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: Jul 16, 2024
Windshield had a small chip and then spidered next day across entire windshield. Dealer said, “So sorry, but can’t help or repair.” The 2020 Telluride had a recall and they fixed my first one after repeated calls.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
On multiple occasions this vehicle has failed to operate, a red hazard light goes on along with many other failure light indicators. I've been stranded where the car does nothing and also experienced the car dying while driving. When the vehicle comes to the airbag indicators come on warning that the airbags are not functioning. I have had to drive the vehicle this way. It's not the first time... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
I was using the air pump to inflate a tire on my vehicle and the device started smoking. I turned it off immediately and detached the air valve fitting from my tire. I could smell something burning or overheating, but nothing was warm to the touch. The smoke continued for about a minute after I turned it off.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
Parasitic drain cause by the CAN system, which causes the battery to randomly die, batter has been replaced, alternator and starter have been tested. When the battery has low voltage this also shuts down the cars safety features like forward Collision and cruise control. The head unit in the car is also malfunctioning, causing it randomly turn on and off while driving, button s being pressed on th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
The component issue is the dashboard. The dashboard has deteriorated and melted to a sticky, shiny tar with a major shine that is causing a glare and potential blind spot will driving. The problem with my vehicle has been a known issue with several models experiencing similar issues. The manufacture has a habit of not fixing the problem until many attempts made by the owner to rectify the proble... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
On several instances of breaking, my 2013 Mercedes Benz C300 pulls hard to the right and becomes very unstable. I assumed it was a brake problem by the way the car drove. I took it to my mechanic, who immediately identified the rear subframe had rusted so much that a control arm had broken loose from the subframe. The rear subframe acts as a foundation for the rear suspension and holds the back... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
The instrument cluster does not turn on. Screen stays blank.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Front passenger air bag seat occupancy sensor (OC3) mat warning "Passenger restraint system. Fault in passenger restraint system affecting airbag" BMW has an extended warranty for this exact issue on several other models, but not the 1 series which should be included. This is a huge safety issue and shouldn't be the customer's responsibility.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and attempting to steer the vehicle, the steering wheel would oversteer the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering was overcompensating while steering the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the failure was related ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Four Subaru dealership licensed service centers in Maine and New Hampshire have had for some 8 weeks my Outback to evaluate, diagnose, and -upon my approval- service. Every one of the four Subaru locations was been unable to resolve a single one of these chronic problems of the Outback's erratic 1) start/no-start, 2) triggered security light and activated alarm, 3) dashboard battery and brake icon... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
The wireless charging pad for cell phones causes the phones to overheat and stop functioning properly. My fear is that an overheated phone could result in a fire. My understanding is that this issue exists not just for the charging pad on the Mach-E but other Ford models as well and across phone manufacturers.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a significant manufacturing defect in the transmission of my 2019 Ford F-150. The vehicle, which I purchased new from an authorized Ford dealership, has exhibited persistent and severe transmission issues that have compromised its performance and safety. Specifically, the transmission has been shifting harshly and erratically, ca... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle's engine and electrical system appear to have failed, resulting in a fire originating from the engine compartment. The vehicle is currently at a salvage yard and available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The fire occurred while my wif... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The transmission failed at the start of a 900 mile trip while traveling on [XXX]. After stopping at the toll booths the car intermittently would not engage into first gear. Several times I had to turn the vehicle off either in the toll lane and try to start it again, or pull the car off the road for a short time. Once the car was moving it would not shift through the gears properly and I had to... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
When driving above 30 MPH and going over a bump the car shakes and wobbles Violently feeling like the tires and steering wheel will fall off. This has been referred to as the “death wobble.” The car has some warranty remaining and is going in for repair with an authorized Jeep dealer.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
Twice, while backing out of my driveway, the brakes have locked up. The brakes stay locked until you tap them repetitively for a few minutes. Then the brakes will slowly release while going forward, but only lock up again when put in reverse. The vehicle cannot be driven until the next day, then it performs normally. luckily this happened in my driveway before I got on to the street. When the brak... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
after heavy rain, the forward looking radar will start stop working with no warning, cause AEB and forward warning not functioning, greatly increase risk of collision. the problem is consistent with heavy rain, but dealer refuse to do any repair because it didn't happen normally. the problem appeared on 03/31/2024, 06/30/2024, 08/18/2024 every time there is a heavy rain, with picture as proof.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
Driver side window will not go up on command. It gets stuck and has a mind of its own. This started in August of 2024. This is a safety hazard, as I live in Alaska with very cold temperatures and blowing snow. This was reported to the only available dealership in my area. I even showed the Service Advisor a video on my phone that I took of the window not responding to the controls. I was told the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
The steel bar could be felt through the lower lumbar area. Seat back also moved out of position while driving and I was told the bar inside the back came out of place.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
The steering wheel is sticking. I am having to overcorrect my car when driving. There are no warning lamps or messages. I bought this car 3 months ago and noticed the issue about 2 weeks ago. The car has had a general inspection but not inspected for this specific concern.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
The Occupant Detection System (ODS) has failed in this 2017 Subaru Forester. The dealership tried replacing the wiring harness under a previous recall but it did not fix the problem. The ODS does not correctly identify when a passenger is seated in the passenger seat and therefore will not properly activate the passenger airbag. I ordered a replacement seat assemby in October 2023 but to date the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
We were rear ended on the highway, the driver seat broke a part came off and the back of the seat went back instead of staying upright. I’m not sure where the vehicle is after we released it to the insurance company on 09-11-24 The driver has back pain and the back of the seat didn’t stay where it should have. I’m not sure we haven’t talked to the dealership just a mechanic. The insura... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
I had this issue 2 times so far, and I thought I was crazy since it hasn't happened since, but I noticed another report of someone else having the exact same issue. This prompted me to include my own report, as this could be a fatal flaw that needs review immediately. While I was pulling out into traffic from a stop sign to cross multiple lanes, my engine on my 2022 Corolla Cross XLE shut off wi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
I had this issue 2 times so far, and I thought I was crazy since it hasn't happened since, but I noticed another report of someone else having the exact same issue. This prompted me to include my own report, as this could be a fatal flaw that needs review immediately. While I was pulling out into traffic from a stop sign to cross multiple lanes, my engine on my 2022 Corolla Cross XLE shut off wi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the infotainment system screen display inadvertently turned black. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the infotainment system screen needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the part; however, the rearview camera became inoperable after the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The man... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
Component- steering locks Safety risk - vehicle cannot be started. Therefore if in an area of risk - cannot start vehicle. This randomly happens pulling into parking spaces. It is repetitive. I’m older and alone, scary when it happens as you are stranded. And call to Subaru roadside only option was to tow the vehicle the vehicle to dealership. Online fix is to man handle the steering wheel and t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
Engine shut down on highway while doing 55 mph. Almost was in a crash with multilabel cars. Second issue Forward Collision Warning failed on a sunny morning. A semi rolled and dumped it load causing the cars in front of me to stop suddenly. The Forward collision did nothing and did not apply my brakes. I missed the car in front of mine by a couple feet.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
Engine shut down on highway while doing 55 mph. Almost was in a crash with multilabel cars. Second issue Forward Collision Warning failed on a sunny morning. A semi rolled and dumped it load causing the cars in front of me to stop suddenly. The Forward collision did nothing and did not apply my brakes. I missed the car in front of mine by a couple feet.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
Unknown Paint is peeling above hatch
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
Defective vacuum pump damaged camshaft, reduced engine power, and caused loss of brakes while driving.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
The head unit suddenly stopped working. It unfortunately isn’t covered Under warranty. The screen consistently turns on and off.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The auto restart does not work and requires a car restart to fix. The latest software update caused this is to happen.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Both screens turn off while I’m driving 70+ mph on the highway therefore none of the features work like adaptive cruise or lane assist. It caused me to almost get into an accident a couple of times. Volkswagen says they won’t buy it back or fix it since it’s under the recall. I don’t know what to do. These cars are not safe for the road and are putting people’s lives at risk being driven... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Both screens turn off while I’m driving 70+ mph on the highway therefore none of the features work like adaptive cruise or lane assist. It caused me to almost get into an accident a couple of times. Volkswagen says they won’t buy it back or fix it since it’s under the recall. I don’t know what to do. These cars are not safe for the road and are putting people’s lives at risk being driven... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
This 2017 Kia Sorento is using an excessive amount of motor oil and looking online regarding this issue, there have been many complaints about this. The vehicle has just over 61K miles. The engine light came on (9/10/2024) and we pulled over. Unsure of what to look for, I checked the oil level and there was barely any oil on the dip-stick. The oil was changed this past May (2024) and should not be... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
vehicle high pressure fuel pump is attached to and a part of the left camshaft in the engine. Although a major and critical component of the engine and propulsion, the fuel pump seized, exploded and shredded itself and the camshaft at the connected point sending shards of metal chunks and pieces into the engine causing catastrophic engine failure. The engine immediately went into limp mode on the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Power steering assist fault failed, should have been covered under NHSTA forms but was not honored.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
I was driving in EV mode and was behind another vehicle waiting to turn out of a plaza. The exit is on a slope which is important to mention. The car in front of me began to turn and as I was releasing the brake to move up the hill, the car engine kicked on, the RPM’s went up extremely high as if the accelerator was being pressed all the way to the floor, the car jolted forward on its own and hi... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the failed to start. The contact stated that upon revving the engine, the vehicle was able to start. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 50 MPH after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle went into Safe Mode and stalled. The check... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
Our 2021 Grand Design 395ms has FRAME FAILURE. The upper body of the frame has multiple broken welds and has separated during road use. If the welds continue to fail I have been told the lower half of the 5th wheel will fall to the pavement. If this were to occur during travel it could be catastrophic. This issue was iniitally repaired in thermopolis by a mobile welder. This initial repair failed ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2007 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the electronic brake control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
Image on the backup camera is flipped. I checked online forums and it seems like this is a common problem without an adequate solution to make backing safe
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
On more than one occasion, this car has stalled or stopped, leaving me coasting to the side of the road in active traffic. I was going about 30-35 mph. It has had oil consumption problems since 2021 when I purchased it. It was presented to me at point of sale as gas consumption...it wasn't getting good mileage and would need a tune up. Also misrepresented as having a spare and it did not. On 4 Aug... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Vehicle randomly downshifts into first gear and get stuck in higher gears, allowing no acceleration, causing serious traffic accident
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH the front driver seat heater was activated and moments later smoke and flames were present coming from the center console of the vehicle. After stopping and exiting the vehicle the fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and lat... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
My 2.7L eco boost ford explorer had a crack in the intake manifold allowing water to leak into the piston heads. This resulted in engine misfire and ultimately led to a full engine replacement. The service technicians at the dealership noted that the 2.7 L eco boost are notorious for cracked engine components due to a mismatch in metal alloy. In reference to NHTSA# EA23002.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The infotainment system on my 2019 Subaru Outback has failed. The problem arose suddenly. The system is randomly cycling through radio stations, the touch screen has stopped responding to being touched, the gps apps stopped working properly and across the board the unit no longer works. The touchscreen also appears to have bubbling under the surface of the screen, which may be contributing to th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
First time when it happened, i was able to control and It went to back to normal. I did not pay attention after. Second time I took right turn and the car drove in left lane but this time I felt steering was rigid and was unable to control the Steering and hit a tree. Driver seat air bag was deployed and all doors were locked. Gel from air bag burned my right hand wrist.
Crash
1 injured
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 9, 2024
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Car battery does not turn off. Once parked, the display reads “shift to park”. The car is parked; engine is off. The battery stays on for hours (4 hours and counting this time).
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
My Toyota Camry SE 2017 while driving on freeway, my car started to smell like something burning few minutes later the car radio and lighting started to go crazy on off flashing randomly. going on off random screens by itself. i tried turning radio off but it wouldn't let me. when car turnkey is on without running the warning lights says check charging system. dealer says not sure why it says that... Read more