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: Nov 3, 2024
2019-2022 BMW X7 Xdrive have a major issue with the transfer box which controls the adaptive steering at all front wheels. At low speeds or at driveline when accelerating in forward or reverse while turning the steering wheel the vehicle shudders or jerks causing the skipping like feeling in traction. This is a common issue which is reported by many and is now happening to my vehicle. BMW has not ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
Genesis GV70 Electrified with 15,818 miles. Car suddenly would not accelerate beyond 20 mph and RED Warning on dashboard to immediately pull over and stop car. No prior warning or symptoms. Significant concern for safety of my passenger and myself due to driving much lower than speed limit on road, in wet conditions. Thankfully, I was not on a freeway or major intersection. Called Genesis dea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
ODS sensor recall still not fixed/remedy available, used heat for first time since i purchased the car, minor cracks in the windshield, car radio/monitors randomly go black, reverse camera won’t work, restarts on there own after a while
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
Engine Coolant leaks inside the engine Cylinder #5 without warning and cracked the engine block cylinder head #5. This has happened 2 times on this vehicle replacing the engine once. Vehicle has been maintained in accordance with manufacture recommendations.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
Just returned back home from a quick drive and the vehicle was sitting in my driveway. After about 20 min I walked by the car and noticed the entire back window in multiple pieces. There was no one that walked by or drove by. Pieces of glass were noted to be 10 feet behind the vehicle on the driveway. There was no one in the vehicle at the time and nothing in the trunk area that was potentially p... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine warning light illuminated and was flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ECU update was not enough to repair the vehicle. The dealer recommended that the fuel injector be replaced. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who confirme... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
Episode #2 'Near-death-Experience" Tuesday[XXX] Tesla Model X "Auto Steer" abruptly Stopped on [XXX] between 1.10PM - 1.15PM Sent a message to Tesla around 1.30pm, Exactly the same scenario happened on [XXX]. Coming from [XXX] going to [XXX] , after 10-15 seconds, car STOPPED abruptly. I do not know what happened and still shaken from Episode #1, this incident happened with in 2 weeks apart. Aft... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
I am writing to bring to your attention a critical safety issue affecting my 2021 Ford F-150, caused by a recent SYNC software update. On or around August 2024, Ford issued a software update that has resulted in significant malfunctions in multiple vehicle systems, including intermittent freezing and non-responsiveness shortly after vehicle startup. These issues persist for several minutes, severe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
The driver and passanger rear doors have issues with the doul latches. They do not always security shut and the doors swing open while driving. When the temperatures drop, the latches do not work, therefore, the doors do not securely shut. I tool the vehicle to a Ford repair dealership and they informed me that this is an issue with millions of ford's. They suggested I contact you because there is... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the warning light was cleared. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A second dealer... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
Horn button does not active horns
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
I was driving back from work on the highway, and I was suddenly not able to accelerate. The car was slowing down, and the engine light was flashing. I pulled over to the shoulder and drove slowly about a half a mile to the exit. I pulled over at the gas station. Left my car there and took Uber home. The next day, when I went to pick it up, the flashing engine light was off and drove fine and I was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2019
Mazdas infotainment system was issued defective. The system is plagued with issues in which a “ghost” touch on the screen makes changes to the system. It is a very distracting issue and poses a safety concern as it distracts the driver from the road as the ghost touch can make changes on the infotainment system moving between settings, changing music, making random calls, and randomly triggeri... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The windshield started cracking while the car was parked and continued cracking over the next week. The crack now runs from the center top, 3/4 of the way across the driver's side
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
On at least 5 occasions, my inner tailgate has released itself and gone down during motion. This has been uncommanded. It appears GM has a recall for this but it does not include my truck. The dealership that looked into it agrees this is likely the same issue and GM should include it in the recall.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The ABS dash light and traction control light started coming on about a year ago. the light is intermittent with a ding sound. Some days it comes on non stop, sometimes it doesn’t come on at all. cruise control does not work, and “park rear” button is not able to get out of the off mode.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The ABS dash light and traction control light started coming on about a year ago. the light is intermittent with a ding sound. Some days it comes on non stop, sometimes it doesn’t come on at all. cruise control does not work, and “park rear” button is not able to get out of the off mode.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
2017 F150 - V8 - 6Sp/Automatic Transmission; Original Owner; 91.5k miles; lead frame issue.. Vehicle downshifted on it's own and check engine light came on.. additional issues with vehicle not starting and transmission not showing in gear.. Dealership finally diagnosed with lead frame issue.. Research shows recall on 2011>2016 F150's for identical issues and lead frame replacement but tells me tha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The transmission has completely malfunctioned. The car started stalling in traffic. It then stopped registering gears and stopped pulling. The car was taken to a shop who stated transmissions issues along with a brake assist failure. The torque converter has not been released by Toyota. My car has 139000 miles. I have researched this issue and many others have reported the same problem!
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The transmission has completely malfunctioned. The car started stalling in traffic. It then stopped registering gears and stopped pulling. The car was taken to a shop who stated transmissions issues along with a brake assist failure. The torque converter has not been released by Toyota. My car has 139000 miles. I have researched this issue and many others have reported the same problem!
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was driving rough, and the low coolant warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped and parked the vehicle. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that the low coolant warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was di... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); 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 ex... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel had an excessive amount of play. While driving over a pothole, the vehicle shook abnormally. While reversing, there was an abnormal thumping sound while turning the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The chrome trim started peeling on the center console, near cup holders. This revealed a razor sharp edge on which I cut my finger. All of the exterior door handles have chrome trim and are peeling. Last week my [XXX] daughter cut her finger as a result of a sharp peeled chrome edge. Many reports of this on volvo forums. Some dealers will repair for free, others want to charge for this defective... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after her son had placed the vehicle into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond when shifted into drive(D). The contact stated that the WRENCH (Transmission) warning symbol appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the shifter cable bushi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
My fuel pump has been failing multiple times over the last 4 months. It has left me stranded in the middle of intersections, freeways, and highways on multiple occasions that has cause back up traffic and areas of the road completely closed until I can move my car. I have had this car diagnosed twice with a certified mechanic shop and a master tech with these issues and it is confirmed both times ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
My Subaru ran perfectly fine until the water pump and cooler lines got replaced after these were replaced it was tried to be driven and the car then had no idea what gear it was in drive is drive neautral is drive and reverse does not work at all paddle shifters won’t work AT oil temp light check engine light brake light flashing cruise control light all came on and the car will only go forward ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the cylinders. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Delamination of my pearl white paint started occurring at 44,000 miles on my 2019 Kia Sorento. Now at 54,000 miles it's gotten worse and continues to expand. Occurring on the hood and the roof.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
Our car is only 2 months out of warranty and has 52,000. I have the 10R80 or 10-speed transmission that is all of the internet. My symptoms include very hard jerks when slowing down while driving, Loss of power when accelerating, and a delay in power when accelerating from a complete stop. I drive 4 kids around and it feels like I am being rear-ended sometimes. The dealerships are well aware of th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
Negligent service. How could be possible to measure assembly threads without a torque wrench? I regret bringing the vehicle for the recall. Passed two weeks, and the RamCare and dealer did not contact to fix. It's dubious if all performed recall V06 was executed correctly at the dealer. Owners and dealer may think that the recall will not bring any risk for the owner. See attached pictures and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
My incident report is a non accident report, I am trying to be proactive and report problems I’ve experienced with this vehicle since I purchased this vehicle 2 years ago. The vehicle has been problematic since I purchased brand new in 2022. I’ve been reporting this issue for two years and the mechanic has not been able to resolve the issues.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine revved significantly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the canister purge valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the c... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
The left front drive axel cracked while we were driving on an overpass connecting two highways. We didn’t hit or bump anything. The car just stopped, like the brakes were slammed on, except the brakes didn’t work. As we were on an incline, the car started rolling backwards, but fortunately the emergency brake worked. It happened so abruptly, I wasn’t able to fully pull off the road and my ch... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
•Parking Brake Issue: The parking brake failed to disengage after stopping, leading to an accident. •Intoxalock Device Malfunction: The Intoxalock device malfunctioned with incessant beeping and intermittent error messages, causing distractions. •Previous Complaints and Lack of Resolution: Previous complaints about the parking brake and Intoxalock device were dismissed without proper investi... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
•Parking Brake Issue: The parking brake failed to disengage after stopping, leading to an accident. •Intoxalock Device Malfunction: The Intoxalock device malfunctioned with incessant beeping and intermittent error messages, causing distractions. •Previous Complaints and Lack of Resolution: Previous complaints about the parking brake and Intoxalock device were dismissed without proper investi... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact slammed on the brake pedal and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Contr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
Automatic braking disabled yet sensor stuck in Alert mode and slams on brakes pulling into parking spaces, backing up, etc
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
What component or system failed: 47070-47060 Pump Assy, Brake Booster w/Accumulator yes 47050-47150 Cylinder Assembly, Brake Master with Fluid yes put at risk: yes - abnormal braking ABS failure-traction control loss Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer: yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer: Not my specific parts Were there any warning lamps: Yes... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The AC compressor is failing as it’s blowing hot air at idle or when the vehicle is running at 20-40mph. During Texas hot summers, baby & toddlers are at risk for extreme heat as the AC blows hot/warm air. The problem has been reproduce at an automotive AC shop where they have inspected the AC for leaks, vacuumed refrigerant and replaced refrigerant. Still same issues without any leaks. Police o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
A piece broke off and had fallen off of transmission when stopped at a redlight when put in gear car didn't want to move had to manually shift to get off the road and towed it home. The piece that broke fell into pan when changing transmission fluid. Believe it's off flywheel possibly forward band.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
Steering makes clicking and creaking noise after vehicle is warmed up and driving slow, like parking. Took it to Mcgraft Honda and service adviser heard the noise. Dealership then informed me that the tech could not duplicate the noise and told me it’s normal to hear noises while turning.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2024
There are 2 issues I am reporting. 1.) The passenger front seat belt tensioner does not allow you to buckle the seat belt. 2.) The vehicle will go into limp mode and shift into 3 gear. I disconnect the battery and wait about 15 seconds and the problem is magically resolved.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
The auto start stop feature has caused my car to shutdown with all lights lit on the dash in more than one scenario. In traffic on the freeway, I had my foot on the brake. It auto stopped. Then when the traffic was starting to move, I went to push the accelerator and the dashboard lights all lit up and the engine shut off completely. The car was still in drive but it was off. I had to shift the ca... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
When coming to a stop at a stop sign, the car jerks and the engine appears to stall. I have brought it to 2 dealerships and both have said that it is "normal". I have had dozens of cars and none have ever performed in this manner. The adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking frequently brakes for no reason or does not recognize cars in front of me. It regularly misses large objects... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green and I pressed the gas, the engine sputtered and almost shut off. Just before I came to a stop, the engine revved up and the vehicle accelerated. The uneven acceleration is concerning. I recently replaced the gas cap and serviced the fuel system, which leads me to believe there is a defect with the engine. Later in the day, the check engine ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green and I pressed the gas, the engine sputtered and almost shut off. Just before I came to a stop, the engine revved up and the vehicle accelerated. The uneven acceleration is concerning. I recently replaced the gas cap and serviced the fuel system, which leads me to believe there is a defect with the engine. Later in the day, the check engine ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
On October 17th. The vehicle exhibited serious electrical issues when I attempted to start it in my school parking lot. Upon pressing the start button, the car would not start, and all electrical items began malfunctioning. The lights inside and outside the vehicle were flashing, the windshield wipers activated on their own, the horn was beeping intermittently, and the car was emitting alarming no... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
On October 17th. The vehicle exhibited serious electrical issues when I attempted to start it in my school parking lot. Upon pressing the start button, the car would not start, and all electrical items began malfunctioning. The lights inside and outside the vehicle were flashing, the windshield wipers activated on their own, the horn was beeping intermittently, and the car was emitting alarming no... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The steering wheel sticks and requires abnormal effort to turn the wheel from the neutral (steering straightforward) to either left or right resulting in oversteering situations once the wheel has "broke-free" from the sticking. The sticking is not noticeable until the vehicle has warmed-up, usually ten to fifteen minutes drive time. The 2018 Civic has 74,850 miles and sticking began around 65,000... Read more