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: Sep 25, 2024
MY Windshield wipers stop working on low and high and from time to time my vehicle will not go in reverse. when it does finally go in reverse it's a very hard jerk, also when I'm driving it gets a drag an acts like it wants to stop going. It happens frequently and it has been going on for months.
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. 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 distributio... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
It shifts weird but it’s still unsafe
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
When starting vehicle, center screen of vehicle was completely off and dark. Moreover, with this screen being off, you are not able to control any of the vehicle functions such as AC, Maps, Radio, Rear Camera, etc. On the other hand, on the digital speedometer screen, a warning message states "Blind Spot Assist Inoperative" and when putting the vehicle in gear, a loud beep sounds within the car an... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
In reducing the truck's speed, there is a sharp-pitched, loud, one-click sound , when I turn the steering to the right hand side. (This sound seems to come from the driver's left side, between the front door and the rear door.) It happens very often, but not every time.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
Vehicle was going around 55 mph and dropped out of gear and into limp mode or 1st gear. Happened yesterday as well around 55 mph with cruise control on. Used a scan tool and no codes given.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
I was approaching a 4 way stop when the engine lost power and shutoff. The vehicle auto shifted to park before i was able to come to a complete stop and the steering wheel locked up. I was the only passenger, all doors were closed and i was the only vehicle at the intersection. I was able to powerback on and continue on my way, but i have lost all trust in the vehicle and will be taking it in to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
CARVANA - SOLD ME A 2ND LEMON. Vehicle has significant oil leak. Front of engine as well as underside of engine is covered in oil. Alternator is saturated in oil. (Eventually burning out the alternator) Serpentine belt is also saturated in oil making it swell and becoming soft. Also makes the belt slippery and outside edge of belt is damaged. Right rear tire is about to come apart very soon. The... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
I purchased it unknown condition Accident History Damage Report - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - [xxx] Accident or Damage Reported Vehicle Damage Reported Right Side Damage or Repair Reported Damage or Repair to Bumper Reported Damage or Repair to Hood Reported Damage or Repair to Radiator Reported Damage or Repair to Grille Reported Damage or Repair to Fender Reported INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE F... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
Display panel - delaminating - ghost entries while driving. Temporary confusion leading to possible loss of attention. Eyes off the road? Vehicle always garage kept. No harsh heat or cold. Common problem being ignored by dealer/manufacturer. Very expensive repair!
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
The seals in the oil cooler/filter assembly are leaking and causing oil to run down the motor and along the exhaust system underneath potentially causing a serious fire risk. The leak could also cause the engine to seize and pose a risk while driving at highway speeds or in corners. When searching for recalls on the internet it says there isn’t enough vehicles with the problem to trigger a reca... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The main entry door is coming unlatched while driving down the highway. This condition has only worsened with time. With the latches in the locked condition, after stopping the main latch on the door has unfastened (not unlocked). The only part keeping the door closed is the deadbolt and the entry handrail. If this door was to fully open, the entry steps would then deploy and hit the highway whic... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
NHTSA Recall #20V746000 2012 Hyundai Sonata Manufacture Recall #198 Connecting Rod Bearing failure leading to possible road side fire. Possible risk of injury or death. Hyundai has been contacted twice about recall. Claim they have no responsibility to comply with recall. They closed the dealership where the car was purchased new. They offer two other dealers that are located in other citi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
Vehicle randomly dies while driving. Can happen at anytime and at any speed. No warning at all. Does not leave a check engine light so no code is recorded. Very dangerous. Otherwise vehicle runs well but is too dangerous to drive. All steering, acceleration, brakes, etc. are lost when it dies. Will immediately start back up if in park or neutral and foot on the brake. Again - DANGEROUS! This has b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
Been having engine issues for a while. All the way back to around 32,000 miles. The display says something about rods locker arms or something like that. I've also had an issue with throttle position sensor which was repaired however technician didn't tighten up a boat and I lost the oil pressure. The car was repaired at the end of 2017 in the beginning of 2018 but I've had the issue ever since so... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
Had a recall repaired yet it still randomly my brake lamps still don’t function correctly
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
The Kia Soul is burning engine oil. I have to add an extra pint of oil every month. This known engine defect will one day damage the engine and may cause an accident.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
Since I have owned this vehicle, the wiring for the backup camera has been wrong since purchase. The image is fuzzy, sometimes non-existent, and if it is it is upside down. The radio works when it wants to. The headlights keep filling with moisture no matter how many times I get it fixed. The windshield wiper will no longer spray the fluid to clear the windshield (after about owning it for a year)... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
The headlights seem to high for the vehicle, blinding other drivers, after some research they can be lower, but the dealer does not seem to see that problem
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
Car will not shift into gear automatic transmissions will not shift readily out of park and won’t go into park sometimes. The transmissions does not receive, or is slow to receive, an intended gear selection. Vehicle came to a complete stop while driving. Get message there is no manual mode available.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I took an exit form the highway on [XXX] towards Bothell. As Soon as I did and ended up coasting towards the first red light, all the warning signs came on on the car and my steering wheel locked up. And my braking also got reduced. Only thing that worked was the Acceleration pedal. I struggled to get the car towards any safety. There was a message on the dashboard saying that assisted steering i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I took an exit form the highway on [XXX] towards Bothell. As Soon as I did and ended up coasting towards the first red light, all the warning signs came on on the car and my steering wheel locked up. And my braking also got reduced. Only thing that worked was the Acceleration pedal. I struggled to get the car towards any safety. There was a message on the dashboard saying that assisted steering i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
[XXX] I was driving on [XXX] when my car abruptly stopped. I was almost hit by the driver behind me. I was able to roll the car over to the shoulder. The car was towed. I had 2 mechanics inspect the car on 11/26/24. They both concluded that the piston rings are defective and the car is consuming oil excessively. The oil consumption in their opinion led to burning of oil in excess that I would be ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was initially towed to a friend's residence and then towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the timing belt and the oil pump dri... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
I was driving my Polestar 2 and approaching a stopped vehicle ahead of me on [XXX] [XXX]. The one-pedal driving function successfully brought me to a complete stop (12:41:33PM). However, 3 seconds after the complete stop, at 12:41:36PM the car suddenly started moving on its own and accelerated towards the car in front of me. Fortunately I was able to brake using the brake pedal to prevent a col... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
At around 28,000 miles the truck started having intermittent electrical issues. The head unit will show a blue screen. Safty systems will automatically disable. Camera system failures. Even though the truck is a 2019 model it only has around 31,000 miles on it and is now out of warranty and I can’t afford to have the dealership chase electric issues. GMC should be ashamed of putting out such an ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
At around 28,000 miles the truck started having intermittent electrical issues. The head unit will show a blue screen. Safty systems will automatically disable. Camera system failures. Even though the truck is a 2019 model it only has around 31,000 miles on it and is now out of warranty and I can’t afford to have the dealership chase electric issues. GMC should be ashamed of putting out such an ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
The vehicle suffered a direct rear impact from another vehicle traveling approximately 95 mph while this Ford Fiesta was traveling 60 mph forward. Both front seats were positioned upright with a properly seated driver and a passenger seated whilst turning his body behind the seat. The impact was severe enough to trigger the Ford Fiesta's SOS Post-Crash Alert System. As a result of the impact, b... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Description of Incident: 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The high-voltage battery system and charging system in my 2024 Kia EV6 malfunctioned. Despite showing 40 miles of range remaining, the battery suddenly dropped to 5 miles before the car became completely unresponsive and failed to charge. Additionally, the vehicle could n... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 535I. The contact stated that the engine cooling fan was running at abnormal high speed upon starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently, and the vehicle hesitated to respond while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an ind... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
My 2020 Chevy truck falls under the recall out right now. I drive my family around in it and feel a bit unsafe. How long does General motors have a remedy for this recall? And what are the next steps if a remedy isn’t made in the timeframe allowed? I’ve contacted General Motors and cannot get an answer. Thanks
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
My 2020 Chevy truck falls under the recall out right now. I drive my family around in it and feel a bit unsafe. How long does General motors have a remedy for this recall? And what are the next steps if a remedy isn’t made in the timeframe allowed? I’ve contacted General Motors and cannot get an answer. Thanks
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
Lug nut studs fail frequently. Have replaced 3. An additional failure identified today during routine tire rotation. Safety issue as wheel can separate from vehicle while driving.
SUBARU
B9 TRIBECA
(2007) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 26, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
This car has an option buried deep in the digital menus to limit the speed the car can go. It is impossible to accidentally turn it on. But two times now, the car has set a limit significantly under the road speed limit. For example — the car set a limit of 30 mph in a 45 mph zone, or 20 mph in a 35 mph zone. The only fix is to find a safe place to pull off the road, stop the car and restart. Th... Read more
SUBARU
B9 TRIBECA
(2007) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 26, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
In NORMAL driving mode, when I fully depressed the acceleration and quickly release, the vehicle continues accelerating . I almost crashed into the car in front of me in stop and go traffic.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The engine seized due to an issue with the oil plug and another part, leading to a lack of oil in the system. The vehicle is currently with Hyundai and available for inspection upon request. How Safety Was Put at Risk: While driving on the highway, I suddenly lost acceleration (below 40mphs). I was forced to pull over to the left side of the highway where it was shallow, where I risked being hi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started swaying violently. The contact slowed down and pulled over to allow other traffic to go by. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The failure reoccurred while driving 30 MPH, and the contact almost lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear tires were ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
Our steering wheel locked when we were about to leave our destination and drive back an hour to go home.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
Our steering wheel locked when we were about to leave our destination and drive back an hour to go home.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 experience... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine has failed at 79k miles due to coolant intrusion into the cylinder. The catalytic converter has also failed and needs to be replaced as a direct correlation. Yes it is available for inspection upon request in the near term, as it is currently at the Ford service center. The scope of the pr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
When driving along using the cruise control, the vehicle will suddenly act as it is avoiding a collision. The collision warning will show on the dashboard and the car will suddenly slow down to a stop or near stop until I disengage the cruise control and hit the gas pedal. This has happened multiple times while I was driving along a paved road with no other cars or obstacles visible ahead of me. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
On 11/21/24 noticed passenger headlight day light running light flickering. On 11/22/24 right turn indicator intermittent fast blink, dash message stated turn indicator failure. Once home, inspected passenger headlight assembly. Found DRL, turn signal, and low and high beam head lights were inoperative. On 11/25/24 went to GMC dealer/service. Staff seemed aware of issues and stated they are common... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
On 11/21/24 noticed passenger headlight day light running light flickering. On 11/22/24 right turn indicator intermittent fast blink, dash message stated turn indicator failure. Once home, inspected passenger headlight assembly. Found DRL, turn signal, and low and high beam head lights were inoperative. On 11/25/24 went to GMC dealer/service. Staff seemed aware of issues and stated they are common... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
I was driving straight going 35mph on a 2 lane rd when my steering wheel starting making a weird noise & almost was shaking. The steering wheel then locked up to the left & wouldn’t move. This caused my driver side tire to go into the curb, & at this point my steering wheel was spinning in circles & all I could do was brake. After bumping off the curb I then was thrusted back over to the right l... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
I keep getting a check engine light because of voltage issues related to the etorque system. Also receive a battery icon and volt gauge shows 11v. The code says everything from overcharge to under charge and all kinds of electrical codes. I have been to dealer multiple times. At first they did nothing but last visit they did a control module software update. Code did not appear for a few weeks an... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
suffering from Ford's coolant intrusion issue and neither my local ford dealership or Ford Corp will help me resolve this issue without buying a new engine
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that after parking and turning off t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
Trunk automatically opens while driving numerous times. Pulled over when able and noticed that the actuator clicks continuously until I turned the car off.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The engine has failed and I am not sure why my Q5 was not included in the recall for coolant issues leading to engine failure. My issue started last winter when the car would suddenly kick in a loud fan. It would flash a warning that the start/stop malfunctioned as it only happened when stopped and/or parked. It was extremely alarming to hear so I would turn the car off and let it sit. When I star... Read more