Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 34,453 complaints for SUBARU
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
The control panel that controls the sunroof and lights fell from my roof. It was hanging down blocking my view so I could not drive. I brought it to my dealer who said it was still under warranty and proceeded to fix the problem. I still have to go back because they have to order another part. I have read several other complaints about the same issue. I have always bought VW and this is the first ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
While car was in for oil change and tire rotation, it was noted that the driver's side front tire had substantial wear on the inside of the tire. It looks like the inside of the tire was ground down causing an indention. Mechanic thinks the belt may have shifted. Said he had never seen it before.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
String wheel locked and couldn't start engine. Called dealer, who said to jiggle the transmission while attempting to turn the steering wheel. After three or four tries, everything freed up and everything ran normally. The dealer rep in the service dept said that that had happened to her "a few times"and there wasn't any way to fix it. Dealer doesn't want to see or inspect, no warning lights... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. 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 while driving approximately 30 MPH an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
Secure vehicle against rolling light on was looked at by 2 independent mechanics and bmw of Wilmington saying pin breaks in shifter assembly. It’s seems to be a common issue that bmw needs to recall and fix. The 5.00-10.00 pin should not cost consumers 3000.00 to fix. The entire assembly does not need replaced. The pin needs recalled for safety purposes
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
A/C has gone completely out on vehicle. Fuse has melted into fuse box and destroyed the electrical harness causing the blower motor and resistor to malfunction. Second time this incident has occurred and is a know problem to my local KIA dealership.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
Failed EGR Valve. While I was driving, I got a "Propulsion Power Reduced" message and "Engine Unavailable." My car slowly began losing power, leaving me with about 30 seconds to safely pull over. I had it towed to the dealer and they diagnosed a faulty EGR valve. This seems to be a widespread problem with the Chevrolet Volts. To make matters worse, the replacement part is extremely hard to find, w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
On 07/10 while accelerating from red to green light, at around 50mph truck shook and alerted my attention to dash/odometer because of immediate slowing of truck. Noticed alert for “Engine Power Loss” and “Brake Failure” and instructed to see dealer. Could not go above 30mph at 2500rpm, thankfully I was 5 minutes from home. Had Tundra towed to dealer. They got Toyota involved and started a ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
In my new 2024 Ascent, there's a vibration in the driver side mirror that gets worse as speed increases. It's a minor issue, but it's disappointing for a brand new car to have this problem. The Subaru dealer hasn't taken any action despite being informed about it, and the vibration persists.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
Abs / hcu has malfunctioned again, has already been replaced once around 20,000 miles now I’m around 58,000 miles and having same issues. Abs and traction control not working. In a truck with this much torque it is a serious problem. This is a well documented issue with the system and FCA should make it right. I found a video on line that explains the issue is with the brushes on the motor bein... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
This is on a motorcycle: The right hand turn signal/License plate vibrated off. July 5, 2024 I had just got back from my girlfriend’s house and I had planned on riding the bike to her house on Sunday. But, now the bike is un-rideable because the left side turn single and plate are precariously hanging towards the rear tire and drive area.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
When I filled up on gas and I used 88 instead of regular 87 fuel so a day after I filled up with gas I turn on the vehicle all of the lights came on warning that the awd system didn’t work and the lane departure didn’t work and cruse control didn’t work. And when I went to the dealer they couldn’t figure it out until the pulled the gas out saying we put the wrong gas in the car
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
I took my vehicle in to have the flash system updated to pass the emissions test for Louisiana. Ford charged me over $200 for a failure on that system from purchase, and no dealership would get back to me until I took my vehicle across town to have the system reset. Hollingsworth Ford told me that this wouldn't be covered under their system because I took this in out of warranty, but this is a pro... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
The lane keep assist function via the monocam behind the windshield has failed causing an alert to show up a few minutes into driving that none of the systems related to it are functional. This appears to be a widespread problem amongst owners of the 2018 Odyssey. Additionally, Honda service centers are acting like this is a surprise to them but searching online will results many individuals with ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
The lane keep assist function via the monocam behind the windshield has failed causing an alert to show up a few minutes into driving that none of the systems related to it are functional. This appears to be a widespread problem amongst owners of the 2018 Odyssey. Additionally, Honda service centers are acting like this is a surprise to them but searching online will results many individuals with ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
infotainment center glitching Attemped to resolve with KIA but they do not feel that this is a safety concern or feel it needs to be investigated appropriately. This occurs when driving typically on the highway because most of my travel is highway. When this occurs it is a distraction for the driver. It interferes with the ability to use hands free/calls/gps. There is no warning before failu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2021
Vehicle was in the Jeep Dealer Garage 3 times within first 6 months of purchase. It would not start, it wouldn't turn over. Absolutely nothing. First time in they said my wife must have done something wrong because the next day it worked fine. Next time it happened to me, again I must have done something wrong because next day it was fine and they couldn't find a problem. Third time they found som... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
My 2016 Subaru Outback has gone through 5 batteries since purchase in 4/2016. The reason for my contact with you is that the Navigation function “eyesight” has been problematic for at least two years and began with the third of five batteries. The function stops working randomly at any hour of the day and in all conditions. This year it went off and on in excess of 300-400 times. Each time i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The dashboard camera screen on all 2024 Altima models displays a white foggy haze, which worsens at night and obstructs and distorts image view. The issue worsens in low light (garages, nighttime) where it is difficult to recognize or identify objects. On 7/10/2024, a Nissan dealership master mechanic reported to us that all 2024 Nissan Altimas suffer from this issue; however, when asked, Nissan... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The dashboard camera screen on all 2024 Altima models displays a white foggy haze, which worsens at night and obstructs and distorts image view. The issue worsens in low light (garages, nighttime) where it is difficult to recognize or identify objects. On 7/10/2024, a Nissan dealership master mechanic reported to us that all 2024 Nissan Altimas suffer from this issue; however, when asked, Nissan... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
Ford EcoBoost 2.0 engine failure at 66,000 miles as coolant has leaked into the engine compartment and oil pan. Known issue by Ford as design defect on the EcoBoost engines. Current class action lawsuit over this [XXX] et al., v. Ford Motor Company, Case No. [XXX], filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Plaintiffs have experienced the exact same failures on th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
Transmission failed. Yellow wrench light on with Transmission overheating message with an indication to pull over immediately. Took the vehicle to a shop and this was their conclusion: Firestone: Code. "P2701 Description, Transmission Friction Element "B" Apply Time Range/Performance". TECH ROAD TESTED AND FOUND TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING BADLY, REFER TO TRANS SHOP OR DEALER FOR OVERHAUL/REPLACEMENT... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
Window regular has been replaced 2 times in 2 years.Having problems again with the same drivers side window. Costing over $600.Window keep getting off track want go up and or down. COULDN'T drve rain pouring in .Regulator replaced year 2022, 2023 now awaiting a appointment for another replacement
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
If vehicle stalls (manual transmission), severe power loss is experienced. It appears that vehicle goes into limp mode if it stalls. Has happened on several occasions. This creates a dangerous situation as it is not possible to move quickly enough to merge, proceed through an intersection, or maintain an adequate speed on the highway.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door failed to register as closed when locked. The back over prevention camera failed to display the rear-view image while in the vehicle was in reverse. The contact stated that during the failure with the back over prevention camera the radio also became inoperable. The contact stated that the TPM... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door failed to register as closed when locked. The back over prevention camera failed to display the rear-view image while in the vehicle was in reverse. The contact stated that during the failure with the back over prevention camera the radio also became inoperable. The contact stated that the TPM... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 for the recall rep... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds through a parking area, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, after which the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. Additionally, the steering was sticking while turning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The rack and pinion were replaced but the failure later reoccurr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The sunroof wind deflector broke while closing the sunroof while parked. This dislodged the sunroof mechanism from its tracks and prevents the sunroof from closing.
Incident date: May 5, 2024
Tire size 205/75/R14, speed rating L, load range D 105/101L Outside tread of tire wore off in a bald spot causing a dangerous situation, believed to be an internal belt separation as it only occurs in one section and not all the way around. Plenty of tread remaining on the tire as they have less than 5,000 miles on them. All other 3 tires on the trailer look normal so it's not any type of alignme... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
The engine, running at idle in and out of gear, did not respond to input from the gas pedal. Pushing the gas pedal did not have any effect on the engine revs. This was dangerous because I was attempting to enter a busy roadway and suddenly was faced with zero throttle response although the engine was still running and was in gear. The car has 5,300 miles. The transmission failed at 1,300 miles... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Windshield cracked with no provocation. Car was parked on driveway when we noticed at least a 6 inch long crack. Car parked in garage overnight and the crack is now about 18 inches. We have about 1500 miles on this car went to Hyundai and they could care less. I have read that others have had this issue also. Not sure if the windshield was put in correctly.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Humans can't be in a trailer while it's towed by a vehicle unless it's not called a trailer but an articulated city bus, that's all right, it's not a trailer? Or is it?
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 8, 2024
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Driving at highway speeds, check engine light came on with a warning of "reduced propulsion power" and sudden loss of speed in heavy traffic. Dealer diagnosed issue as failed EGR valve but is unable to source repair part due to frequency of failure causing years-long backorder.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
I have replaced my windshield three times now and am just now reading about lawsuits against Subaru for faulty windshields on certain lines (2019 being one of them). My windshield still makes sounds as if it will crack and I think there’s something majorly defective with the vehicle. How was this never a recall? What can I do to inquire about this safety issue? It sounds like a common occurrence... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The electrical harness to the variable fan speed switch overheated melting the harness and switch.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Lucerne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V355000 (Electrical System) 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 contact stated while driving at an undisclosed the vehicle lost m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Our explorer has had cascading warnings each time we drive the car for the past 7 days. Sometimes it takes a mile, sometimes it is immediate. The safety warnings include: 4-wheel drive fault, passenger air bag fault, forward Collision avoidance not working, powertrain malfunction, restraint indicator light warning, pre collision assist- . Not all appear each time, and some change ( 4wheel driv... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
1. When my tailgate is open on multiple (more than 8?9? 10 times out of nowhere it will start to come down without my prompting It has hit me on my shoulder multiple times and I jump out of the way while it continues to shut. Most recently, it came down quick and hit my head. Luckily I got out of the way. Yet it wasn't fast enough because this time the tailgate hit it hard giving me a headache... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 29, 2024
Today, we experienced, for the FOURTH time, a complete stall while driving. Accelerator would not work at all. Van died while driving approx 25 mph. We just had the entire fuel pump & fuel pump relay completely replaced. We have replaced both of these twice now, in less than 3 years. Same problem keeps happening. Mechanic agrees, that the core problem lies within a failure of the TIPM system. It's... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Starting up the car in the morning after a long day stuck in traffic (over 100 degree F weather), moved about 5 feet then the eyesight system stopped working, rear braking stopped, and power steering gave out - the car started and the engine ran normally. The car was abandoned as unsafe until diagnostics could be performed and a different car was used to get around . That evening the car started... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Went to Honda dealer they didnt have the part for recall 24V-064 also called Honda directly adn they said only if the SRS light come in dashboard i can go and fix the recall otherwise i have to wait until parts become available to public. This means that Paragon Honda has the parts but is being selective. Honda doesn’t have an estimated time frame when issue will be fixed. I do not feel safe dri... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Car stopped at a light in the middle of the day 4/15/23 and when turned back on the car would not drive forward. There we had to push the car into a safe location and get it towed home.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
My engine kept misfiring upon starting and not accelerating while I was driving it. A coolant leak into the cylinder caused the engine to malfunction. I had to replace the entire engine block which cost over $7,000.00. The Ford repairman & service center told me that Ford had issued a service bulletin regarding this issue but then refused to pay for the engine damage. I only have 70K miles on the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
My engine kept misfiring upon starting and not accelerating while I was driving it. A coolant leak into the cylinder caused the engine to malfunction. I had to replace the entire engine block which cost over $7,000.00. The Ford repairman & service center told me that Ford had issued a service bulletin regarding this issue but then refused to pay for the engine damage. I only have 70K miles on the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
On more than one occasion, the speakers have emitted an ear piercing startling noise while driving. The first time it happened, i was driving and I could not get the noise to stop despite turning off the radio. My ears ached for days. It had been only a couple days since I purchase the vehicle. I took it to Ford’s service department. It stayed there for a few days only to be told they cannot f... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the parking brake message was displayed. The driver checked the brakes and continued driving. There was an abnormal beeping sound detected. The vehicle began to slow down and failed to accelerate. The vehicle was placed in park(P) and restarted. The gear shifter failed to shift to drive(D). The service transmission and ... Read more
SUBARU
OUTBACK
(2016) — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Jul 5, 2024
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the parking brake message was displayed. The driver checked the brakes and continued driving. There was an abnormal beeping sound detected. The vehicle began to slow down and failed to accelerate. The vehicle was placed in park(P) and restarted. The gear shifter failed to shift to drive(D). The service transmission and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2024
On 4-5 occasions since purchasing a new 2021 GMC Yukon Denali the automatic breaking function has engaged for no reason, with no obstruction in the roadway. It has occurred at low speed (after disengaging break and starting to drive). Obviously, this is a major safety issue.