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: Dec 27, 2024
An 'amber' airbag malfunction light has illuminated on the instrument panel. The airbag light has since turned 'red'. It is 'red' to this date. The manufacturers guide advises to take the vehicle to the dealer. The authorized Cadillac dealer in our town troubleshot the problem to code 'U0170', 'Lost Communication With Passenger Presence Module'. The dealer advised that the part is no longer ava... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
The drives side door lock will not disengage. This condition will not allow the driver to exit the car. In the event of a medical emergency, accident, or fire the driver can not extricate themselves and first responders would be delayed in extricating the driver which could lead to serious injury or death.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
The check arm on my ford escape broke off at the welding attachment point which lead to me having to drive down the road for 10 miles with my door ajar in order to get home It started making a popping noise a few days ago then I opened my door tonight and it completely broke off
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
Rear window shattered while parked inside garage for no apparent reason
Incident date: Apr 27, 2020
The steering wheel design includes a small button to engage the horn rather than a common practice of having the horn engage on center press of the wheel. In practice, this has turned out to be a significant safety issue and cause of confusion due to its in ability to effectively find the button or safely reach the button during safety concerns especially when the wheel is rotated since its gener... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
While travelling at highway speed, attempted to accelerate to pass slow traffic. Rather than accelerating, the car hunted for a gear, and wouldn't shift properly. The car downshifted but engine would not go beyond 4000 RPM and speed remained the same. This has happened multiple times. By unexpectedly not accelerating, this created a risky situation by not allowing car to pass slower traffic as... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
There was a recall on some Hyundai engines from 2011-2012. I have been told by Hyundai that my vehicle was not included in the recall as it is a 2013. It is the same engine and has malfunctioned in one of the cylinders rendering the car inoperable because of that engine malfunction. The car has had routine maintenance and is at 100k miles.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Passport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 disco... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
Daytime running lights failed and are built into the housing, this is a known issue across many F150’s 2021+
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
On June 13 2023, I received an alert on my dashboard that my cruise control was unable to be used due to an issue with the front sensor. The alert went away soon after but then reappeared on August 27th, 2023 the error appeared again. Specifically error code C162078. I wasn't able to get the issue repaired until November 2023, which is also where they replaced my faulty backup camera.
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 23, 2024
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The integrated thermal monitor is stuck. When I took it to Ken Vance Hyundai today, they said it is a common issue and if left unfixed. It would blow the engine.
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) - ENGINE
Dec 23, 2024
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
Was driving on a major highway when multiple dashboard lights became lit and car went into limp mode. We were put at risk because we could not keep up with traffic and we were 10 miles from home on a cold winter day. Car was brought to a Honda dealer who determined that the engine and turbo were destroyed as a result of a head gasket failure.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact rented a 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and attempting to slow the vehicle, the RPMs suddenly increased, after which the contact became aware that the vehicle was accelerating independently. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact shifted to park(P) to bring th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2018
premature failure of clutch components: throwout bearing, clutch slave cylinder (which doubles as master brake cylinder). This type of failure, particularly when vehicle is in motion, will prevent the ability to change gears, as well as potential for brake failure if loss of fluid is great enough. This is a clear and obvious road hazard and the failure occurs within or just outside of factory warr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
I paid for A pillar repair on my own and they have not sent out reimbursement remedies. See below. Jan 19,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 NHTSA Recall Number24V031 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary IN SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES IT MAY BE POSSIBLE THAT SOME OF THE EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP ATTACHMENTS ARE NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBL... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
The srs light came on won't go off says there is a air bag problem please let me know if covered please I am handicapeted
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
The srs light came on won't go off says there is a air bag problem please let me know if covered please I am handicapeted
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
I'm going blind. I have tints, a cover over my rear view mirror and I drive with sunglasses but it's not enough. I've drifted into the lane next to me by accident, passed my exit, I can't see people on the sidewalks or trying to cross the street after my eyes are blinded trying to adjust and make a split second decision so I don't accidentally run someone over; because cars and trucks come with hi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
I came to a stop at a red light. The auto stop/start was active so the engine stopped. When the light turned green, I lifted off the brake and the truck started back up as usual. Once I got into the middle of the intersection, the truck stalled out and the parking brake set and skidded to a stop. I restarted the truck and released the parking brake. I made it 10 more feet and the truck stalled a ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
I came to a stop at a red light. The auto stop/start was active so the engine stopped. When the light turned green, I lifted off the brake and the truck started back up as usual. Once I got into the middle of the intersection, the truck stalled out and the parking brake set and skidded to a stop. I restarted the truck and released the parking brake. I made it 10 more feet and the truck stalled a ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Expedition equipped with Hankook, Tire Line: Dynapro, Tire Size: 275/55/R20, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the tire pressure was low. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove to Discount Tire to inflate the tire. The contact stated that there was an abnormal ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
Clock spring failure. 2015 passat steering wheel started clicking then it snapped my airbag light came on and steering wheel functions didn't work. The sa
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
AP4 computer failure has led to navigation, cameras, blind spot monitoring, lane departure and other systems being inoperable. Tesla has stated they don’t have the parts to fix and have pushed out my service repair time twice already. Issue reported on December 4th, since then no time table for repair has been given. Tesla keeps stating the car is operable, leaving out the facts it’s dangerous... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
The metal frame supporting my RV body has started to crack. If a complete frame failure occurred while traveling on the highway it could/would cause a catastrophic loss of control and could/would result in major loss of life. This is a common problem with the Grand Design RV line and they have recently extended the warranty because of this issue. It is a well known and documented problem and a ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
Vehicle control arms need to be replaced as suggested by the service department. They are currently clicking because they are not secure. I truly believe this is a safety hazard. Arms cannot be replaced for another month. Seems to be a widespread issue from my research. If arm fails, driver would lose control of the vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Vehicle experiences death wobble in the front suspension system. While driving, vehicle suddenly shakes violently and is difficult to control. Vehicle was repaired at an authorized Ford dealership in 2021 but has since experienced the same dangerous affects of death wobble. Vehicle was inspected by the authorized Ford dealership prior to repair who confirmed the presence of death wobble. There wer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
While driving vehicle at highway speeds, steering wheel feels sticky at center position. It feels unsafe while driving. The problem is not noticeable at low speeds or city driving. My vehicle has 50,000 miles and just started noticing this issue. I drove it to the Honda dealer (Rick Case Honda In Weston Fl) to report the issue, but they notified me that there is no recalls for 2021 Honda CR-V st... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
As I was driving this vehicle alone on [XXX] , I smelled a burning smell and the clutch seemed to have trouble shifting gears. I was driving approximately 40 mph, attempted to shift gears, heard a loud bang and saw fire at my feet, looked in the rear view mirror and saw fire in the back. I pulled the emergency break and jumped out of the car. It then burst into flames and incinerated the car with... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
Cracked windshield. Manufacturer has not been able to supply a replacement for 4 months. Every time I ask for an ETA the day moves back a month. This is a safety concern for many affected drivers with no apparent solution from MBUSA.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
When stopped at a red light, vehicle shut off and emergency parking brake engaged. Safety was not necessarily put at risk but other cars had to pass me as I tried to figure out the issue. Dealer cannot reproduce the issue as it's happened only twice in one year. The only warning that came on the instrument cluster was "parking brake engaged".
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Car was in park and shifted by itself in Neutral which caused it to roll back
Crash
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
My transmission failed although it was scanned a few weeks earlier indicating no issues with the transmission. I was lucky that the car failed once I stopped and wouldn't shift back into gear however it could have failed while driving. The car was driving fine and was slightly slow to engage, but I believe that was due to the fuel pump recall, which I could not have fixed because of a shortage of ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
My transmission failed although it was scanned a few weeks earlier indicating no issues with the transmission. I was lucky that the car failed once I stopped and wouldn't shift back into gear however it could have failed while driving. The car was driving fine and was slightly slow to engage, but I believe that was due to the fuel pump recall, which I could not have fixed because of a shortage of ... Read more
SUBARU
B9 TRIBECA
(2009) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Dec 18, 2024
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon slowing down, the vehicle rocked back and forth violently. The contact stated that the check engine and reduced engine power warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 23 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I’m not exactly sure what’s wrong, the screen keeps failing on my car. It’s been taken to Tesla to service this issue 4 times. With the most expensive repair costing $2,200. Its poses a safety hazard because when the screen fails. You can’t see anything, speed, gear. You can’t adjust windshield wipers, seat or mirror positions.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
front skid plate rusted and corroded. fame rusted and corroded.suspension parts rusted and corroded.hole in fame.called Toyota of America in Texas told agent what the problem was.he told me no reports at this time on this make.also told me no solutions for this at this time.toyota had this problem with their Tacomas they settle lawsuits and made free repairs.12
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
front skid plate rusted and corroded. fame rusted and corroded.suspension parts rusted and corroded.hole in fame.called Toyota of America in Texas told agent what the problem was.he told me no reports at this time on this make.also told me no solutions for this at this time.toyota had this problem with their Tacomas they settle lawsuits and made free repairs.12
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
I am writing to express my concern regarding an incident that occurred during my visit to Suburban Toyota of Farmington Hills, Michigan on [XXX], around 3 PM EST. I was there to test drive a brand new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser (VIN: [XXX] ). During the test drive, I noticed the vehicle had an empty gas tank with only 7 miles of range left. I stopped at a BP gas station and discovered that my salesp... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
Driving at the speed limit 65-70 miles ph my truck started to slow in speed the tire sensor came on then the truck began to smoke and the brakes locked up at a high speed, lucky for me there was no one behind me. I was able to limp to a safe spot and park the truck would not MOVE at all..After an hour I tried to move it again it would not go into drive. Had to tow it to the dealership..$$$$ late... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Tesla has told me the AP4 computer has failed in my car which has resulted in them having to replace it. I had this issue start right around Thanksgiving. I scheduled the soonest appointment available for 01/03. Not offering me a rental or anything on my brand new '24 Tesla. It has just over 1,000 miles on it and is ~1 months old now. This issue impacts: emergency braking, blind spot detection, la... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
We were driving on the highway when the vehicle began stalling and failed to accelerate. We pulled onto the shoulder and all of the lights on the dash were on "Check engine, Electric Power Steering light, and low fuel light: The vehicle had half a tank of gas, so it was not a low fuel issue. After a few attempts the car finally started again and began to pick up power. My neighbor who is a cert... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
supplemental air bag warning light is on. also the passenger airbag light is on.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Car is inoperable due to the brake issue and airbag issue. Lincoln refuses to assist with getting it towed or working with the dealership. They will say that they do these things or are trying to help but they do not. This has been going on for 5 years. Dealerships will not fix the vehicle because the vehicle is too old they are telling me. The car is sitting and cannot be driven and nobody will ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
Vehicle stopped at stop light when start/stop system activated. When acceleration attempted, turning right, vehicle stalled, activated the parking brake and displayed a battery warning. Restarted vehicle and showed a low voltage condition for the battery. Pulled over and turned off the truck and restarted which cleared the issue and voltage returned to normal. This is the third stall over 66k mile... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
November 1,2024, as I was about to pull into traffic at an intersection my car would not let me accelerate. The engine was still on but I could not use the gas. I could steer. Luckily I was on an incline where I could coast down the hill and turn into a Lowe's parking lot to wait for a tow truck. It turns out my axle broke. They said there was no damage other than a rubber gasket rotted. There was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
Tesla has told me the AP4 computer has failed in my car which has resulted in them having to replace it. I had this issue start right around Thanksgiving. I scheduled the soonest appointment available for 12/16 however Tesla contacted me and moved my appointment because they stated that the part was unavailable at this time and should be delivered by 01/20/25. Not offering me a rental or anything... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
Tesla has told me the AP4 computer has failed in my car which has resulted in them having to replace it. I had this issue start right around Thanksgiving. I scheduled the soonest appointment available for 12/16 however Tesla contacted me and moved my appointment because they stated that the part was unavailable at this time and should be delivered by 01/20/25. Not offering me a rental or anything... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Once shifting the car in park the car won’t shut off. It keeps stating “Shift to Park” the car has already been shifted to park. I have to shift my car over and over again to get it to cut off. Also when driving it keeps stating something about the track system.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Driving along the highway at highway speed, the sunroof exploded over our head. The glass blew outward from the center of the sunroof. There was nothing the hit the glass.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
OCTOBER 2024 Before the main incident Oct 2024, I started noticing slight changes in the way my KIA was operating: - Delayed response to accelerate when at a light - Tire sensors/ crash collision sensors - Lane assist pulling my off the road or into on coming traffic (random) - Intermittent Power loss while driving. - Lights not working properly. - High beams failed to operate in Sept and was told... Read more
Fire