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: Aug 15, 2026
When driving at night over most roads, a slight bump will cause the headlights to jitter appearing to turn-off momentarily. This is a re-occurring incident
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
While driving my grandbaby home I was unable to avoid hitting a deer when it ran into the road. Neither the automatic braking nor the airbags deployed when I hit the deer at the front left side. It destroyed the headlight and damaged the fender and quarterpanel lightly and slightly bent the hood. I was able to pull over safely. When I got out to look at the damage, I could not open the hood but I ... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
While driving my grandbaby home I was unable to avoid hitting a deer when it ran into the road. Neither the automatic braking nor the airbags deployed when I hit the deer at the front left side. It destroyed the headlight and damaged the fender and quarterpanel lightly and slightly bent the hood. I was able to pull over safely. When I got out to look at the damage, I could not open the hood but I ... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
While driving my grandbaby home I was unable to avoid hitting a deer when it ran into the road. Neither the automatic braking nor the airbags deployed when I hit the deer at the front left side. It destroyed the headlight and damaged the fender and quarterpanel lightly and slightly bent the hood. I was able to pull over safely. When I got out to look at the damage, I could not open the hood but I ... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
Recently, Aug 13 we took the 2019 Crosstrek to the to the Subaru center for oil change and a general inspection. Two big problems revealed. 1. Recommend replacing both rear wheel bearings due to noise while driving $2,249. 2. Recommend replacing all 4 TPMS sensors due to low voltage codes present and no data $813.50. The car mileage is 46,191. At this mileage there two problems should not show... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
Recently, Aug 13 we took the 2019 Crosstrek to the to the Subaru center for oil change and a general inspection. Two big problems revealed. 1. Recommend replacing both rear wheel bearings due to noise while driving $2,249. 2. Recommend replacing all 4 TPMS sensors due to low voltage codes present and no data $813.50. The car mileage is 46,191. At this mileage there two problems should not show... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
After about an hour of driving, the vehicle’s steering wheel required slightly more force to turn when changing direction of travel., almost like it was getting stuck. Once unstuck, the steering wheel would get easier to turn, causing overcorrections in direction of travel. The dealership was unable to recreate the issue, however I experienced the same problem today 8/14/26 after taking a longer... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2026
Vehicle is brand new and when driving at night it is incredibly distracting the way the light from the headlights bounce and shake/jitter all over the place. Other drivers think I'm flashing lights at them because the roads aren't even that bad. These headlights need fixed.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2026
Primary Symptom: Spontaneous thermal stress fracture propagating across the front windshield. Origin Point: Extreme bottom-right outer edge, directly beneath the passenger-side windshield wiper blade. Inspection History: Initial warranty coverage denied by Sheehy Subaru. A second opinion at Farrish Subaru on August 14, 2026, also resulted in a denial, with the service advisor claiming a chip was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
I closed the driver's door, and the rear windshield shattered and collapsed into the vehicle. No known defects were known prior to the incident. Animals or contents in the rear compartment could have been cut by the shattered glass. The vehicle is only 4 months old. The rear windshield will be replaced by an independent glass company. We live in a very rural area, and park well away from the r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Subaru Uncharted. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the 12-Volt battery was completely drained, even though the main high-voltage traction battery used to power the electric motor was charged. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and a new 12-Volt battery was installed; however, two days later, ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding the premature wear and replacement of all 4 tires on my 2024 Subaru Outback at approximately 30,000 miles. I believe the tire wear was excessive for a new vehicle and raises concerns about tire durability and vehicle safety. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review whether similar complaints have been reported. I have documentation servic... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
A1. 12 v Battery fail. A2 . Unable to use the car at 9:30 pm when I discovered it my safety was in risk not car to use, Subaru assistance never shows up calling them for two days. Dealer have to town truck the car A3.Dealer found the battery dead recharge the battery but not solution from the drain yet. A4. Yes vehicle inspected for the dealer A5. No no indication of the drainage before happening
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
A1. 12 v Battery fail. A2 . Unable to use the car at 9:30 pm when I discovered it my safety was in risk not car to use, Subaru assistance never shows up calling them for two days. Dealer have to town truck the car A3.Dealer found the battery dead recharge the battery but not solution from the drain yet. A4. Yes vehicle inspected for the dealer A5. No no indication of the drainage before happening
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
The headlights jitter and shake while driving on normal road conditions, due to poor mounting inside the bumper. You can push on the headlight housing and notice it move. This causes very districting conditions while driving at night, oncoming traffic flashes high beams often thinking that I'm flashing them or something. I took it to the dealership to get it looked at after seeing numerous owner... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
The headlights jitter and shake while driving on normal road conditions, due to poor mounting inside the bumper. You can push on the headlight housing and notice it move. This causes very districting conditions while driving at night, oncoming traffic flashes high beams often thinking that I'm flashing them or something. I took it to the dealership to get it looked at after seeing numerous owner... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
The vehicle has 178k miles on it currently. I had to have a transmission and transfer case replaced at 68k miles. Done by Subaru. At 168k miles I had to have a new front pump in the transmission case replaced. Repair done by Subaru. Now at 178k miles the second replacement transmission has completely failed and needs replaced.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
On three separate occasions between August 2025 and June 2026, my car engine revved continuously and noisily, and acceleration was sluggish at best. During that time frame, I took it to two different dealerships (on four separate occasions) and an independent auto repair shop. None was able to duplicate the problem, but on my third visit to a dealership, the technician found metal shavings in th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
On three separate occasions between August 2025 and June 2026, my car engine revved continuously and noisily, and acceleration was sluggish at best. During that time frame, I took it to two different dealerships (on four separate occasions) and an independent auto repair shop. None was able to duplicate the problem, but on my third visit to a dealership, the technician found metal shavings in th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
Windshield suddenly and spontaneously cracked, violently and with an explosive sound, due to higher-than-average outside air temperature (100°F, Arizona in July). Vehicle was being driven on a freeway during cross--country trip. Crack occurred in driver's line-of-sight and presented a dangerous driving condition. In service for 2 years and 10K miles and never driven off-road or incurred a windshi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
Purchased new 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport on 01 May 2025 (owned 19 months). Approximately 156 DAYS (a little over 5 months) after purchase we began having trouble with an unknown fuel system defect which prevents the vehicle from being refueled, disables our hybrid system, disables safety features such as the vehicles eyesight system, cruise control, and RAB. Vehicle leaking strong gas smell... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
Purchased new 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Sport on 01 May 2025 (owned 19 months). Approximately 156 DAYS (a little over 5 months) after purchase we began having trouble with an unknown fuel system defect which prevents the vehicle from being refueled, disables our hybrid system, disables safety features such as the vehicles eyesight system, cruise control, and RAB. Vehicle leaking strong gas smell... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
Large crack spontaneously formed in window whiled parked overnight. No visible indications of impact. Suspect related to it being very hot out.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2021
My complaint/safety issue is that while I was in my 2019 Subaru Outback, I experienced Unintentional acceleration. While waiting for the large chain-link fence at my storage unit to open, the Outback raced into the gate! I had one foot on the brake waiting for the gate, then I stomped the pedal with both feet, and I held that position while the car smashed through the gate. This happened in Jul... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 7, 2021
My complaint/safety issue is that while I was in my 2019 Subaru Outback, I experienced Unintentional acceleration. While waiting for the large chain-link fence at my storage unit to open, the Outback raced into the gate! I had one foot on the brake waiting for the gate, then I stomped the pedal with both feet, and I held that position while the car smashed through the gate. This happened in Jul... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
We are experiencing the exact same problem as the recall Under NHTSA Campaign No. 23V755000 (Subaru recall code WRQ-23) for an ineffective weld leading to moisture affecting the backup camera and dashboard lights. However, our VIN is NOT included in the recall.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
The vehicle is currently experiencing steady coolant loss with no external puddles.My vehicle is at 65,000 miles, placing it just 5,000 miles outside of the 60,000-mile factory powertrain warranty. This specific issue matches the exact symptoms of Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin #2071245 (Service Action 15-23-01) regarding the premature failure of the factory head gasket.Because this is a we... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2021
Almost had an accident in parking lot where my brakes were hard/spongy. I saw a recall for 2014 chevy silverado for brake booster pump but I was never informed of such recall at the time. I've had my truck since 2016. I notified dealership and they informed me that the timeframe has expired for them to repair.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2021
Airbag light is now consistently lit, Has come on & off for some time. when it first happened, I went straight to the dealership & a technician placed a device under the dashboard on the driver's side & switched off the light. No mention of a recall was discussed. Because the light is on most of the time of late, I researched & discovered a recall WUM98. On further investigating I discovered that ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
While traveling with my wife and two toddlers over the July 4th holiday weekend, the 12 volt battery on my 2025 GMC Hummer EV failed completely at approximately 7,500 miles and five months of ownership. The vehicle would not accept a jump start and was disabled where it sat, stranding my family. AAA installed a replacement 12 volt battery roadside at a cost of $600. Following the battery replacem... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The Subaru's Starlink Radio has completely delaminated on the layer between the display and the digitizer, which does not allow the radio to be controlled in any way, shape, or form. This means that the touch screen is not working anymore, and because the radio is so delaminated, whenever the car is put into reverse during the daytime, the backup camera is nowhere near visible enough to be seen sa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
I was driving down the road without other vehicles nearby. There was no overpass nearby. I heard a deep, loud noise like a shotgun overhead. I opened my sliding sunroof cover and noticed that the entire window had spontaneously shattered (appeared pebbled throughout). The internal temperature of the car registered 101 degrees Fahrenheit. I kept the sliding panel closed and could hear pieces of the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
My 2019 Expedition has experienced an inadvertent seat-belt pretensioner deployment. There was a very loud explosion-like bang, the belt tightened suddenly, fortunatelly I didn't loose control of the car and continue driving slowly until I got home (5 min away). Now the belt is locked and cannot retract or extend. The vehicle is not safely usable. I had light bruises on my left shoulder and some p... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 BMW 330E. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated, and the vehicle became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message "Drivetrain - Check Soon" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure, melted cooling hoses, and starter failure. The vehicle was repaired b... Read more
SUBARU
TRAILSEEKER
(2026) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
The system that failed was the rear passenger door latch. The door will not latch and I checked the door latch and it moves freely. My vehicle also is telling me that my rear passenger door is open
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The door closed sensor fails intermittently. This causes the car to sound an alarm while driving, prevents locking of the doors, and results in automated sudden braking at low speeds, such as in heavy stop & go traffic, causing a significant crash hazard. When it engages in the emergency braking routine, it shifts out of gear, so you can’t prevent a rear collision by simply accelerating, you mus... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
Mazda dealership confirmed my car completed the Recall 24V-022, however, I am still experiencing a Sticky steering wheel. A sudden, brief increase in steering effort, a "notchy" or binding feel during minor lane corrections or long highway curves, and failure of the wheel to smoothly return to center.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
The steering wheel clicks when turning. Purchase dealership did nothing. 2nd Honda dealer ship replaced the clock spring and steering column. Helped for a day then the noise returned. Additionally, there’s a dead spot when turning. It feels like a pause and the the vehicle takes a minute to catch up. Very unnerving.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
Head gasket failure where engine coolant leaked internally into the engine cylinders.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate when accelerator pedal is depressed after stopping. Vehicle may move extremely slowly for several seconds and then suddenly regain power. This has occurred while entering/intersecting traffic and has resulted in near-collision situations. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2026
While driving, my vehicle began shaking/rough running and the check-engine light came on. Multiple warning lights and system warnings appeared on the dashboard, including the brake system, steering, traction control, and TPMS warnings. The vehicle experienced noticeable shaking and reduced/abnormal performance. I am concerned that this may be a safety-related defect because multiple vehicle system... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
The vehicle just shut off. There are 23 alerts codes.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
Honda Part #80872-SN7-003 failed at 3years and 40,000 miles which Honda will not cover under warranty. This is a simple O-Ring for the AC line which has a life span of 10-15 years. Apparently this has been common on 2023-2025 Pilots and passports and thus should be a recall issue.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2026
The outer roll stop is very slow to deploy, takes minutes. You can step on it and make it go down but that is not proper. NY bus sales has looked at it numerous times and is still extremely slow. Other districts within our area have the same problem. DOT does not have a time specification that this must deploy, but that does not make it right. This is a Braun Millenium series. Braun has offered su... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
The forward-facing Honda Sensing camera mounted behind the windshield (Nidec monocular camera, Honda part number 36160-TRW-A04) failed at approximately 85000 miles on XXX The failure produced simultaneous dashboard warnings and disabled multiple driver assistance systems at once, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (automatic emergency braking), Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
Driving along and it felt as if I were driving over a rumble strip. It stopped after a while, but later that evening I felt it again, but this time the shudder was stronger and it sounded almost like a loud bird chirping. I slowed and the noise stopped, but drove home slowly through the neighborhood in case something happened. I took it to the mechanic and he suggested trading it in before it g... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
Component/system that failed: The audio/infotainment system (radio), rear DVD entertainment system, and backup camera all fail together while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the problem: While driving, the radio works normally for approximately 10-30 minutes, then begins developing static that gradually worsens until the audio cuts out completely. At ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
Component/system that failed: The audio/infotainment system (radio), rear DVD entertainment system, and backup camera all fail together while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description of the problem: While driving, the radio works normally for approximately 10-30 minutes, then begins developing static that gradually worsens until the audio cuts out completely. At ... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Wife was going to the store engine lost power and died prior to that steering got loose like trying to turn itself, towed to dealer inspected dealer cleaned throttle returned vehicle after cost of 807.00 and drove van to church tailgate would not open without vehicle running, got home turned off windshield washers operated brittle with key off, remote key system problem displayed also hill hold, b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
The car suffered a long crank, then stalled completely while moving on a public road, which is a severe safety hazard.