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: Mar 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the headliner above the rear window had water stains. The contact stated that as a mechanic, he had inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the water was leaking from the third brake light. The contact stated that the gasket surrounding the third brake light was no longer properly sealing the third brake light. The dealer w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Instrument panel shuts down while driving on street. I believe it is the central electronic module that fails. It has happened numerous times and it is unsafe to drive without a speedometer, tachometer, odometer fuel gauge, and temperature gauge. It has now stopped altogether. Gauges just sit there and bounce
Incident date: Mar 8, 2025
Brake system, ABS, and tire pressure warnings come on weekly. The Honda service can’t find anything wrong with the vehicle so they are resetting the lights. There are no codes listed. Software issue? Mechanical issue? Nobody knows, even the car doesn’t know.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2025
While driving, my Audi overheated randomly, started smoking, had to be towed. Had 72,800 miles, was serviced by Audi at 70k miles and all prior recommended services. Towed to Audi dealership, quoted 29k in engine repairs, Audi could never tell me why engine overheated. Would not cover any expense because “i didn’t buy it there”. Insurance denied two claims because Audi reported it as engine ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Towards the end of January, my car computer was reset because the car was telling me that I needed an oil change early and the dealership told me it could just be a computer issue. I then took my car to get an oil change and full vehicle inspection on February 24th, 2 days after that on the 26th I was leaving my school parking lot when the vehicle accelerated awkwardly when I was leaving out of a ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the instrument panel was inoperable. The contact stated that the instrument panel failed to function properly while attempting to activate the windshield wiper. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuse block had failed and needed to be re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The engine block (2.3L ecoboost) has a coolant intrusion into cylinder 3 causing it to miss fire and overheat. This problem almost left my wife and child stranded on the side of the road. If she hadn't had a safe place to pull over to allow the vehicle to cool down it could have had a catastrophic failure while driving. The dealer pressure tested the coolant system and showed leak in the coolant s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
It’s sticking bad and clicking. Very dangerous feeling. Highway speeds I need to make strong corrections to unstick the steering wheel. It’s a constant fight to keep it in the lines.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
All of a sudden my 2024 Tucson gages indicated emergency braking for about 1 to 3 seconds and the front end went down as though I was stopping (scared me ). I was so happy no one was behind me. No one really behind me or to my left. Only one car to the right of me in another lane. Also, had to replace air bag at 6176 miles
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
We have been waiting for this part from Ford for over 1 year. I am told by the dealership that they have been limiting the number of parts the dealerships can order. The same dealership order 100 and has only received 5 to date. This is unacceptable. When a part is recalled because of safety it should not be over a year to receive the part. Why are they not being held accountable. My sons car ha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
I got in my vehicle after getting gas. I was on my way to Neosho, MO, hundreds of miles from home. Thes lights were all on and I couldn't get them to go off. I figured it was because my windshield was dirty. I turned my wipers on to find out one needed replaced. I paid $30 for 1 since I have an odd type of wipers and I had been to 3 auto stores to find it. The Eye Sight, brake, check engine, air b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
When starting my van, I got warnings for ACC, Lane Departure, and Collision Mitigation stating that the issues were broken. I received error code U3000-49 at the Honda repair dealer which stated the multipurpose camera no longer works. In doing my research, it appears this is a known issue that Honda is not taking responsibility for and charging $1,500 to $2,000 to repair. They state the car works... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
On 03/06/2025 my car got into an accident with another vehicle the whole pumper was damaged yet the air bags didn’t go off, and my child in the back seat with his booster, that the seat belt was supposed to hold the seat, the whole booster seat came off
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift into the drive as intended. In addition, the contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted into drive after several attempts, the gear shifte... Read more
SUBARU
SOLTERRA
(2023) — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Mar 6, 2025
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift into the drive as intended. In addition, the contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted into drive after several attempts, the gear shifte... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
My car is a lemon and has been unsafe to drive . They aren’t doing anything about it but lowball offers outside of ca lemon law provisions
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lower transmission and bolts had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made awa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
My car seat is part of the recall Nuna has issued. They have failed to inform me of the recall, I had to learn through a third party about it. I have spoken to Nuna multiple times that I do not feel comfortable or secure in using a seat that has been recalled with just a remedy kit of cleaning brush and a new seat cover. I have informed Nuna that the straps have become lose without touching the l... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
While driving on the highway the engine just shut off with no warning or other indication of problem. The dashboard computer instructed to restart the vehicle, which it would not restart. Managed to get to the side of the road. But the vehicle was unresponsive. After about an hour the lights in the rear of the vehicle flickered, so I attempted to re-start -which it did, and was able to drive th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
My vehicle started making a terrible noise. I had it towed to the nearest GM service center. It was determined that the vehicle, a 2023 Yukon Denali (less than 26000 miles) needed a new engine due to thrust bearing failure causing the engine block to be scored and contamination of debris internally.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for a ball joint replacement, there was smoke coming from the driver’s side exterior mirror. The mechanic disconnected the mirror and determined that the mirror had short-circuited. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was included i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2019
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the heating system, the heating system failed to activate. There was an abnormal coolant odor entering the vehicle through the vents. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2019
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the heating system, the heating system failed to activate. There was an abnormal coolant odor entering the vehicle through the vents. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2019
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. In addition, the contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that during rainy weather, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact scanned the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V684000 (Back Over Prevention); 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 contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the back-over prevention camera failed to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
Approximately 2-3 weeks ago (around time car hit 100,000 miles), I began noticing hard downshifts when my car was slowing down between 30-20 mph. It felt as if I was being rear ended every time I came to a stop, with a very forceful physical jerking sensation. I had my husband drive it to confirm I wasn't being paranoid, then had my dad drive it (who has been a mechanic for 40+ years) to get his t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
The car is completely bricked and will not function after an over the air update. It was functioning before the update. Additionally, I had to pay approximately $1300 for labor related to replacement of the water pump that should have beed covered under recall
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
On Friday 2/21/25, while driving on the Interstate at Highway speeds, the dashboard said to idle the engine. The engine then stalled and thankfully I had enough speed and there was a shoulder available to pull off on. The dashboard then gave many messages including voltage, overheating, high oil temperature, idle engine, etc... I was unable to restart the vehicle on the side of the interstate. I w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a tree impacting the front of the vehicle, but the air bags did not deploy. In addition, the seat belt failed to retract during the crash. The front of the vehicle was severely damaged. The contact did not sustain injuries. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. A po... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
My car wasn’t producing heat it was only blowing cold air. Dealership advised of no coolant and it’s a known issue with this car.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
Severe tramilining effect from tires. Risk of personal injury Tramilining effect confirmed by Courtesy Subaru, Rapid City and Heuberger Subaru Colorado Springs, CO. Inspected prior to accident right rear camber out of specification. No warning lights or messages from vehicle
Crash
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
dashboard showing Check engine light. Car hesitating, running very rough. Not driveable. Dealership diagnosed problem as coolant leaking into cylinder requiring engine replacement to fix the issue. Cost for Dealer to Diagnose problem $254.00. Cost to repair Estimate ...$7,700 + Taxes & Fees. Dealer states no assistance from Ford/Lincoln available as vehicle is out of warranty. TSB was issued June ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-voltage battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer reset the check engine warning light. The contact stated that the following day after the re... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2020
I was traveling north on interstate 95 and approaching my exit ramp. I was initially in the inside lane of travel. I accelerated to merge into the outside lane, between two other vehicles, and then onto the exit ramp. Once on the exit ramp, I let off of the throttle and the engine suddenly shut down. I noticed a message on driver information center instructing me to shift the vehicle into neutra... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2020
I was traveling north on interstate 95 and approaching my exit ramp. I was initially in the inside lane of travel. I accelerated to merge into the outside lane, between two other vehicles, and then onto the exit ramp. Once on the exit ramp, I let off of the throttle and the engine suddenly shut down. I noticed a message on driver information center instructing me to shift the vehicle into neutra... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
None of the following recalls have been corrected/ or the update to 2.2, have been completed on my vehicle Recalls are not being done or parts provided. I am being told I have to use an approved service provider and the requires me to drive 350 mile and pay for the labor. 24V865000 (Regen Braking OTA-2.2) 24V499000 (Water pump) 24V466000 (Door Handles) 24V405000 (Warning Lights OTA-2.1) 24V4040... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The screen started to glitch out for periods at a time. Now it is just black and nothing works on it now, including the backup camera (safety issue). The seat warmers and steering wheel warmer is on but now there’s no way to turn them off. The amount of people that complain of the same issues online is insane, this needs to be recalled.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The windows will come off track if you try to roll them up going highway speeds, it is guaranteed to do it if it is windy. The window will vibrate intensely. It seems like the window will break. The only way to fix it is to stop/slow down to about 20mph before it will roll up correctly.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
This issue started on the trip back from Nashville. Upon cold start in the morning the center console display won't start. This affected infotainment, climate, eyesight, cruise etc. The system didn't work during the entire trip of 3 5 hours and inability to operate climate control caused the car to build up fog on all windows reducing visibility significantly at times. Turning ignition off, lock-... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The engine light comes on randomly. And causes the transmission to bog down and unable to accelerate. We have to pull over and shut the vehicle off and cycle it a few times to get the engine light to come off and then it drives fine. Has happened multiple times and has happened on the highway while driving. I’ve also had the vehicle completely shut off while driving. I’ve taken it to 2 dealers... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The engine light comes on randomly. And causes the transmission to bog down and unable to accelerate. We have to pull over and shut the vehicle off and cycle it a few times to get the engine light to come off and then it drives fine. Has happened multiple times and has happened on the highway while driving. I’ve also had the vehicle completely shut off while driving. I’ve taken it to 2 dealers... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The front RH and LH turn signal harness is defective. The turn signal bulbs burn out quickly even after replacing the bulb harness. When the bulbs are out you are unable to notify oncoming traffic that your vehicle is turning.I believe the dealer is aware of the issue. No inspections other than by the dealer. the vehicle does notify you the bulb is burned out by a rapid green turn signal light on ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
This vehicle has a nonstop history of unresolved electrical issues cause numerous warnings of failed systems, failure to start and randomly going into "Limp mode". It has been to the Jeep service shop 7 times so far. Recently, the vehicle completely shut down and lost all power while driving at speeds higher than 50 mph on 2 separate occasions. On February 2nd 2025 the vehicle lost power on the fr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Engine or something is making a noise every time turned on and now while turning off
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Engine or something is making a noise every time turned on and now while turning off
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
While using adaptive cruise control, the vehicle will employ emergency braking even though a vehicle/obstruction is not in front of the vehicle, it is usually diagonal while passing. It, also has been giving a forward collision warning when there is nothing in front of me. Since these events, eyesight has been turning on and off numerous times while vehicle is in operation.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Jaguar XJ. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate independently, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway to have the vehicle towed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine nee... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
Nissan dealership said the front control arms are cracking and recommended having them replaced.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Peterbilt 389. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced an inaccurate reading of the adaptive cruise control, causing the cruise control to disengage. Additionally, the contact stated after driving for an hour, the ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
Issue Summary: Since December 27, 2024, my vehicle has experienced a hybrid malfunction and leakage issue three times. Each time this occurs, the vehicle becomes completely inoperable and cannot move, requiring a tow truck to take it to the dealership. Since December 27, 2024, my car has been in the shop four times, yet the issue persists. This raises serious reliability and safety concerns, as t... Read more