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 27, 2022
On June 19, 2025, while parking my brand new 2025 Tesla Model 3 in a residential lot, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated forward over a curb, crashed through a iron fence, and struck an outdoor A/C unit and patio furniture on the back of a neighbor’s unit. The car became stuck and had to be towed. On June 19, 2025, while parking my newly delivered Tesla Model 3, the vehicle suddenly and unexp... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 27, 2022
On June 19, 2025, while parking my brand new 2025 Tesla Model 3 in a residential lot, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated forward over a curb, crashed through a iron fence, and struck an outdoor A/C unit and patio furniture on the back of a neighbor’s unit. The car became stuck and had to be towed. On June 19, 2025, while parking my newly delivered Tesla Model 3, the vehicle suddenly and unexp... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 27, 2022
I was driving home from a long trip and heard a large pop. Several warning signs and messages began popping up and the vehicle was shaking and struggling to maintain speed. I was able to get home and get my family out of the vehicle and get it to a dealer down the road. They stated the Fuel injector and harness had failed.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The transmission prematurely had to be replaced. The vehicle exhibited hesitation and thumping when changing from one gear to the next causing acceleration issues. The transmission exhibited the issue before 100,000 miles. The dealership changed the transmission at a cost to me over $6,000
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver before the steering wheel seized. The contact stated the message 'Steering Wheel Default" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to pull over to the side. The contact turned the vehicle off and after ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The front camera system stopped working, so I lost access to Pre-Collision Assist—(e.g., Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking) as well as all other driver assistance feature. This would occur suddenly while I was driving (sometimes at highway speeds) where I'd have to swerve during a turn while using hands-free driving. Every time I start the car now, I have a permanent error message t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced hard start-ups, and the engine was revving high while idling, with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the timing chain, crankshaft, and cam shaft sensors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
Engine light came on. Was driving ~25MPH on city street, in x-section of 2 major streets and heard loud mechanical noise, warning indicators audible and visual, and vehicle bucked and stalled within 100ft of when it started. After restarting vehicle was able to move about 20 more feet before losing power again. Brough to dealer, diagnosed with MGU (Motor Generator Unit) failure and battery that wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, on a rough road, the "Brake" warning light illuminated, then several warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at speeds over 45 MPH, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact slowed down to under 45 MPH, and the vehicle operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering linkage dampener needed ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side door B-Pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the driver's side front windshield A-Pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available to r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
I’ve had my 2025 Chevy tracks for less than a year at first having issues in January 2025. I was driving back from my son‘s birthday party and the entire dash just went black. I could not see the mile per hour I was going and I could not see my radio my entire front dash just blacked out for almost a minute. I was driving at the speed of 70 miles an hour when this occurred putting myself and o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
On June 5, 2025, while driving eastbound on Interstate 20 in Louisiana between Ruston and Monroe, the awning unexpectedly deployed while the RV was in motion. This sudden deployment posed a significant threat to myself, my passengers, and other motorists. Fortunately, no collision occurred, but the awning was destroyed, and the RV exterior sustained visible damage including multiple scratches. I ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
There seems to be wear in the fuel lines under the hood. Possibly caused from rubbing against something.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
One month Insurance policy lapse and license plate surrender license suspension when I was in hospital emergency room bed time .
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
Brake failure referenced in case # 11667897. See attached photos for reference to affected areas.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
Well I was backing up from a parking spot when put out of the blue my vehicle wouldn't move . The drive side wheel is not working and these little around thing where on the ground . Before that happen the driver side tire would become lose to where it would fall off.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
On the road and power steering went out and was super hard to turn
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
Rear suspension shocks were blown and started leaking causing the vehicle to become very bumpy and unstable. The blown shocks were confirmed by a brake shop and ultimately replaced at the manufacturer dealership.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
i get my lane assist and almost wrecked bc it defaulted without warning. when i came up on a car to fast. it didn’t slow down and try to automatically brake.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
I was in stop and go traffic on a side road. I was traveling about 5-15 mph on an uneven road surface. The traffic stopped in front of me and I applied my brakes. I heard the grinding sound of the anti-lock brakes but my car did not stop. My foot was to the ground on the brake and it didn’t even slow down. I ended up hitting the car in front of me. This has happened before but I never hit anythi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The engine maintenance required message appeared on the dash. I was travel from work to home (about 40 miles). I pulled over immediately at a store, left my car and walked over a mile to the mechanic shop down the road (in 95° weather with a knee that has been through 3 surgeries in less than 5 years). The gentleman took me back to my car. Followed me as i took my car back to the repair shop sinc... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX‑6R. Today, June 20, 2025, I received three official “Do Not Ride” letters from Kawasaki. These letters state that, due to a possible internal engine defect, the motorcycle is unsafe to operate. My authorized Kawasaki dealer has confirmed that my unit is affected by a manufacturing issue that can cause engine seizu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
Slipping transmission. Hard shifting/slamming into gear. Typically when driving 35-45 mph.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
My timing belt tensioner is making a ticking noise and while taking it to a mechanic he says it should be taken to the dealership and be replaced as well as the timing belt. I believe my vehicle should be included in the recall opened in 2019 for the timing belt inspection safety recall.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
The car seat where my babies feet lay where the buckle is keeps cutting up their ankles. I have [XXX] twins and there has been multiple times where I notice cuts in the back of their ankles, I couldn’t figure out where this was coming from until I finally realized it is their car seat. I have already reached out to Nuna have have got no response INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2025
I own a 2019 Chevy Equinox LT 1.5L and am experiencing the exact symptoms described in GM recall 18V576000. After 1–2 hours of driving, the rear brakes begin to drag, creating hesitation during takeoff. The issue resolves after the vehicle cools down. Both my mechanic and independent research confirm this is the same safety defect described in that recall, but my VIN is not included.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
Rear differential SWD light came on was told it was my tires but in fact it is water corrosion in the rear differential oil pump and subframe wiring harness. Acura is aware of the issue but will not warranty the work. This should be a recall
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The multimedia screen is delaminating. The screen ends not working making all functions in it inaccesible. Dealer only provides solution if the vehicle has less than 3 years or 36000 miles. The manufacturer only claims to its warranty terms. The screen starts delamination and evolves day by day.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
Lifters and rollers failed. Vehicle is at a repair facility and it has been confirmed that the rollers on the cam seized causing metal shavings to build up in the oil. No symptoms or warning lights showed up before the problem was identified.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
Car is not recognizing that is in park and displays a "shift to park message". Chevy has yet to address this WELL known issue and expects consumers to pay $700-$1000 for something they should be required to fix. This is a major safety issue
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
The air conditioning system failed—specifically, the A/C evaporator developed a leak and stopped functioning. This is part of the same system that previously experienced failures in the compressor and condenser, both of which were replaced under warranty. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Loss of air conditioning, especially in hot weather, presents a heat-related safety ri... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
The dealer, Toyota of Chula Vista insists that i pay for the recall of the battery they had my car all day yesterday first they lied battery not available then they quoted me $337
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet 1500. The contact stated that while in the driveway and reversing at a very slow speed, the brake pedal became extremely firm while depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop before striking another parked vehicle. During the failure the contact was depressing the brake pedal with added force, but the vehicle failed to stop. The parked vehicle sustained damages to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
steering sticks and requires extra effort to start movement but then moves with normal effort. there is a recall for this on ‘22 cars but not my ‘21, sadly
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that there was coolant leaking into the engine and there was smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that the engine was overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a pressure test was performed and determined that the engine was not maintaining the proper engin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
2017 their was a recall on the 2010 jeep liberty oil pump and we were not notify at all, [XXX] the engine seized and the oil light came on and then the engine just stopped, It was full of oil and the oil was very clean, the mechanic look at it and said that the oil pump went out I am [XXX] the jeep stop in the middle of the road me my husband could have got kill cars almost hit us we have witness... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
My 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has been diagnosed with a valve seat failure. This requires a full cylinder head replacement. I purchased this vehicle brand new and have driven it with care, putting approximately 60,000 mostly highway miles on it. Throughout my ownership, I have exclusively used the service at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. Despite my efforts to maintain this vehicle proper... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
There was a recall for my cars, hybrid electrical system. We were told not to park it in the garage, not to plug it in, etc., for months. That was in the fall of 2024. In December, I had to have my car towed to the dealershipto have regular battery replaced under warranty, and while it was there, Jake Sweeney Jeep, in Cincinnati, allegedly did the recall service. Immediately thereafter, my car sta... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2025
Electronic Steering box is intermittent and sticking when turning left. Diagnosed with Steering gear replacement which has been recalled on other 2011-2013 Ford Explorers.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
“Front passenger Safety restraint system fault, service required” RCM2_a636 message keeps appearing on the screen. It happened right after I bought the car, so I took it to Tesla to fix. It went away for a few months and now it’s back again. According to Tesla, this fault, “ Based on the airbag system's self-diagnostic checks, a persistent fault has been detected in one or more safety rest... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
The power steering system lost it's fluid and pump is cavitating. It's available for inspection. The vehicles can be steered at the moment, but if it were to fail completely, it could cause loss of control at highway speeds. The problem is ongoing but hasn't been presented to a dealer or independent service center. No, the this hasn't been inspected. There were no warning lamps or messages or sym... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
My wife was driving when power steering went out . Power steering assist fault shows on the dash. She was almost in an accident due to it going out suddenly. This is incredibly unsafe. It shows no recall yet the same issue happened twice in our 2009 ford escape as well as many complaints filed for this same issue by many individuals. This needs to be addressed by ford . It is unfair that I foot ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
2019 Kia Niro DCT engaged REVERSE during manual 1→2 upshift attempt in Sport Mode, causing violent reversal. Resets with ignition cycle. Smell of burnt clutch present. Happend at 41,000mi, then 73,000mi then again today at 154,584. Believe it may be a faulty range selector, corrupted tcu logic, or both. **Canadian Recall R238 (May 2022)** for DCT clutch actuators
Incident date: May 13, 2025
Jerking or shuddering when shifting gears Delayed or harsh gear changes The check engine light is on Trouble accelerating or decelerating The car stalls or has trouble starting
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Coolant Overheated" was displayed, and the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact stated that moments later, the vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence and examined by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the head gasket had blown. No further information was available. ... Read more