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: Jan 10, 2025
I brought the vehicle in to have recalls addressed on 12/30/24. Starting the next day we noticed the car was weaving without any steering, but thought it might have been icy road conditions and waited to see if it reoccured. The car has since weaved intermittently, but has righted itself after releasing the accelerator. However, on 1/15/25 while traveling about 50mph, the car started weaving on it... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
I got a 2014 Hyundai Sonata in May of 2023. In the beginning of September 2024, I was driving down the road on a highway and a knocking sound began as well as grinding. The car then immediately lost all power which could’ve resulted in a serious accident like death or injury to me or others. I found out about the engine recall right after for the class action lawsuit for Hyundai. They told me I ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
We were driving down the interstate with cruise control on. There were no other cars around us thank goodness but the car slammed on the brakes with no warning. If someone had been behind us we would have been rear ended and possibly hurt.
Incident date: May 15, 2024
Back up camera. when back up is engaged, picture on backup monitor is reversed, left becomes right and and right becomes left. This happened ab out two months ago and will happen every time shift is placed in reverse. This is a safety issue and particularly for my wife because she always depends on the back up camera. Yesterday I inquired with my local Ford Dealer, but they informed me that there ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
Twice while I was driving on the highway, my ABS and brake light came on, and my brakes became less sensitive to pressure. That is to say, it took more effort and I had to push my brakes further towards the floor in order for them to respond. I went to an independent mechanic and got the code C1391 which indicates a brake pump accumulator issue. I went to a Toyota dealership and and had the car in... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-50 MPH or above, the vehicle was shaking and jerking. The contact stated that the RPM became elevated before decreasing. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the cruise control was activated or deactivated. The ABS, the brake light, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact who... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
I am the owner of a 2020 Kia Telluride with less than 60,000 miles, and I am experiencing a significant issue with the paint peeling off the top of my vehicle. The car is always parked in a garage and only used for routine school pick-ups, with no incidents or accidents that could explain the peeling paint. After researching, I have discovered that this issue is a recurring problem for many Kia v... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
This vehicle has shown juddering and difficulty with shifting gears, especially on an incline, although it RPMs will speed up and slow down even while traveling on a flat road at a consistent speed. The Honda dealership stated that the course of action is to drain and fill the transmission 3 times to the tune of $550+ and Honda Corporate claims this is "Routine Maintenance", which it is not. I h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
I saw that there is a current recall dealing with the cooling system on the Escape. My car has been over heating saying engine fault for the past two months. There now appears to be coolant in the engine.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side A-pilar trim partially detached and was flapping against the windshield. The contact stated that there was a buzzing sound coming from the passenger’s side of the windshield. The vehicle was ta... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH or above, the front end and the steering wheel were shaking abnormally. While driving at various speeds, there was a metallic grinding sound coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the braking distance became ext... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 70 MPH, the engine had a misfire, and the vehicle started shaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was parked at the workplace and a handheld scan tool retrieved DTC: P0300 and P0324. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then was towed to a dealer to be diagn... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribut... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2025
Excessive hesitation in acceleration from stop or slow start. No warnings displayed car has less than 18000 miles. The excessive hesitation poses a real danger when pulling into traffic or trying to avoid an accident. The truck can randomly take several seconds to respond to accelerator input. This issue halls been reported my many 2022 and later Tundra owner.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Honda of Kirkland (12420 NE 85th St, Kirkland, WA 98033) failed to remedy a recall on my vehicle within a reasonable period of time. I received notice by mail from American Honda in late November that the parts to remedy a recall on my vehicle were now available, and I could have it serviced for free at any authorized Honda dealer. I contacted Honda of Kirkland on December 2, and they told me the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2025
Delayed acceleration. Pulling into roadway and vehicle hesitant to go when gas pedal pressed. Unsafe condition
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
I was driving normally on the highway when my a loud noise came from the front of my car. My engine completely died, I was able to get on the shoulder of the road before power steering died. After taking it to a mechanic a rod had went thru the engine block. There was no warning at all. Hyundai has had a recall on 2.0T engines but not for the genesis engine. This failure and destruction of my engi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2025
Unknown if this vehicle qualifies for the retrofitting of rear and front parking sensors.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
I'm having to replace the low beam headlight in my car more times than a lil bit! I hate that I'm constantly spending $60+ everytime on headlights cause of i replace one side imma replace the other! I have brought the replacement harness for the lights and the low beam still blows!
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Throttle response is delayed intermittently. When proceeding from a stop or slow speed the truck will randomly have delayed acceleration. Then suddenly begins to accelerate with greater power and breaks the rear wheels free.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
The electric power steering failed without notice on 12-12-24. I was driving all day with no incident. I stoped for about 5 minutes and when I restarted my truck the steering wheel was stiff. Received a warning light to service power steering. I had no choice but to drive back home without the power steering working with much difficulty. I then scanned the truck and it gave me fault code C2217 sta... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked at it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
The windshield wiper fluid reservoir failed and leaked out all the fluid at 6.5 years/34,000 miles. Without wiper fluid I am unable to clean the windshield which is a visibility safety issue. The car is currently at the dealer waiting for a repair part.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
when ve give gas padle want go above 20 mph and check engin light is on and car shake bad
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
when ve give gas padle want go above 20 mph and check engin light is on and car shake bad
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
There is standing water on the driver’s side floorboard and a sloshing noise can be heard while driving. This appears to match conditions described in a Technical Service Bulletin (reference: NTB14-105a). The issue is especially bad in rainy conditions and the accumulation of moisture causes condensation on the inside of the windshield and windows making it difficult to clear off to see while dr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
Three engine check lights due to rodent damage within two weeks, even when I first bought the car in South Florida it had damage due to rodents and that when I first found out they use soy for the wires, I had thought the dealership I got it from had replaced it all but no. Fast forward 2-3 years later in a different state I had gotten the first engine check light and thought it was due to bad rep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
My 2003 Honda Accord Coupe was struck by an SUV/crossover, after the other driver ran a red light, and I tried, but was unable to avoid the accident. My car was stuck at or in front of my driver's side front wheel. My car was totaled by my insurance company, and "no fault" was decided by both insurance companies because they and the police were unable determine who was at fault. My driver's se... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
On December 22, 2024, I went out at 8 AM to have breakfast with my dad. On the way back, I noticed my car starting to slow down, and the "turtle mode" activated. Normally, this mode only occurs when the battery level is under 1%, but my battery was at 75%. As I tried to park in a safe location, the car suddenly lost power and displayed a warning instructing me to stop due to an electrical problem ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
Statement of Safety Issue for 2021 Tahoe Transmission Vehicle Information: Make and Model: 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe VIN: [XXX] Issue Description: I have been receiving the warning message "Service Transmission. Unable to Shift Soon." multiple times, specifically on [XXX] and again on [XXX]. This issue is particularly concerning as there is an existing recall on the 2021 Tahoe for a transmission prob... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
Experiencing repeated coolant leaks. Heating/coolant was repaired last winter. Failed again this winter. Car keeps needing additional coolant added. Will be taking it in on Monday to find out which parts failed this time.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the response I have received regarding the cam phaser replacement for my 2018 Ford Expedition. Why is my vehicle not covered under the Cam Phaser Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03, where 100% of the amount was covered under this program. I had my vehicle diagnosed from Malloy Ford with TSB 23-2148 VCTS replacement. My vehicle has extremely low mile... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
12/14/24-I was stopped at a red light at a VERY busy intersection. The engine was in stop mode by the start/stop feature. When the light turned green, the car failed to start. The entire car shut down, with alarms sounding and dash lights flashing. The entire system had to reboot before I could restart the car. It was a freighting experience. Fortunately, I wasn't killed by traffic zooming by... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
A judder from the torque converter is felt when driving between 20 and 60 mph
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
after Hyundi update to Ioniq5 ICCU (dec 2024), the first charging using the Juicebox40, which had previously worked fine, stopped charging. Tripped the 50amp breaker, charger shows error code (relay stuck closed), and the ICCU was damaged in the car.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
1. Drive Shaft fractured while driving my vehicle, yes it is available for inspection. 2. Car made a loud popping noise and part of the car was dragging and the car was shaking and unsafe to drive. 3. Yes, the car is in the shop and the drive shaft fracture has been confirmed. 4. Not at this time. Only AAA and my local garage have inspected the vehicle. 5. No warning lamps/lights were present. 6.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
Passenger side sliding door makes noise and won't open remotely or manually. When it does open it will close on its own sometimes making it dangerous when loading my children.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Leaf SV Plus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
I was in a front end collision with a deer. Upon impact there was heavy damage to my front end and smoke coming from my engine bay. Within minutes a fire started and only a couple minutes later the entire car was engulfed. No airbags deployed during the accident, there was no collision detected by smartlink and I wasn't even notified of any issues by starlink until the car was completely burnt do... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
While the car is running the speaker/radio goes out. When it goes out we can’t control the heat/ac.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
The All Wheel Drive system stopped working due to a transfer case/transmission failure. The repair was warrantied by the dealership however everything that i have read states this is a common issue and acura has not provided a permanent fix to prevent this from happening in the future
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The Honda sense front facing camera has went out on my 2018 Honda Odyssey. The camera is currently still installed in my van and if it is necessary to replace to keep it from draining the battery I will request that the faulty part be provided to me. This camera being faulty causes the loss of cruise control, adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, lane keep assist and emergency breaking. This i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Driving at approx. 45 mph the engine locked up and failed causing the van to die and not be able to restart. There was no warnings, lights etc before failure. Luckily the road was empty to be able to navigate to the side of the road to avoid a dangerous situation. Should it have been a busy highway it would have put everyone at risk with a disabled vehicle not being able to move at speed. K... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
Vibration on exceleration, dealer states transmission is bad.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
I bought this truck for my father and her was drinking it and fortunately he got home and then with no warning the electric power steering went out when he tried to go back out. No serious harm but he could have easily been in traffic seeing that he uses this truck to drive to his caner appointments.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
I drive 2.5miles to work, Tuesday [XXX], I was turning into the parking lot and my car just cut off. I couldn't use flashers, restart it, put it in park or anything else. I called my husband to come help. I thought maybe the battery cable might have come loose. It was dead. I couldn't get out, if I let my foot off the brake it would roll backwards, going into the road and I didn't want it to ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
This vehicle has a severe transmission shift issue that will likely cause an accident at some point. This vehicle has an Allison 10 speed transmission and began shifting extremely hard or violently from 7th to 8th gear in November of 2023. This problem began when pulling a travel trailer that is weight rated well below the capacity of this truck. This hard shift causes vehicle occupants to lunge d... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Engine block cracked, passenger cabin filled with noxious odder. Vehicle was suddenly leaking oil at high rate.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding an ongoing issue I have encountered with my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. Recently, I experienced a significant problem with the vehicle’s trunk and rear seat release mechanism, which has made it impossible for me to access the trunk or fold down the rear seats. The specific issues I am facing are as follows: Trunk Latch Stuck: The trunk latch has ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The Thermo control valve on the vehicle failed. This has been such a consistent problem, that Subaru has extended the warranty for this item to 150K miles. I realize that alone is not a safety problem, but the issue is that when there is a check engine light error, the system shuts down the cruise control, lane departure, collision avoidance (EyeSIGHT), and XMODE (all wheel drive). The safety i... Read more