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 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
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Apparently there is a known defect on the brake actuator/master cylinder/booster on the 2014 Prius that would have been addressed if the car had been driven for less than 10 years or 150,000 miles. We purchased our car in April 2014 and the part just failed yesterday at only 126,000 miles. We understand that there is a pending class action suit (or perhaps one that was settled) but do not know h... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
My 2016 Nissan Sentra malfunctioned while driving on the Highway three separate times. The car suddenly lost its ability to accelerate and seemed to power down while becoming more difficult to steer. It seemed to start shuddering and I thought it may have been a front end flat tire. After pulling off the road and putting the car in park, when I waited a minute or two, I placed the car in drive and... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The steering wheel is loose and feels as if it wants to come apart from the steering column.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V776000 Was performed by Lonestar Powersport at 2565 S Danville Dr Abilene, TX 79605. They did not fully complete the recall as they were to legally do and skipped the final steps. All they did was replace the sensor. When I brought the bike back to them, letting them know I was having the same problems as described in the recall, they told me that it would cost me for t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
2018 Dodge Ram Rebel won't take gas. Keeps shutting off at pump without filling (30 gal tank) took to dealer was told vapor/gas sensor issue - need to replace gas tank $3500 repair! Vehicle has 88000 miles no accidents. I am the original owner of this vehicle
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Unknown. Cameras don’t work, cruise control doesn’t work, gps doesn’t work. Internet says it’s ap4 computer shorted after recent update.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound emanating from the rear end suspension. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that fuel leak from the fuel delivery system resulted corrosion of the left side leaf spring grummet. The vehicle was repaired. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
THERE IS A LEAKING GLUE LIKE SUBSTANCE COMING FROM THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM THAT CONTROLS ALL SAFETY COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE WHICH CAN CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD AS WELL AS HEALTH AND ENVIORMENTAL CONCERNS.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The buttons on the steering wheel stick and do not work. These include the turn signals and also bright lights and windshield wipers. They stick on my car, and I am renting a 2024 model 3 that they stick on as well. It’s not possible to signal a turn or wipe the windshield when this happens, which is a safety issue.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while attempting to open the trunk, the rear window glass shattered. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the shattered glass was not covered under warranty and suggested that a local glass specialist be contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notifi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I am new to Land Rover Discovery Sport and a bit disappointed with the Blind Spot Warning functionality. There is very little warning compared to all other cars I have owned with this feature. There needs to be an option for audible warning when blind spot monitoring detects something and the turn signal is activated. Currently there is no audible warning. Also the system seems a bit slow. Feels l... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
The transmission in my truck completely failed on a busy road during rush hour. I was in stop and go traffic and after one of my stops the truck wouldn’t move Luckily I was in the right hand lane and about 150 feet from the entrance to a parking lot and a stranger helped me push it to that lot. I had it towed to the dealership I bought it at The recite they gave me says “ transmission pump... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler 300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
The climate controls, including the seat warmers, located on the control panel directly below the radio/stereo controls on my 2010 Chevy Equinox stopped working. As a result, the ability to control the temperature and direction of heated/cooled air was lost. I tolerated the conditions for several seasons, winter being the toughest due to temp and the need for defrost, until buying a new car (as an... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
Check engine light came on and acceleration failed. Hyundai dealership indicated there are no valves in the intake and exhaust ports.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, an abnormal flapping noise was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the exterior trim clip around the windshield had detached and flown off the vehicle. The contact stated that the clip on the other side of the windshield was loosened and was removed due to it becoming a potential road hazard. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact became aware that while the check engine light remained illuminated the horn failed to function as designed. The contact stated that after the check engine warning light issue was resolved the horn returned to normal functionality. The vehicle was not take... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
When pulling out of a parking lot, the accelerator disables leaving the car unable to move in the middle of the rode for a few seconds. The happens intermittently and usually when there is traffic going both ways in the area. This has happened several times but has not been replicated with a dealership employee during test drive. After the accelerator disables, it will enable after a few seconds. ... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 11, 2024
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The climate controls, including the seat warmers, located on the control panel directly below the radio/stereo controls on my 2010 Chevy Equinox stopped working. As a result, the ability to control the temperature and direction of heated/cooled air was lost. I tolerated the conditions for several seasons, winter being the toughest due to temp and the need for defrost, until buying a new car (as an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
Window Defrost and Passenger Heat /Air. While either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the contact looking in the rearview mirror and became aware that the tailgate had opened. The contact pulled over and closed the tailgate. The contact stated that while entering the garage, the tailgate opened unintendedly. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
August of 2023 the vehicle was taken to Charles Maund VW in Austin Texas due to the hood latch disconnecting/breaking under the hood. November of 2024, just outside the 1 yr warranty period, the hood latch again had become disconnected/broken under the hood. There is an obvious defect in the hood latch system and puts drivers at risk as the hood cannot be opened if needed possibly stranding a d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
The Automatic Pilot Computer (AP4) failed. This controls a lot of Tesla Model Y's auto pilot features but it also controls a lot of its safety features such as the back up camera, forward collision warning and blind spot warning. Another safety concerns is the GPS navigation is no longer function because of the AP4 failure. Navigation is critical in the Tesla ecosystem in order to navigate the cha... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) - POWER TRAIN
Dec 9, 2024
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
My truck only have 72000 miles and I’m experiencing transmission failure the transmission get stuck on shifting and I just took it to the mechanic and he’s asking for parts including the whole transmission and is on back order usually because I’m not the only one with the same problem Ford already know about the potential problem for 2011 and 2014 and they extend the warranty on this trucks ... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dec 9, 2024
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The Honda dealers do not have the parts to repair the fuel pump recall...and they have no idea when or if they will receive the parts...very frustrating since this was a brand new car purchase
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The vehicle first reported a drivetrain malfunction and the message said to continue driving with reduced engine performance. The vehicle did get us home. I tested it the following day and received the same fault after a couple of miles of driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, a 50 mile trip. After a couple of weeks the dealer stated that the vehicle was ready for pickup. I got in the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
When we took it in for the front seat, buckle recall, we informed the dealership there was an issue with the driver side rear seatbelt. At that time, we only had two kids. Now we have three children, and we are not able to buckle all our children in the backseat. Each time we take the car to the dealership for an oil change we tell him the same issue they state there is no recall and won’t look ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
I had software installed for piston rings. Got car back with check engine light on. Brought it back and was told I need a new engine which I need to pay for. Car was bought brand new gave receipt for oil changes.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
I first received notice of this recall about a year ago. I have been to the dealer 3 times to request the repair but have been told there are not enough parts to make the repair. On my last visit (7/2/2024) the dealership took my copy of the recall notice and told me they would call me when they had parts to make the repair. They also told me it would probably be 2 or 3 months before the part was ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
I bought this 2018 RAM 2500 in February 2024 from a certified dealer. They indicated the ABS light was on however I was traveling out of town and they indicated my local dealer could fix this faster and lowered the price by the estimated cost for repair. I have been working with my local Mechanic for almost a year to solve the ABS modular problem but the local RAM dealership states the part is on ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Vehicle shifts abruptly from 1st to 2nd gear at feels like car will fall apart when that happens. It has happened multiple time throughout the time we owned the vehicle. Dealerships just does a transmission fluid replacement $230 watch time but no permanent solution. Were afraid transmission will fail in traffic.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); 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 distribution disconnect... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
1. Remote start will engage when initiated then turn off after 10 seconds. 2. Gear shift leveler not all the way in park when at park.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the engine, causing head gasket failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and referred... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking and clicking sound. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced engine hesitation intermittently, and the failure became permanent. The contact stated that the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking and clicking sound. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced engine hesitation intermittently, and the failure became permanent. The contact stated that the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
I was traveling down the road and I passed a bus that was in the right lane. I think when I reached the bus shadow that’s when the automatic brake warning came on and then my car went from 50 to 15mph instantly tossing everything in my car and hurting me neck.
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. 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 distribu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Tailgate releases on its own while parked, without the use of the switch. Tailgate released on its own with my trailer attached while parked on many occasions. The result of the Tailgate releasing caused damage to the upper section of the Tailgate, the "kicker speaker system" in the Tailgate and Tailgate switch located on the upper section of the Tailgate. There also have been multiple times when ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The gm/gmc trucks with abs are unsafe and dangerous to the drivers and other pedestrians and vehicles on all roads. The Abs module light comes on and the brake warning light after driving normally and occasionally on its own and after a bump in the road. The abs system is unavailable/disabled when the light is on, the abs system has stopped and the light turned on when applying the brakes hard t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Seems to be a known problem according to a google search but brake fluid leaking from brake pedal onto drivers floor mat. Seems to be a bad brake booster according to google and happening for some at a few weeks to a couple months old in the newer ones. I noticed first on my truck around 58,000 miles.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
American Honda sent me a letter notifying of recall for fuel pump issue in February of 2024 and a followup letter in May 2024. I called you on September 27, 2024 and was told to call American Honda. I called them that day and was told parts would probably be available in late October or early November. I called them again today and they transferred my call to a local Honda dealership (Penske on... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 24V104 - IN RELATION TO THIS RECALL FILED ON 12 FEB 2024 I HAVE EXPERIENCED RANDOM ANOMALIES WITH THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MY VEHICLES BRAKING WHICH DIDN'T ALARM ME BECAUSE I ATTRIBUTED THEM TO ROAD CONDITIONS OR MY LATENESS IN APPLYING THE BRAKES... SOME OTHER THING THAN A DEFECT IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM. I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE RECALL NOTICE AS I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY NOTIFICATION OF ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact slammed on the brakes to make an emergency stop. The vehicle stopped, but the engine revved to 500-800 RPMS. The contact stated that upon releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle lurched forward, and the RPMs were significantly higher than normal. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the contact released t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
I was driving car on clear roadway and received a warning to go to service. I smelled burning and saw smoke coming from front hood. Got onto shoulder, got out of car and flames started - falling to ground first and then entire engine was consumed.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally, with the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact drove back to the residence and inspected the vehicle and became aware that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact raised the hood and noticed that there was oil all over the engine compartment and the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally, with the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact drove back to the residence and inspected the vehicle and became aware that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact raised the hood and noticed that there was oil all over the engine compartment and the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
Air bags did not deploy & yes it’s available for inspection. I was in an accident & the vehicle is totaled. Yes, has been inspected & confirmed they did not deploy by VA state police, tow company & insurance company USAA. There were no warnings or other symptoms.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
When I accelerate the fuel pedal to the floor the more it cuts out it did that before the recall on the high pressure fuel pump and it's doing it after supposedly it was replaced. The dealership replaced injectors, fuel rails, fuel filters, all new tubing kit, and most important high pressure fuel pump, upon inspection the dealership only replaced High fuel pressure pump and did not perform the wo... Read more