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: Jul 1, 2026
On Saturday July 25th, while driving at 70 mph on the highway, my van lost the ability to accelerate or maintain velocity. There was no warning or indication that this was going to happen. There was a beep and the screen flashed to a screen that said to pull over immediately and safely. Surprised and scared, I had to cut across 3 lanes of traffic while losing velocity cutting off a tractor trai... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
Vehicle has hard and clunky down shifts from 4th to 3rd gear and occasional hard clunk 3rd to first. Occasionally lurches coming to a stop. Happens frequently and somewhat inconsistently since purchased. Creates drivability concerns when slowing.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
While unloading cargo from the rear of my 2025 Mazda CX-70, I activated the power liftgate(key was in pocket ) to close while i was reach back cargo . As the liftgate was closing, it struck me in my head and continued closing instead of stopping or reversing. I had to quickly move out of the way to avoid further injury. The obstacle detection feature did not appear to function as expected. I am c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, a bystander went into the contact's place of employment and stated that there was a fire inside the vehicle in the parking lot. The contact became aware that his vehicle was the one on fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to parking the vehicle. The cause of the failure was unknown. T... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
My 2022 Audi Q7 experienced an internal water pump seal failure that allowed engine coolant to migrate into the vehicle’s vacuum system, contaminating the vacuum reservoir, valve, and connected lines. This is a known failure pattern affecting Audi/Volkswagen vehicles equipped with the 2.9T/3.0T EA839 engine family, where the water pump’s internal design allows coolant to be drawn into the vacu... Read more
SUBARU
TRAILSEEKER
(2026) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Jul 31, 2026
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
While making a left turn in my 2026 Toyota RAV4, the vehicle's Automatic Emergency Braking / Pre-Collision System suddenly activated without cause. The system sounded an audible warning beep and forced the vehicle to brake and come to a hard stop mid-turn. There was nothing in front of me that should have triggered the system. This put my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk. The forced... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
This is what I wrote to Stellantis. Dear Stellantis Customer Care, My vehicle has now stalled five separate times while I was making a left turn through an intersection. When this happens, the engine shuts off unexpectedly, the vehicle shifts into park and I must attempt to restart it while sitting in the roadway. During the most recent incident, the vehicle would not restart on the first a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
This is what I wrote to Stellantis. Dear Stellantis Customer Care, My vehicle has now stalled five separate times while I was making a left turn through an intersection. When this happens, the engine shuts off unexpectedly, the vehicle shifts into park and I must attempt to restart it while sitting in the roadway. During the most recent incident, the vehicle would not restart on the first a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
Vehicle is exhibiting signs of a possible design defect which causes windshields to prematurely crack, break, or shatter. My vehicle is a 22 Subaru Outback that when bought new, in the first week of ownership developed a windshield crack that the dealer ship refused to replace under warranty. We worked a deal out and were responsible for a percentage of the repair on our part, and they replaced t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to shift into drive(D), the gear shifter failed to shift as intended or shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed a dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was assoc... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
While driving my 2026 Mercedes-Benz E350 (rear-wheel drive) at approximately 40 mph, I began slowing for a traffic light. As I approached the intersection, the vehicle suddenly experienced what appeared to be a catastrophic electronic failure. Without warning, the vehicle became almost completely inoperable while the engine continued to run. The vehicle abruptly came to a stop and became immobil... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
While driving my 2026 Mercedes-Benz E350 (rear-wheel drive) at approximately 40 mph, I began slowing for a traffic light. As I approached the intersection, the vehicle suddenly experienced what appeared to be a catastrophic electronic failure. Without warning, the vehicle became almost completely inoperable while the engine continued to run. The vehicle abruptly came to a stop and became immobil... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
While driving my 2026 Mercedes-Benz E350 (rear-wheel drive) at approximately 40 mph, I began slowing for a traffic light. As I approached the intersection, the vehicle suddenly experienced what appeared to be a catastrophic electronic failure. Without warning, the vehicle became almost completely inoperable while the engine continued to run. The vehicle abruptly came to a stop and became immobil... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
While actively moving at highway speeds on July 13, 2026, the vehicle suffered an instantant, total loss of all 12V electrical auxiliary power. The dashboard flashed 'Hybrid System Malfunction' and 'Drive-Start Control Malfunction' before all digital instrument clusters, center infotainment displays, and cabin lights went completely dark. Power steering and braking assist dropped to emergency back... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
On 7/29/2026, the vehicle experienced a critical safety failure involving the electronic transmission shift-by-wire system, resulting in an unintended rollaway after the ignition was turned off. While parked on an incline, the driver depressed the brake pedal and pressed the Engine Start/Stop button while the vehicle was still positioned in Drive (D). The engine shut off completely. According to f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
The steering shaft on my 2026 Colorado Trail Boss is faulty and needs to be replaced. There was no accident but feel like this could be a safety issue that needs to be addressed and reported.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
I am submitting this complaint because I believe my Volvo electric vehicle has a serious and recurring safety-related defect that has not been permanently repaired despite multiple repair attempts. Since purchasing the vehicle new, it has repeatedly failed to operate as intended, left me stranded multiple times, and continues to display warning messages while driving. I purchased the vehicle new ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
Collision Mitigation Braking System has activated numerous times while traveling on a straight road with no other vehicles around. The brakes activated hard where items shifted in the vehicle and the seatbelts locked. Occupants were thrust forward at the time of braking. Contact was make with the dealership and there are is not any fixes advised.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning. The engine stalled while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of acceleration and power. This created a serious safety hazard in traffic. The issue is consistent with the condition described in Safety Recall U01 for 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles involving the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). However, this vehicle's... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
The “maintenance required” warning light came on. The Lexus dealer indicated that a tire rotation was required at a cost of approximately $100. We had the tires rotated at a tire store at a cost of zero ($.00). The Lexus dealer service department refused to turn off the “maintenance required” warning, safety light because that dealer did not perform the tire rotation. If the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
truck is experiencing the active recall symptoms daily, but the manufacturer is denying a repair due to parts availability. I pull a trailer everyday and I been having break issues the ABS light goes on and off all day, driving on the freeway, streets and even when the truck is on park noise is annoying. Service electronic braking systems is on as well I been almost had accidents and loosing contr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
Water has leaked into the driver side rear of the vehicle, causing corrosion and failure of the power tailgate control module. Water has also soaked the carpet and foam in the rear driver side. This power tailgate control module failure has caused a battery drain as the trunk opens on its own and does not respond to interior buttons or key fob buttons. The van battery has needed to be jump started... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
The vehicle is experiencing severe, premature galvanic corrosion on the doors, hinges, and hood due to a documented factory defect where aluminum panels press directly against steel hinges without proper isolation (acknowledged by the manufacturer in TSB 31-001-24).This is a critical structural and safety hazard covered under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 206, which regulates door ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
In December 2025, my check engine light came on. Diagnostic codes read P0128 (coolant thermostat) and U1467 (module communication). I took the vehicle to a mechanic, who diagnosed and repaired the issue. Shortly after, the check engine light returned, so the same mechanic replaced the ECM (plug and play). This repair did not resolve the check engine light. The mechanic recommended I take the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
This is a nine speed transmission which basically shifts up each gear every 5 to 6 MPH until you hit 9th gear about 52 MPH. The transmission will not shift to next gear fast enough causing the vehicle to be very slow. The transmission has to go through 5 gears to get to 30 MPH. Each gear shifts at 1650 to over 2000 RPM before it will shift to next gear. If the air conditioning is running the least... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
My 2017 Kia Sorento experienced a catastrophic, sudden engine lockup on the roadway due to a known manufacturing defect involving rod bearing failure. This defect caused complete loss of motive power and stalled the vehicle on the road, creating an extreme safety hazard for myself, my passengers, and surrounding motorists.Prior to the failure, the vehicle heavily consumed its own motor oil at a da... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
On 7/28/26, my 2018 Honda Odyssey began displaying the following warning lights and system messages on the dash: •Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system error •Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) error •Auto High Beam system error •Collision Mitigation Braking System / forward collision error These errors were present before I replaced the 12V battery. I had the battery tested at that time an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
Left and Right suspension Front and Back. Yes car will be available for inspection when called. No one’s safety was at risk. It has been confirmed by an independent service center. No other place has inspected the car/component except for the independent service center. No there were no warning lamps, I was able to tell something was wrong because when I’d turn and still till this day, it imme... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
I am having these problems with my 2021 Honda Pilot Touring causing intermittent sudden braking. The dealership is quoting me a lot of money to fix them. Collision Mitigation System problem Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Auto High Beam Problem Lane Keep Assist Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem These problems should not be occurring to a an expensive vehicle worth over $45,000 for... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
Transmission shuddering when gear changing as accelerate.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
The driver side door actuator will not work, car is only five years old. Door will not unlock from fob, door unlock button or app. Began with a few random instances of not unlocking then turned into never unlocking again. Would have to climb through the passenger side to manually unlock by pushing switch. Got the actuator replaced but now car will not allow opening from inside, have to climb out ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
ABS module has failed. Causing a number of other safety systems to be deactivated. Power steering, traction control, drive mode selection, and braking. All these lights are illuminated on dash. Independent auto repair shop verified this ABS module has failed and there is no replacement parts from Ford.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
I find the location of the lower gear shifters + and - to be physically far away from a driver's normal reach, making a driving hazard. If you want to change gears as is typical in mountain driving in steep descents, the driver has to lean awkwardly away from all mirrors and standard driving position making it a potentially hazardous situation for the driver and occupants to be in. It has nothing... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
Clicking noise in rear suspension upon acceleration and assistive braking. First time I brought it in the Tesla service center lubricated the halfshafts. Clicking went away but returned a little over a month later. 2nd time the Tesla service center adjusted torque on suspension. Looking at thread online this seems to be a common issue with older Tesla Model Y. These are not normal maintenance it... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
This 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a severe and recurring history of catastrophic high-voltage hybrid powertrain and transmission failures that cause a sudden loss of motive power while driving, presenting an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle has already required two full automatic transmission (eFlite EVT) replacements under factory warranty due to internal failures. It has experienced mul... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
This 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a severe and recurring history of catastrophic high-voltage hybrid powertrain and transmission failures that cause a sudden loss of motive power while driving, presenting an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle has already required two full automatic transmission (eFlite EVT) replacements under factory warranty due to internal failures. It has experienced mul... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
Recently this vehicle has triggered a check engine light. Upon further examination the code was related to an ignition #3. (CODES: P020C, PO1DO).
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
Recently this vehicle has triggered a check engine light. Upon further examination the code was related to an ignition #3. (CODES: P020C, PO1DO).
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
Recently this vehicle has triggered a check engine light. Upon further examination the code was related to an ignition #3. (CODES: P020C, PO1DO).
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I am writing to respectfully request goodwill assistance regarding a significant sunroof failure on my 2021 Jeep Renegade 80th Anniversary Edition (VIN: [XXX]). I purchased this vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned Jeep from Ferman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Wesley Chapel on June 1, 2024. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had only 6,084 miles. It currently has approximately 17,000 miles, meaning it... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
Out of nowhere without any warning light all of a sudden couldn’t back up when geared into reverse to reverse. Turned the vehicle off and back on, then was able to reverse. Left parking lot and was on the road and vehicle started loosing speed, then put into park with hazard lights. When attempting to get off the road for safety reasons tried putting into drive and the car then drove in reverse.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
The telematics module for the OnStar system continues to stop working, I have had this truck in a dealership service center multiple times for them to reset the system (instead of replacing the defective parts). Along with the infotainment system not working properly (cuts in and out, blinks on/off, delay in actions) Doors unlock while driving, front/rear cameras come on when I stopping at an inte... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
Since 2023, this car’s auto start/stop feature has malfunctioned. Honda keeps replacing the battery and saying nothing else is wrong. It has had 4 battery replacements since 2023. Now they are saying I need to replace the starter. I no longer use the start/stop feature, but if I forget and it engages, my car will not restart leaving me in an intersection trying to get the car to restart, which i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
Mileage: 31,694 (bought [new]) The engine starter intermittently fails to crank the engine and, per an open manufacturer recall, presents a fire risk while the vehicle is running. On multiple occasions the vehicle struggled to start during normal use. There was no crash, no injury, and no airbag deployment. To isolate the issue I contacted my authorized BMW dealer three times 07/01/2026, 07/16/20... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
On 6/29/2026, While engaging the brakes on my leased ID.4, I was slowing down approaching another car, and suddenly the vehicle surged forward with full acceleration. It then suddenly re-engaged the brakes just before the vehicle in front of me. On 7/1/2026, I was stopped in traffic near Englewood City Center on I-285. Then with brakes engaged the ID.4 surged forward twice (2x's) striking the l... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle's wheels locked up. The contact sustained injuries to the neck and whiplash and pain. The service 4WD warning light was illuminated after the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The dealer... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Steering capability malfunctions regularly and it is available for inspection upon request. When driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel will "jump" and turn slightly. It will also vibrate when held still while driving. This occurs whether staying in a lane or changing lanes. It does not matter if the road is smooth or uneven. No, the problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or service ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the ABS, traction control, air sensor, hand brake, and a steering wheel with an exclamation mark warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the battery was replaced to fix the issues; however, several days later the warning lights returned. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the mechanic w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? **Transmission How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? **Car stalled, no warming. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? **Yes, J&M Transmission in Tracy, Ca Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
Begin with cliff, I was not wanting to lock or locked or start the vehicle as I was driving. I stopped at the light vehicle started shaking, and as I drove through the light to pull over power steering assist failure, terrain, failure, and control failure.