 2. while driving and acceleration vehicle stalls/hard shifts. The truck was running just fine one day then the next day upon starting the truck, Vehicle warnings for "service" Parking brake system and ECS started showing up and the truck started running rough, smoking exhaust, smelling, and the air conditioner went out. all at the time/day. 3. An independent service center ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2018
When the auto start-stop feature is on (which is automatically on unless manually turned off every time you start the car), at stop lights/signs, my car will auto stop and then when I let go of the break to accelerate, rather than my car auto starting, it will shut down completely. It does not have the power to restart on its own. This happens all the time. I try to remember every single time I st... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, and pressed the brakes when suddenly the second row passenger side captain seat erroneously moved forward. The [XXX] child seated in a high-back booster seat in the second row passenger seat was pushed forward into the rear of the front passenger seat. The child had become trapped between the two ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, AT APPROXIMATELY 12PM, I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON UNION BLVD., COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, BETWEEN ACACIA DR. AND CIRCLE DR., WHEN I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION COMING FROM MY ROOF. I DID NOT FEEL ANYTHING HIT MY CAR AND DID NOT SEE ANYTHING OR ANYBODY THAT COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOUD SOUND. I DROVE TO A SAFE PLACE AND GOT OUT OF MY CAR TO DISCOVER A HOLE IN AND SHATTERED GLASS FROM M... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
ALL SAFTY LIGHTS APPEAR ON DASHBOARD. SAFTY FUNCTIONS NOT ENABLED.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The rearview camera was occasionally frozen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Brakes. Abs and traction control Brakes can fail Kindle dodge had truck for over a month cannot obtain part Abs and traction control lites appeared on driver information center
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
MMI keeps restarting randomly
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
Have multiple warning lamps that light up on and off and the brakes in my car get spongy making the braking unsafe. The lights that turn on are the steering/ traction , brake, and abs light. There are multiple complaints online on YouTube from similar issues ongoing and no recall made. My mechanic says it indicates a leak however there is no brake fluid missing and on YouTube there’s work around... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
Have multiple warning lamps that light up on and off and the brakes in my car get spongy making the braking unsafe. The lights that turn on are the steering/ traction , brake, and abs light. There are multiple complaints online on YouTube from similar issues ongoing and no recall made. My mechanic says it indicates a leak however there is no brake fluid missing and on YouTube there’s work around... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that all the warning lights turned off, however the check engine ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
I have brought my vehicle in for 3 time for the dealership to take a look at Europe messages I have received. It is currently with them right now.as the start stop function is now not working. This happened while in the dealers possession and was working normally prior to me being it into the dealership. They said they repaired a vacuum leak. After the apportionment I noticed the start stop fu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
On 9/2/25 all the engine lights came on on the dash. I replaced the battery and it was fine the rest of the day. Then 9/3/25 once again all the lights are on and none of the ADAS work.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s side A-pillar trim detached. Additionally, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loose, and the driver’s side A-pillar... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
The transfer case failed at 30,000 miles. There is a 3 month backlog on the part, so the vehicle is off the road until at least December 10. This part was recalled on the 2017-2019 models.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Heartland North Trail RV. The contact stated that while operating the Cook Top Range, the knob for the unused second burner was in the off position, but was flashing red. Moments later the a burning odor was present, and the flames came from the flashing burner knob. The contact used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. The fire department was called to the scene and... Read more
Fire
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 25, 2023
Unknown My 2019 Acadia Denali has/is been repaired 6 times in 1 1/2 years for engine oil leaks , has had transmission repairs twice , radiator repair and replacement. Also suspension warranty work as well . I feel the oil leaks is and has been excessive and dangerous due to no warning lights never displayed to alert me to check oil
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
This is the 4th time I am having issues with this car. Major safety issues. Yesterday during during on the 405 freeway. It suddenly started to rain, the wiper malfunction while in traffic and pouring rain. A week before this incident, the steering of the car kept moving suddenly out of my line. This time my son was in the car. These dealerships do not really care to even look at it, they drive the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
This is the 4th time I am having issues with this car. Major safety issues. Yesterday during during on the 405 freeway. It suddenly started to rain, the wiper malfunction while in traffic and pouring rain. A week before this incident, the steering of the car kept moving suddenly out of my line. This time my son was in the car. These dealerships do not really care to even look at it, they drive the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
This is the 4th time I am having issues with this car. Major safety issues. Yesterday during during on the 405 freeway. It suddenly started to rain, the wiper malfunction while in traffic and pouring rain. A week before this incident, the steering of the car kept moving suddenly out of my line. This time my son was in the car. These dealerships do not really care to even look at it, they drive the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that one quart of oil was added weekly, even though the vehicle was rarely driven. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light failed to illuminate until the oil pressure was extremely low. The vehicle was taken to the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear tires. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear rotors, and brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the consumer's expense. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear tires. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear rotors, and brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the consumer's expense. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The contact owns a Chicco Car Seat, Model Name: MYFIT, Model Type: 4-in-1 Convertible, Model Number: 04079783250070, Manufactured Date: June 2018. The contact stated that padding on the headrest detached from the back. While the contact was about to wash the padding, the contact noticed that the glue holding the padding had failed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The car seat wa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
I have been having intermittent problems for well over 1 year with my vehicle not accelerating. I try to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle does not respond. I have the accelerator pedal pressed to the floor nothing happens for 10-15 seconds, then vehicle will lurch forward and start responding. This has happened several times as I am pulling into traffic. Major safety concern that could cause se... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
I was driving and all of a sudden I received a low oil pressure alert on my care and within a min my car lost all power and was completely unable to accelerate. It is currently in the shop and they said it will be months before it is repaired.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that a minute and a half later, while attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel became firm, and added effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
The screen turns off suddenly while the vehicle is in use. Additionally, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system is either deactivated or displays as “off” when the car is started. The sudden deactivation of the AEB system compromises the vehicle’s ability to automatically brake in critical situations, increasing the risk of a collision. The screen turning off could also limit access to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
The screen turns off suddenly while the vehicle is in use. Additionally, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system is either deactivated or displays as “off” when the car is started. The sudden deactivation of the AEB system compromises the vehicle’s ability to automatically brake in critical situations, increasing the risk of a collision. The screen turning off could also limit access to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Occasionally, for no reason, automatically brakes and issues the brake warning notification despite no traffic in front of the vehicle. When a vehicle brakes for no reason in traffic, the risk is that you will be hit from behind.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
On or about May 1, 2025, I was operating my 2013 Hyundai Veloster when flames were observed emanating from under the hood. I immediately pulled into the median and, upon opening the hood, observed an active fire beneath the plastic engine cover. I contacted 911. Before the fire department arrived, a passerby extinguished the flames with a fire extinguisher. Firefighters from a nearby station arriv... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
Upon starting my 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, the vehicle immediately went into "limp" mode and the check engine light and EPC light came on. The vehicle would not drive over 18 mph. The car was towed to a close by Volkswagen dealership and checked for codes using a multipoint inspection. The report came back with a throttle body issue (Multipoint inspection report attached). The throttle body was repl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
On 08/31/2025, I was involved in an accident while driving my 2025 Hyundai Tucson. While attempting to change lanes at highway speed, the driver behind me failed to see my turn signal and collided with my vehicle. I believe the cause was the unusually low placement of the rear bumper-mounted turn signals, which creates a direct visibility flaw. The Tucson’s turn signals are mounted low on the r... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
Loss of most of the braking effectiveness, resulting in a collision. This vehicle had a Virginia State inspection performed the previous month and no brake failure dash lights were noted before the collision.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
The transmission has failed and fuel propulsion. While driving on the highway with no warning it slowed down considerably, which almost caused me to be rear-ended. Yes, it's even inspected. No warning lamps. PLEASE CHECK, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF 2015 FORD ESCAPES WITH FAULTY TRANS AND FUEL PROPULSION ISSUES.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Automatic Transmission failure
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Automatic Transmission failure
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I own a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle is subject to Recall #N252494000 (NHTSA #25V274) concerning the L87 engine and potential loss of propulsion. On [XXX], I received a “Low Oil” warning for the second time within a few months. This recurring issue matches the recall description. I contacted my local dealer, Kramer Autoplex (Livingston, TX), who confirmed the re... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) - ENGINE
Sep 1, 2025
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I was merging onto the freeway and my car went into limp mode. I was lucky enough to pull over to the side because I was on the far right lane. I took the car to the dealer and was told that the car had blown it's head gasket. How can a 2018 honda accord have blown a head gasket so soon? I looked online and many other 2018 honda owners reported the same issues.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Antilock braking system and stability control. Can’t use cruise conteol