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: May 1, 2025
Transmission flutters a little before changing from 1st to 2nd gear. In 4th and 5th gear the transmission pauses a few seconds before going into the next gear. From 8th gear to the ninth gear, the transmission jerks really hard. The transmission only has 72000 miles on it. And also the dash board material is coming up.The lane assist jerks really hard sometimes, forcing you in another lane. No wa... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
In June of this year, with about 82,000 miles I began to experience a clunk felt through the vehicle while slowing down from @35 mph upon the downshift. The clunk was more noticeable under braking, i.e. approaching a stop light. This went on for a few days growing more frequent and noticeable. On June 30th, 2025 I dropped my Explorer off at my Ford dealer's service department. The mechanic tes... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering with an abnormal rattling sound coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 70 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The information alerted the contact about an SRS issue. The contact stated that there was an audible ding with the warning light flashing on and off. The contact buckled the passenger’s side seat belt to stop the dinging sound. The vehicle was taken to the... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
There has always been this ringing sound when releasing the brakes. I had it looked at and was told there was no issue. Then while driving it felt like the brakes locked and all of the sensors came on the dashboard. I had those scanned and was told they were sensor issues but car started driving/braking ok. Few days later everything locked up. I can’t push the brake at all. I was told the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
Transmission rolls freely when on an incline. Will roll backward when in drive also will roll forward when in reverse. could easily roll over small children or animals. yes problem was confirmed by dealer Has not been inspected by others Dealer tested other new vehicles and found same problem. Insisted this is normal with all electronic transmissions. Although manfacturer has added a button... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
It’s throwing a P084A code and it feels like the transmission is about to let loose. I bought the car with 30,000 on it in 2016 and it has a hair over 136,000 and ever since I’ve had it it’s always had this transmission lag jerk in it. Very scuttle but you can feel it. Then all of a sudden it just started going into limp mode, hi low hi low rev, jerking and couldn’t get over 30 mph. This l... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
I was involved in a vehicle crash on 7-1-25. I had just pulled out of the gas station and was coming up to a stop sign so I was only going about 8mph I put my foot on the brake and nothing happened. I had my foot all the way down on the brake pedal because I saw a car coming and they were traveling at about 40mph. No automatic braking nothing worked. I had no control. I just prayed that I hope thi... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Engine developed multiple oil leaks from oil seal and timing cover. The leaks could result in engine failure and endanger driver and/or passengers. No warning lights activated, was found at routine oil change. Defect was reported to manufacturer, but warranty had expired, and they refused accept responsibility. Research revealed this vehicle is known to have this defect.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
Purchased 2019 after 44,000 miles engine was replaced metal in engine and inverter coolant issue July 2025 117,000 my inverter coolant light came in and off several times then car through all warning lights hev check engine warning shut it down went into limp mode Towed to dealership they checked and cleared codes said it threw 13 codes but after clearing they stated nothing wrong with it As... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
I’m reaching out regarding a persistent and hazardous issue with the Auto Stop/Start function on my vehicle. The system routinely fails when stopping at lights and stop signs, causing the engine to shut off and not restart. On several occasions, the vehicle has shut off while in motion—on highways, at intersections, and in the middle of roadways—putting me and others at serious risk. I brou... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The fan clutch assembly failed and as a result the drive mode would not change from tow/haul mode to any of the other 4 drive modes. Accelerations and decelerations were negatively affected as a result creating safety hazards when driving. The engine was always responding as if a trailer were attached and subsequently accelerations were difficult and decelerations consistently utilized the trailer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The fan clutch assembly failed and as a result the drive mode would not change from tow/haul mode to any of the other 4 drive modes. Accelerations and decelerations were negatively affected as a result creating safety hazards when driving. The engine was always responding as if a trailer were attached and subsequently accelerations were difficult and decelerations consistently utilized the trailer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
While driving under normal conditions at approximately 65 mph, the engine emitted a sudden “bang” and severe knock. Over the following week, the vehicle stalled several times. Inspection revealed one piston crown was chipped, which then scored the cylinder wall and caused an oil leak. No other pistons or bearings showed wear. This failure pattern is consistent with low‐speed pre-ignition eve... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
We have been having numerous sensor issues. Sensors showing air bag malfunction and with passenger side seat belt on the front right side. We bought the car in used condition from pat lobb toyota of mckinney less than a year ago. Constantly having sensor issues with it.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
We have been having numerous sensor issues. Sensors showing air bag malfunction and with passenger side seat belt on the front right side. We bought the car in used condition from pat lobb toyota of mckinney less than a year ago. Constantly having sensor issues with it.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
My car’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) keeps restarting every 1 to 2 minutes everyday while driving the carThe MMI runs my navigation (not through my phone) and music by connecting to my phone with Bluetooth. It also shows me my backup camera and diagnostics with the car. Safety is affected by distractions, not knowing where to go, irritation. No dealership has inspected or been able to reproduce ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Complete engine failure. I did regular oil changes about every 4000 miles and the last one I did early at around 3200 miles the oil was sludge and after the engine knocked and low oil pressure light came on and the engine blew all within 2 miles of the light coming on and me trying to find a safe place to pull over. These engines have a defect somewhere and I know it didn't happen from improper ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Brake pedal pivot nut came loose and fell off while driving.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 60 MPH the messages "Service Air Bag System", "Service Electric Stability Control", "Service Trailer Brake System", "Service Park Brake", "Service Anti-Lock Brake System" and "Service Power Steering" were displayed and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that soon after, the t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The engine blew while I was driving on the highway without warning. Several repairs since January and have had the car at just 2 years. Maintenance has been kept. Dealership replaced radiator, head gasket repair, etc. since just February. Car was towed to dealership. 2 holes in engine at the bottom. Dealership claims they don't know why. After researching this particular engine and car, I feel tha... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 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 the passenger's side and driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims were loose, and the rubber gaskets underneath the trims were dry rotted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB) SYSTEM WITH PEDESTRIAN DETECTIONB WARNING LIGHT COMING ON IN MY CAR. NO, I DONT FEEL MY SAFETY WAS AT RISK AT THAT TIME NO, IT HAS NOT BEEN REPRODUCED OR CONFIRMED. WE DID TAKE THE VEH TO NISSAN OF GREENVILLE, TX AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT SINCE THE LIGHT WAS NOT ON AT THAT TIME AND DWAS TOLD THE SENSOR MIGHT BE DIRTY, OR THAT THE... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine, low oil, and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal rattling sound before the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted to a stop but was unable to restart the vehicle. T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the power steering failure and the service advance track warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with the electronic power steering pump failure. The contact was informed that the elec... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
I closed my door and the driver door latch became stuck and will no longer open from the inside or outside. I have tried to open it myself, ask a mechanic and a locksmith and no one can open the door without damaging the door.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
I have disable their rear emergency breaking over 10 times. Every time I turn the vehicle off it turns back on automatically. I have a trailer mounted bike rack hooked up to my vehicle and every time I back up it slams on the breakes. I have take then steps to turn this off but it will not remain off. Having this turn back on automatically is a safety hazard in my opinion.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed, and the steering wheel seized. The contact waited for several minutes and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure had reoccurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnose... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
The vehicle was recalled in October 2023 for water getting into the tailgate lens that could cause the reverse lights to malfunction. The vehicle was brought in for repairs on Jan 24, 2024. I notice that the tailgate lens has water in it now.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
Vehicle overheated caused the cylinder head that crack. I am concerned it may catch fire as others before the recall. When I key in the VIN it shows no recall. However the NHTSA recall no 17V-209 or 17S09 shows all Escapes produced 2/12/13-9/2/14 have this issue and should have gotten a part to prevent this. With a production date of 5/14, shouldn't this vehicle be included?
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fiesta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V951000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the dri... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
There was a recall for cam phasers etc under 21N03. My car was fixed in 2021 but the parts they put it in were not the updated parts. I was told it was the same recalled parts that they used to replace. Now I am having the same issue again . I am not currently driving my vehicle until it can be remedied. I contacted the dealership and they are not willing to cooperate or work with me. I will attac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that several local dealers were contacted regarding the recall repair and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rear doors failed to open due to a fractured cable. The contact added WD-40 to the doors. The contact stated that the battery was draining while the door was opened. The contact stated that the resonator connecting the engine and muffler was rusted. The contact added putty to the area. Additionally, the check engine warning light was ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
While reversing my 2024 BMW i5, the main infotainment display repeatedly blacks out for 3–5 seconds, eliminating the rear-view camera image. The blackout occurs without warning, roughly once every 25-30 reverse maneuvers, leaving zero rearward visibility and forcing hard braking to avoid pedestrians and fixed objects. Component/system: Central Information Display / rear-view camera feed (BMW he... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
Car received over the air update a week ago. Software version is now 3.6.4. Assumed it was to address NHTSA Recall RP1016 - Rear Backup Camera. Update has not addressed recall issues. Backup image still lags and images flicker at times when car is first put into reverse. Yesterday I put it into reverse and no image appeared at all. Instead got warning message: "Camera temporarily unavailable". ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
There was a recall on this engine which I had updated the knock sensor campaign. While on the highway the engine light started flashing and the speed was reduced to 20 mph on a major highway. I had to almost cause a wreck to get off highway. The vehicle went into limp mode with no prior indication
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system appears to have failed. When I attempted to slow down for a stop sign, the brake pedal went straight to the floor and did not respond as expected. I began pumping the brakes out of panic, but they only engaged at the last moment—approximately one foot or less from the vehicle in ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
Per my dealership, there is chaffing in the main wiring harness of the vehicle and the entire harness needs to be replaced. On recall N222391510, for Sierra's of the same year, the harness had to be replaced as well.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2017
The contact owned a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her son was driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel locked, became difficult to maneuver, causing the contact son vehicle to encounter a tree. No warning light was illuminated. The air bag did not deploy. The contacts son called 911 after the failure. The contact son sustained injuries to the chest, face, back of his neck, and his knee... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the driver's side door exterior B-pillar trim had separated from the vehicle, causing the key entry pad to detach and to hang on by the wiring. The contact stated that the failure caused th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
i was driving my truck down the highway and all of a sudden my rears wheels locked up making me lose control of my truck take goodness i did'nt rollover no my transmission is shifting threw gears from 1st to 6th to 3rd this is my second f150 that i have had my old one had the same problem but my old one didnt lock up my tires my phone number is [XXX] [XXX] but please text because at work you ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
The obd reader on my 2003 Durango brings up code for central timing module and eeprm checksum error were the safety recall is in order but the vin number is not in the list of recall. It has all the specification of recall but vin number isn't in the list of recalls. I'm driving around in a unsafe vehicle due to manufacturing error that my vin number is the only thing why they won't fix it. Why do... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
My car started shaking like it didn’t want to go. My engine light came on. Then it showed road departure mitigation system problem, collision mitigation system problem, adaptive. Those control problem, and emissions system problem then says engine is not functioning properly.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
Communication system: The telephone microphone works intermittently and fails while the seat belt is fastened. The car is equipped with telephone microphones in the driver's seatbelt and on the roof, under the rearview mirror. The microphone system works when the seatbelt is NOT fastened. If the belt is buckled correctly and the mobile phone answers a call, the driver must manually disconnect the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
Communication system: The telephone microphone works intermittently and fails while the seat belt is fastened. The car is equipped with telephone microphones in the driver's seatbelt and on the roof, under the rearview mirror. The microphone system works when the seatbelt is NOT fastened. If the belt is buckled correctly and the mobile phone answers a call, the driver must manually disconnect the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
Although software update recently performed, issue with rear view camera activation continues. Given significant infotainment lag following update, I suspect the underlying issue is underpowered hardware. Polestar has been trying to address issue via software, they have not been successful.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
2/24/2025 Safety Recall work performed at Honda Marin; change Fuel Pump per recall. 4/28/2025 I reported vehicle stalling/misfiring, decelerating on its own and all lights keep coming on as a result of Fuel Pump change. Marin Honda performed cleaning of battery cables; technician claims nothing is wrong with the car. [XXX] car stalled at intersection, I went back to Honda Marin and reported vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
1. Lane Keeping Assistantance: The green vehicle indicator on the dashboard will disappear and stay off while driving. When it is off, it is unsafe. 2. Parking Collision Warning: The front and back sensors will disappear and become nonfunctional while driving and parking. Sometimes they activate for no reason as well. 3. Both exterior mirrors: After starting the engine to drive off , both exte... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
For the third time the cable in the 2nd row seat has failed. I have had them repaired before. When the cable fails the seat snaps foward & cannot be locked into position.