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: Jun 1, 2025
The water pump was found to have extreme corrosion after several other components on the car were damaged from the coolant leak into the electrical system. The car was suddenly losing power while driving and the DME was smoking, potentially causing an engine fire. So far the water pump, Digital Motor Electronics (DME) and throttle body were replaced over a 15 day period in service. The day the car... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
This 2020 Honda Insight performed “phantom braking” of the automated braking system when I was about to enter a clear intersection with no vehicles or obstacles in front of me. It activated the automated braking system and endangered my life and the lives of others over no real threat. This occurred 08/23/2025. The car is well maintained and does not have any service issues. This was complet... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her sister was driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal, fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Despite the odor, the contact's sister resumed normal driving operation and later refueled the vehicle. After fueling the vehicle, the fuel odor was stronger, and the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact's sist... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her sister was driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal, fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Despite the odor, the contact's sister resumed normal driving operation and later refueled the vehicle. After fueling the vehicle, the fuel odor was stronger, and the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact's sist... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
This is has been continuous, yesterday my car braked on the freeway. Suddenly with no obstruction. The car behind me almost crashed into me and it would’ve been a very tragic event. I took it to the dealership and they don’t do anything, all they do is give it back to me. Yesterday also has loss of power too. I have alerted them many times, they keep saying to take it in but they don’t do an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
The headlights on the vehicle are VERY dim, so much so that driving at night is really not safe. At any point I have a passenger in my car while dark, they always ask if I have my lights on. On roadways at night, I have to either ride behind someone else to have the road lit in front of me OR illegally drive with the high beams on. This has been an ongoing issue for a few years but I only real... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
My crash sensor started to go off on the freeway 2 years ago about . I took it to the dealership they replaced the sensor then it happened again about a year later . I'm having the same issue again it goes off and there's no cars around me it will go off when i'm parked it wont let me go in reverse. I have to turn my car off and wait about 10-15 min and turn it back on. My other problem is my dr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
Smell of fuel near rear seat. Gasket OK.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
While driving at highway speed, the air conditioning system suddenly failed without warning. The system began blowing hot air and making a loud squealing noise. Shortly after, the vehicle abruptly went into limp mode and lost normal driving power, creating an unsafe situation on a major highway. The vehicle was towed by Tesla Roadside Assistance. Both roadside associates inspected the vehicle at ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
A mechanic confirmed the truck has an issue with the speed sensor. On the daily, the truck will experience shifting issues, gets stuck in 3rd, and will not go past 5th. I have to turn off the vehicle and restart and it resets. I've read this is a known issue, and F150s for model years prior to and after 2015 have been recalled for this same thing. I also believe there are already a significant ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
A mechanic confirmed the truck has an issue with the speed sensor. On the daily, the truck will experience shifting issues, gets stuck in 3rd, and will not go past 5th. I have to turn off the vehicle and restart and it resets. I've read this is a known issue, and F150s for model years prior to and after 2015 have been recalled for this same thing. I also believe there are already a significant ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
The seatbelt sensor kept going off even though seatbelt appears to be buckled. Dealership identified that seatbelt buckle was not operating correctly and not clicking all the way. This put my kids unknowingly at risk.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. A code scanner was used and retrieved a code for a misfire in cylinder r#3. Upon additional inspection, the contact became aware of excessive coolant consumption. One day, while stopped at a stoplight, the engine temperature gauge indicated that the engine temperature wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2025
On June 3, 2024, a CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the 2015 Lexus NX 200T (VIN: [XXX] ) reflected an odometer reading of 37,783 miles as of August 14, 2021, and 26,148 miles as of May 9, 2023, when the vehicle was offered for sale . A subsequent CARFAX report dated August 19, 2025, altered the August 14, 2021 entry to show only 21,864 miles, while still listing 26,148 miles on May 9, 2023 . This... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2025
On August 11, 2025, at about 2:52pm, my vehicle was at a complete stop at an intersection awaiting the traffic light to turn green. There was a slight downgrade slope towards the intersection. The vehicle one-pedal driving was enabled. Weather was sunny with no wind or rain. Suddenly, the vehicle started vibrating violently and started rolling into the intersection. I pressed on the brake pedal b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Sticky steering wheel issue like the recent recall on newer Hondas. This 2020 has about 50k and has recently been flashing the EPS / Steering Wheel light when it occurs. After slowing down the vehicle "behaves" normal
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I receivd a recall on my 2021 GMC Denali 1500 , 6.2 engine Recall # N252494000. made an appointment with Carroll GMC, at 1455S. Tamiami Trail, Venice , Fl, on 7/29/25 at 11AM. I showed up for my appointment and they denied checking my truck on the recall stating they did not have the remedy to fix the problem so therefore they were not going to check my truck for the recall...... I have a trip... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-65 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal waterflow sound. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that upon scanning the vehicle with a code scanner, the contact retrieved a diagnostic trouble code related to a cylinder #2 misfire. The con... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
Code P0101 comes up which indicates an issue with the car’s MAF system triggering a check engine light. This is widely known to be a software issue and is chronic in many Nissan Kick’s manufactured around 2018-2020. This is a faulty error code and ends up visiting consumers hundreds of dollars to repair and almost always returns despite actions being taken to repair the issue.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
There has been an active recall on this vehicle for one year. The dealership has failed to repair the door handle recall in a timely manner. The dealerships I have called said they don’t have the parts in stock to repair the recall.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the message "Engine Overheating - Please Pull Over" was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion, and the engine needed to be ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
On Friday, August 15, 2025, while leaving a grocery store, my wife pointed out that a part was hanging under my truck. After checking, I noticed that it was one of the two straps that supports the gas tank. It had dropped 3 inches from its original location and was only supported by one strap (the rear one). I temporarily attached the tank with a strap to secure it. At home, I checked the cause of... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
My car is burning oil and oil is covering my spark plugs. Was mentioned about decarbonizing
Incident date: Aug 17, 2025
The soft tonneau cover that was installed on the vehicle was faulty and became detached from the metal tension bar and cant be reattached.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
2015 Audi Q5 Quattro (all wheel drive). During recent inspection the vehicle was found to have extreme corrosion, cracking, and structural failure of the rear subframe and subframe crossmember. The rear steel subframe is manufactured as an assembly. The rear subframe assembly supports all of the rear suspension components and rear drivetrain and drivetrain components. My vehicle is always garaged ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
my vehicle, 2013/ SL Sportage recently suffered catastrophic engine failure. I received a renotification from Kia regarding the software updates. Barely a week, [XXX], my engine seized in traffic due to rod failure which the software update could have prevented according to Metro Kia of Madison. I was also told by the same Kia authorized dealer that the repair would cost me $11,000 out of pocket... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after driving for a while, the TPMS warning light turned off independently. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked and running, the horn started honking unintendedly and failed to turn off. The vehicle was driven for a while, and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
While my 80 yr old dad and 18 yr old daughter were driving on the highway to get to my uncle’s funeral. My dad had his cruise on, when he and my daughter started noticing a strange sound almost a knocking sound. But the next hill when the car went to go up the incline it kept reducing in speed. My dad took the cruise off and at that point had no power to keep traveling. So August 2nd the car thr... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
While my 80 yr old dad and 18 yr old daughter were driving on the highway to get to my uncle’s funeral. My dad had his cruise on, when he and my daughter started noticing a strange sound almost a knocking sound. But the next hill when the car went to go up the incline it kept reducing in speed. My dad took the cruise off and at that point had no power to keep traveling. So August 2nd the car thr... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Less then 120000 miles and rear differential unit had to be replaced, and now roughly 158000 miles and now front differential unit has to be replaced.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
I am writing to report a persistent issue with my 2021 Audi A4, VIN [XXX] . I have been experiencing a noticeable vibration, humming, and shuddering sensation that occurs specifically when turning at slow speeds (e.g., in a parking lot or when making a tight turn at an intersection). This issue has been diagnosed at a dealership, and the diagnostic report from the service invoice dated 07/12/202... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
Transmission shudders at low speeds on incline
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
P245/55R19 103T Nitto Crosstek2 BW. Vehicle pulls to different directions when the tires are cross swapped. I have taken the vehicle to 4 to 5 wheel alignments within 3 months and 3 different shops after the purchase of the tire. Recently I took the vehicle Big O Tires and they _verified the tires have "Radial Pull" / Tire Conicity due to Manufacturing Defect of the a belt separation within the t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
I was driving, slowed down to stop at a red light. As I proceeded to stop the car made a noise like something was in front of me as I was driving too close. I made a grinding noise and would not go forward as I proceeded to go. I was in the street, had to put on emergency flasher so no one would hit me from the rear. Once traffic cleared I was able drive the car in reverse to a safe location. I ca... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The head light is intermittent. Sometimes if I drive it works fine, other times the main beam is out and the car displays a notification that says “check owner manual”. It’s not safe if I never know when my head light will work or decide to not work.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
Car shudders and lurches upon acceleration and while utilizing gas pedal. Continues throughout the drive. Front center camera alerts to a crash when not even close to one. Sync system goes black on the screen, especially upon starting the ignition and when car is in reverse.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Coolant in cylinder causing overheating, misfiring of cylinder 3 and cracked engine block
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
My 2020 Ford Fusion has experienced three separate flexplate failures, as well as transmission issues following the most recent repair. Failure #1: Occurred before I owned the vehicle (confirmed later in the vehicle’s history). The flexplate was replaced by a prior owner in 2022. Failure #2: [8/2023] – While I owned the vehicle, a loud rattling noise came from the engine area. My vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
The truck has had the HCU not working for at least two years, with no success at repair due to part unavailable. Truck has low miles due to the brakes being a safety concern. Reached out to RAM customer care several times with the response being parts unavailable. January of 2025 a case number was issued !00Dj001qsDF.!5007y0tkhWy. We had been notified of the recall Jan 2025 and told parts would be... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear-end of the vehicle was making an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the rear-end had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact the vehicle was not covered under a related recall or under an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear-end of the vehicle was making an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the rear-end had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact the vehicle was not covered under a related recall or under an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
While getting gas the car was running and I got a warning that said engine stopped power steering low. I started the car and everything was fine and was able to drive with no issues and haven't seen the warning. I know sometimes dealerships have reminders for maintenance and not sure if this was just a glitch. After reviewing forums this seems like a known issue on Toyota but the vehicle hasn't be... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
I am experiencing symptoms, consistent with excessive frame movement and structural failure in my 42 foot fifth wheel toy hauler RV. We have been monitoring this for the time we have owned it just over six weeks and have noticed an increase and symptoms that research shows indicate there is a problem.. we are seeking professional inspection and guidance to establish the scope of it and hopefully... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
Vehicle: 2022 Jeep Wagoneer (25,000 miles, VIN: [XXX] ) Issue: Engine stalls at low speed – occurred three times approaching stoplights. Safety hazard as it could cause a crash. Dates: Vehicle dropped off at Folsom Lake CDJR on Aug 8, 2025. Problem discussed with service advisor Aug 9, 2025. No repairs performed due to dispute over diagnostic charges. Notes: This vehicle matches the description... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
Vehicle: 2022 Jeep Wagoneer (25,000 miles, VIN: [XXX] ) Issue: Engine stalls at low speed – occurred three times approaching stoplights. Safety hazard as it could cause a crash. Dates: Vehicle dropped off at Folsom Lake CDJR on Aug 8, 2025. Problem discussed with service advisor Aug 9, 2025. No repairs performed due to dispute over diagnostic charges. Notes: This vehicle matches the description... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
The drive train failed on the car and left the car without power as the transmission disengaged and was revving in drive mode. This happened when I was making a right turn. Oncoming traffic had to dodge us making it a very dangerous situation. The shoulder was narrow so half of the car in the number one lane. The car had been back into the dealership many time for similar issue but this time the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
Transmission failed during acceleration leaving me in the middle of intersection almost hit by a semi truck that had to slam breaks. Then final shifted and redlined 6 times before shifting. Then proceeded to limp mode
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2025 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while his son was driving 65 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost power. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The battery was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred four t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the rear wheels locked up, causing the vehicle to slide across the road. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and came to a stop in the middle of the road. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact turned off and then restarted the vehicle and be... Read more