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: Apr 9, 2025
Sliding doors open when you open either front door.
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2015) — AIR BAGS
Apr 9, 2025
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda MX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V695000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that ... Read more
Crash
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2015) — AIR BAGS
Apr 9, 2025
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "SRS Air Bag Malfunction detected" was displayed. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V8650... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
Engine is known for bad piston rings and a poor emission ventilation system causing extreme engine pressure, blowback, and oil consumption. Engine stalled due to NO oil in it. No oil warning light appeared. Almost ran over two pedestrians as my car would not brake quickly enough as there was no power to any of the systems. And now I have to pay well over $6,000 to repair it? I JUST had my oil chan... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The base to my baby’s car seat. We have the Maxi-Cosí Peri 180 Rotating Car Seat. My husband and I were placing the car seat to clip in to the base. When doing so it span around and would not stay locked I place. Once we clipped the car seat in and turned it to lock it kept spinning even when th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
I was driving on the highway, the check engine light started flashing and the car lost power. This created a very dangerous situation because I could not go the speed limit and could not get off the highway since I was in the middle lane. We went and had the check engine light checked and were told the code was P1326.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact's daughter stated that while driving 40 MPH around a bend, the brakes failed to function as intended. The contact's daughter depressed the brake pedal, but the brake pedal seized. The contact's daughter had to depress the brake pedal with force. The vehicle came to a stop when the contact's daughter shifted the vehicle into park(P). The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring and had progressively worsened upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the f... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the RPM decreased while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a local independent mechanic, whe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) and 15V269000 ( SEAT BELTS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the steering wheel vibrated and seized. The... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which, the vehicle lost motive power and was unable to accelerate above 40 MPH, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
I was on cruise control, and it randomly decided to go 81 MPH instead of 50 mph i set it to, it did not respond when I tried to turn off the cruise control, and I ended up crashing into a semi, I survived but my [XXX] daughter died. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Any of categories are matching with my issue. 3 1/2 years old, 64,000 miles Tesla model y, ECU, which controls Full self driving , and drive assist system, is fault right after warranty expires. The replacement cost is $2,800. Does it make sense that ECU fault on the owner? It is only 3 1/2 years old car. It is definitely defective part, but Tesla service is not replace for free. I am concerning ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
use this car for business as part of my income. Ford has issued an Advance Recall Notice. In March 2025. I have not been able earn money because of the recall notice. Manufacturer recall number: 25S31 NHTSA Recall number: pending From legal advice, the Advance Recall Notice is for the dealers and is not an Official Recall Notice. Since the notice, I have been unable to rent out my vehicle. I have... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
When my head lights are on automatic, they will cut on and off on their own while driving at night! Completely off! My break lights also come and go. I have had the bulbs replaced and still have the same issue
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Not sure if there's a fuel problem or what it could be, but my vehicle pause on the first take off. It doesn't happen all the time, but soon as I fuel my vehicle and proceeding to drive off I'm accelerating in traffic and the vehicle will stop, pause as if I'm braking, vehicle is still running, everything I still on, it just pause while accelerating ONLY on my first initial takeoff. I continue to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Several times the vehicle has automatically braked at low speeds (20-30 mph), nothing in front of the vehicle to cause this. Today it automatically braked...HARD...at 55 mph, again, nothing in front of vehicle, clear morning, road was clear. It braked so hard I'm pretty sure I have whiplash. I immediately called Victory Honda. They told me to go wash my car and call them back if it happens again. ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
While I was going 5-10mph over a railroad crossing, the steering wheel airbag deployed as my front tires went over the grade crossing. The airbag also went left instead of straight. My hand is bruised and it sounded like a gunshot went off in my vehicle. After the deployment, the vehicle was still driveable. I drove it to a Honda dealership and they were very concerned and called corporate.
1 injured
SUBARU
FORESTER
(2018) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
Apr 2, 2025
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The ABS, traction control, and Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights were illuminated. The contact was close by and drove and parked the vehicle at the residence. The following day, the contact started the vehicle and after driving for 4 mil... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
Thermo Control Valve. Check engine light on. Eyesight Adaptive Cruise Control Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance X mode Dealership would not honor repair even though there is recall it does not cover vin 63400 miles Vehicle inspected by manufacturer code P2682 Check engine light is on and eyesigh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
failure of driver side left turbo leaking. Dealership suggests a rebuild of the unit for $3,000 but an independent mechanic suggests the replace the turbo because it has an internal issue that will just cause it to leak again. After researching online this is a common problem with this particular turbo with even a service bulletin. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://stat... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The vehicle didn’t automatic update of its “UCONNECT” system without warning after stopping at a gas station. Once the vehicle was turned back on after the update was completed there was a light on my dashboard signaling that the forward collision warning system is off. Some other things happened as well such as all my settings were reverted back to factory settings, and the menu screen was ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
I am writing to escalate an unresolved service issue with my 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS 450, VIN [XXX] . During a maintenance service on March 6, my trusted independent services shop for 25 years, Carrera Motors in San Mateo CA, identified that the electrical harness of my GLS 450 was significantly damaged. The plastic casing around the wires had effectively disintegrated, exposing the wires direct... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
I am writing to escalate an unresolved service issue with my 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS 450, VIN [XXX] . During a maintenance service on March 6, my trusted independent services shop for 25 years, Carrera Motors in San Mateo CA, identified that the electrical harness of my GLS 450 was significantly damaged. The plastic casing around the wires had effectively disintegrated, exposing the wires direct... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Driver steering assist reduce message in display. Upon scanning codes, error code P0128 triggered. Temperature gauge does not register on dial between C-H.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
When it rains, I receive a warning that the rear position lights are failed. The left tail light stops working and I'm without a signal and brake lamp. This issue resolved its self when it's had time to dry, usually within two to three days.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated intermittently. The contact inquired with the dealer if there was a recall associated with the VIN. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the vehicle was not under... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
1) The seat is cracking on the drivers seat. The vehicle only has 64,000 miles on it. No word from Subaru. 2) Parking collision warning system works part of the time. Dangerous when the system does not detect a person or vehicle in the blind spot.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2023
Hi, I've owned this vehicle brand new, 21 miles. I purchased from the dealership. It now has a blown head gasket at 85 k miles. I've spoken to 3 dealerships that have said this is a common problem. I obviously do a lot of driving early morning and late night. This could have been a big safety issue in the dark. I've done all my services on time and even earlier than needed. I hope you can do rese... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Recently the liftgate has closed unexpectedly several times while items were being unloaded/loaded from the rear of the vehicle. This caused the user to be struck by the liftgate. Someone smaller or weaker, such as a child could potentially be trapped and injured since the blockage detect function apparently fails at the same time. It has also opened on it's own while the operator was away from th... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
While driving 55mph on a highway ([XXX]) at [XXX] on [XXX], the vehicle shut down and went into neutral. The vehicle coasted to the shoulder of the highway. It was a very dangerous situation with virtually no vehicles following the move over law and flying by us at 60 plus mph. The vehicle was towed to Capellino Cadillac in Williamsville, NY where it sat for days without anyone looking at it or m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
Transmission malfunction by sudden downshifting to first gear at highway speeds. This caused my rear wheels to lock up and skid as if I had slammed on the brakes and temporary lose control of the vehicle, which is extremely dangerous on the highway. It has occurred multiple times. There were no warning lights the first several times this happened. They check engine light did come on after about th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2025
While stopped at a stop light 5 separate occasions in Eco mode. Vehicle shut off but would not restart unless I pressed the on/off button. I did not realize that it had happened and was almost rear ended because of it.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximat... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
Digital display is black on my 2023 Kia Telluride while vehicle is running and being driven. I am unable to see my speed or any other important safety details. This is the first time this has happened and I have not reported it yet to any dealer, independent service center, insurance representative, etc. There were no observable warning lamps messages or symptoms prior to this incident which occur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
While I was driving to work, with Cruise control set at 65, I hit a deer head on. All airbags deployed and engine ceased and I was able to brake car to a stop on the shoulder of the road. Within minutes, the engine erupted in fire and thankfully I wasn't trapped inside and was able to get out, because by the time I got 4-500 feet from the car, it had been totally engulfed in flames. From the time ... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission disengaged, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was without power for approximately 2 seconds, and then the transmission re-engaged. In addition, the contact stated that when the transmission re-engaged, the transmission shifted hard. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
Car started making a “pinging” noise and gradually got worse over time. Finally today, it’s really bad so I crawl under and look to notice not one but TWO holes in the exhaust pipe. I noticed several recalls on other models with the same issue but not this year.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
DRL’s stopped working
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
I use this car for work daily, see patients in their homes. The driver door won’t locked, for 2 consecutive days and this is not the first time incident. Whenever this happens, I notify the dealer but they said VW does not have repair/solution to it yet. So, the car’s safety features (emergency braking, lane departure assist, adaptive cruise control and etc) are not functional. This makes it ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
While driving to work before daylight the jeep lost all electrical power and cut all lights inside and outside so I couldn't see. There were no other lights to guide me to a pull off. I almost hit a concrete barrier because of this. I just got this vehicle back from replacing the hybrid battery from a recall. There are no check engine lights on and I was able once stopped to restart in gas mod... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
Operating around New York City there’s a lot of potholes. Attempting to avoid potholes, I have hit a few and every time I may have hit one my bike feels as the tires are going to bust. The bike hits very hard.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Transmission, it is available for inspections. Loss of acceleration power while at interstate speed, the otr driver behind us could barely stop quick enough. Two more occurrences happened same trip while driving from New Orleans to Lake Charles. Driving 75 in left lane, took foot off accelerator to coast and navigate into right lane and while transmission was supposed to be downshift, I lost power... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was slow to accelerate. There was white smoke coming from the exhaust, with the check engine warning light illuminated and flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a crack in cylinders #3 and #4. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
Transmission, hard shifting,shifting out of gear wrong when towing sometimes when not Transmission was already overhauled under factory powertrain warranty at around 42000 miles
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
The 2019-2021 Crosstrek Hybrid has an issue with the fuel tank design. Subaru has finally released a TSB (Reference: 09-82-23R) that explains the issue in more detail and how the defective parts need to be replaced. In short, the fuel tank has a design flaw such that regular fuel corrodes the fuel tank and causes clogging in the vapor vent tubes. Subaru says it's related to fuel with high ethanol ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
When coasting from approximately 30 to 20 mph vehicle will hard downshift from gears 4,3, 2. On the highway, when I need to accelerate to avoid other vehicles that are driving unsafe I will step on the accelerator and transmission will hesitate. Has been more than one occasion when transmission has hestited, hard shifted to different level and has at one occasion randomly shifted to first gear bef... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
Car was parked in the driveway when a large piece of the roof paint fell off. The car is the white/pearl color. Color is reportedly known to have defect.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
The car has the fast wireless charging tray. I've attached a picture. The case for my phone has a small metal piece on the case. Its a regular case from Amazon. The wireless charger works fine, but it's also heating the metal phone cases to the point where it starts a small fire. Its a huge fire risk if you're not careful. We tried another case and we had the same problem.
Fire