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: Nov 10, 2024
When trying to merge onto the interstate, the car didn't accelerate, causing other vehicles on the road to swerve around me. Afterwards, I noticed that the car was shaking or juddering at low revs (about 1,000 RPM). I internet searched for possible causes and found that this shaking was caused by a known problem with the CVT on my car (Nissan Murano). I bought the car (a 2015 Nissan Murano AWD SL)... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
Recall Campaign No. 24V-608 Over time, this could lead to a short circuit and, in rare cases, a thermal event or a fire. It's been almost 3 months since the problem was reported and the manufacture still has not come up with the remedy. The manufacture needs to address this recall ASAP. It's a safety hazard!
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
I am getting a warning on my dash to "service electronic braking system". I took it to the dealer and they told me the ABS Module and HCU internal failure. My truck only has 31,245 miles on it and I do not believe this important safety system should be failing so soon.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
THE FUEL TANK IS MOUNTED INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE CAR. THERE IS A FUEL LEAK INSIDE THE CAR, RENDERING IT UNSAFE TO START FOR THE FEAR OF THE VEHICLE EXPLODING. THIS IS A PRODUCTION ISSUE AS THE FUEL TANK SHOULD NEVER EVER LEAK INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT OR SUBJECTED TO ANY TYPE OF SEVERE JOLTS OR BUMPS ON NATIONAL ROADS.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
Exhaust system failure. Was told by manufacturer vehicle dealer service center that cause of the failure was not from normal use or misuse but due to manufacturing and weak metal/poor materials. No warning lights or messages ever appeared on vehicle information system. First report of exhaust smell in vehicle cabin on 4/9/24 at 38,874 miles. Vehicle dealer service center tested for leaks and found... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
The rear windshield spontaneously shattered while parked in the driveway and was not running. I was standing beside it when it happened. There was no glass inside vehicle all the glass was outside vehicle indicating that nothing hit the windshield, and nothing was around vehicle that could have hit the vehicle. The vehicle will be repaired tomorrow by Safelite as it is a commuting vehicle, and I h... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
Vehicle began to shake when approaching 40mph or greater. Mechanic at dealership stated bolt from driveshaft to rear coupler was missing with two other bolts loose. Missing bolt threads were rusted as if bolt was never installed from factory as vehicle only has 12,000 miles. No warning messages displayed, only symptom was vibrations when approaching 40mph or greater.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
Rear right light not working, then works, then it randomly stops working, complained to Cadillac but they keep saying nothing is wrong. I feel unsafe so to my light constantly going off especially dangerous driving at night or changing lanes on the road.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
Our Audiu Q8 has had a host of safety issues since purchased in December 2023 and we have been denied or delayed on a buyback twice. The vehicle has been unable to be moved 3 times due to battery (12V and relay) issues that left my wife and [XXX] stranded at home. On one occasion the vehicle could not be moved by the tow service whatsoever. The charging system cable (known to cause fire hazard by... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
Pcv valve on my car went and caused seals to leak in my engine. This has caused oil to leak onto my exhaust system which poses a fire hazard according to the dealership. Car should not be driven. Many many complaints about this issue of the PCV valve failing have been discovered online. Worried about my car catching fire if I drive it
Incident date: May 11, 2024
ABS brakes
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Fuel pump lid is electrical connection is cause a malfunction when fuel up and burning a hole in the electrical connection causing fuel to leak out under the back seat this need to be fix before someone is killed do to a fire this is the 2n time being replace and the same issue
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera would intermittently display a distorted or blank image. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the camera was replaced under warranty; however, the failure returned almost a year later after the repair. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Preve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
This is the second time that I have had issues with a coolant leak leeching onto my engine. The coolant leaks out and causes toxic fumes in the cabin that have repeatedly caused me and my passengers severe damage to our mucus membranes resulting in coughing and difficulty breathing. I have literally had to drive with my windows down in the cold autumn air because I cannot breathe in my vehicle. T... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
I am writing to inquire about the carbon canister in my 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport which was purchased from Schumacher VW 3720 Northlake Blv, Lake Park FL 33403. I understand that Volkswagen has a known issue with the carbon canisters in certain models, and I am seeking clarification on whether my vehicle qualifies for this coverage. My vehicle has experienced recurring issues, including st... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH on an interstate with her son occupying the front passenger's side seat, the vehicle shuddered violently. Additionally, the steering wheel became uncontrollable. The contact stopped in the right-hand lane and turned on the hazard lights. The contact was able to continue driving, but the failure recurred while drivi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to respond as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated, with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact shifted to neutral to allow the vehicle to come to a stop on the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
I took my car to the mechanic because the car was leaking radiator fluid. In testing the car he found that the head gasket had blown. He confirmed this with a hydrocarbon test. The car has 72,000 miles on it. I am the original owner. After saving the money to get the head gasket done. I was driving the car around when it began to to run poorly. At idle it was running very badly. I took it back to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distributi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the message “Engine Overheated - Drive Moderately" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that there was no coolant in the reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the residence and the contact observed condensation underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Automatic emergency braking engages violently on occasions when there is no obstruction present. It has left me at times with my vehicle stationary half way into a high speed traffic lane with the parking brake engaged. The time it takes to disengage the brakes leaves the vehicle in a dangerous position in the roadway.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Recall #95B one of many since I purchased my vehicle. Cannot use it for what it was purchased for which was to use electric and save gas money. Now recall states not to plug in vehicle and that it can catch fire and explode at any time running or not. I am scared to death to drive this vehicle and have my child anywhere near it. And it is our only vehicle which costs me over $1000 a month payment... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Recall #95B one of many since I purchased my vehicle. Cannot use it for what it was purchased for which was to use electric and save gas money. Now recall states not to plug in vehicle and that it can catch fire and explode at any time running or not. I am scared to death to drive this vehicle and have my child anywhere near it. And it is our only vehicle which costs me over $1000 a month payment... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Recall #95B one of many since I purchased my vehicle. Cannot use it for what it was purchased for which was to use electric and save gas money. Now recall states not to plug in vehicle and that it can catch fire and explode at any time running or not. I am scared to death to drive this vehicle and have my child anywhere near it. And it is our only vehicle which costs me over $1000 a month payment... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
rear tire mostly but all 4 - need to add air 2-3 times daily. even adjusting the air pressure when tires are cold we still need to add air daily. Driving an hour at highway speed, parking car for a couple of hours and still the tire pressure is never sufficient. Brought to dealer 2 or 3 times and they cannot find a reason, me niece and others have also expressed this issue to me.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Honda HR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 19 MPH leaving a tunnel, there was an abnormal popping sound and the front windshield shattered without impact. The contact was able to continue driving. There were no injuries sustained. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no open recalls. The dealer referred the contact to the deal... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
After putting vehicle into park and shutting off the engine, the warning appears “shift to park” and will not allow the vehicle to completely shut off. For the past few months I have been able to maneuver the shifter and the car recognize it is in park, however this past weekend nothing would work and the vehicle stayed in accessory mode until the battery died. I have spoken to two local dea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the message “4WD Unavailable – Service Required” was displayed. The contact stated that the message appeared intermittently for the day. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that after shifting the vehicle from reverse(R) to drive(D), the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an orange blinking light flashing on the gear selector. The contact stated that the gear selector failed to move, and the vehicle became inoperable. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a deal... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
Within the last 2 months, I have had momentary steering problems at low speed. They continue to become worse with time, no longer safe to drive. Dealer has vehicle now and informs me that it will cost $3000 for a known/existing corrosion of electrical connections in the power steering assembly. Via the internet, the steering gear torque sensor cover assembly needs to be replaced. Because this cove... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
2019-2022 BMW X7 Xdrive have a major issue with the transfer box which controls the adaptive steering at all front wheels. At low speeds or at driveline when accelerating in forward or reverse while turning the steering wheel the vehicle shudders or jerks causing the skipping like feeling in traction. This is a common issue which is reported by many and is now happening to my vehicle. BMW has not ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
My husband hit another vehicle, then proceeded across the road and crashed into a telephone pole. The airbags did not deploy. However the vehicle called onstar to report the crash. The nc state trooper and the towing company both indicated that they were also shocked that the air bags did not deploy. This is a brand new vehicle with 1100 miles and has been declared a total loss due to the severity... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
My husband hit another vehicle, then proceeded across the road and crashed into a telephone pole. The airbags did not deploy. However the vehicle called onstar to report the crash. The nc state trooper and the towing company both indicated that they were also shocked that the air bags did not deploy. This is a brand new vehicle with 1100 miles and has been declared a total loss due to the severity... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
Vehicle lost electrical functions while driving. Brakes and power steering failed.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
I am filing this report to highlight ongoing safety and warranty issues with my 2015 Dodge Ram 3500, which is severely impacted by Recall 67A. This recall was intended to address emissions tampering, involving significant obligations for Stellantis/Cummins Inc. under the emissions extended warranty, termed the "Special Extended Warranty." Since the completion of the recall in January 2024, my veh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
After turning left into a parking spot,car did not stop as usual.The car went over curb and hit a 'no overnight parking sign.The collision bent the sign pole and damaged my driver front black bumper. I was stunned and did not realize it was a vehicle error, at first. I have owned the vehicle 6 months and have had difficulty understanding the technical aspects of it. I searched online and found... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
After turning left into a parking spot,car did not stop as usual.The car went over curb and hit a 'no overnight parking sign.The collision bent the sign pole and damaged my driver front black bumper. I was stunned and did not realize it was a vehicle error, at first. I have owned the vehicle 6 months and have had difficulty understanding the technical aspects of it. I searched online and found... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
I am submitting a complaint regarding recurring transmission issues with my 2022 Chevrolet Silverado (VIN: [XXX] ). These problems have compromised my safety and that of others on the road. Multiple repair attempts and discussions with GM have not resolved the issue. Incident Details: On [XXX], around 9 a.m., I experienced a severe transmission malfunction documented on dash cam. When I shifted o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
Engine started knocking at 58,000 miles, lost power and then completely lost all oil, pressureand then the vehicle became undrivable. Toyota has it in their service department and said it needs an engine replacement. It also does not have a part for the recall that we’ve been waiting on for over a year. They said it’s gonna take two months to repair.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the windshield wipers were unintentionally turned on, the infotainment screen darkened, and the vehicle lost automotive power; the vehicle failed to shift to park. The vehicle independently turned off and after several minutes independently started however, there was an abnormal sound coming from... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
When traveling on the highway if you switch lanes or hit a bump, the jeep shakes violently and you have to hit your brakes to make it stop. A rented vehicle of the same make model and year had the same issue for family members in September of 2024. We have been taking video, took it to jeep and the tech took it for a 3 mile ride (non highway) and said nothing is wrong but they recommended a dampen... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
Warning lights for the ABS and the Electronic Brake System illuminated while driving, stating the systems must be serviced. The Cruise Control would either turn off or become nonfunctional. The tone would sound and the warning lights would illuminate. I took the truck in to the dealership after it happened but the lights would not come on while I was there. The dealership told me they could do not... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
For the past two years I have drove a 2017 ford escape. Over the past two years my car has failed me multiple times My question is for ford motor company. Knowing this is a known issue with escapes…why are they doing nothing to help customers who have had a total engine failure due to manufacturing’s flaws ?
Incident date: Jun 15, 2019
uconnect display has air bubbles forming on top left and top right corners. Both bubbles run down the side of the display.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
On at least 5 occasions, my inner tailgate has released itself and gone down during motion. This has been uncommanded. It appears GM has a recall for this but it does not include my truck. The dealership that looked into it agrees this is likely the same issue and GM should include it in the recall.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Loss of power and control: Twice over the past two months, the vehicle has died and lost all power and control functions while in motion. The first episode was while my spouse was driving during the day at about 30 MPH. She reports the vehicle made a loud "pop," and then all power to the vehicle, including steering and braking, was lost. After a few minutes, the car restarted and was towed to the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The ABS dash light and traction control light started coming on about a year ago. the light is intermittent with a ding sound. Some days it comes on non stop, sometimes it doesn’t come on at all. cruise control does not work, and “park rear” button is not able to get out of the off mode.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
Power train and engine failure and causing my Kia to catch on fire at 11:30 coming back home from work. I was Driving home and smell smoke and car was shaking and when I stopped at the highway to open and look fire was on while driving and I had to call 911 and stop the fire. I had some fire extinguisher in the car I stopped the fire and towed the car and I replaced engine and powered train For ov... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when the check engine warning light illuminated, the code indicated a possible emissions failure. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The dealer was ... Read more