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: Jul 4, 2024
My wife was driving home from work, said brake is failing, makes loud grindy, rattling noise when brake is applied. Once the car is turn off and back on, everything is back to normal. When I got home, i took the wheels off to check everything was ok, pads were almost new, which I replaced last year. Drove around for 10 miles no problem. This is a serious safety issue which Nissan/Infiniti should t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2024
Horn is not in the center of the steering wheel. When turning it is impossible to reach the horn. Not able to find the horn to avoid an accident.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Eyesight pre-collision braking feature and pre-collision throttle management feature malfunctioned and caused the 2020 Forester to accelerate unexpectedly and lurch forward while I was manually braking and slowing to come to a complete stop behind two other vehicles stopped at a steady red light. See class action lawsuit Weston, et al. v. Subaru of America, Inc., et al. In US District Court Cas... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
I bought my 2014 C250 back in 2017 with 17K miles and currently has 58,570 miles. The issue is with fast acceleration from a stop or slow moving. When trying to accelerate to merge with traffic after a few seconds the vehicle goes into limp mode and the check engine light comes on. In limp mode I am only able to accelerate very slowly and this is a major concern for my safety. This has been an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving, and the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Forester Touring Date of Report: [July 3, 2024] What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? On June 19th, 2024 I noticed the side mirror of my 2024 Subaru Forester Touring has melted. This component is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The melting of the s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
I had this issue many times over the last couple of months. Every time the vehicle passes a pot hole or significant bump the brakes lock and I can't brake. No matter how hard I hit on it. This has caused many dangerous where I was unable to brake and almost hit another vehicle. It seems like the anti locking mechanisms or anti skid mechanism kick in and lock the brakes. I can hear a vibrating soun... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. 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. 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 contac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
we have frame flex issues, the doors to the generator compartment has come open while driving, the safety lights are being pushed out from the body, trim is coming off, our bedroom slide does not close all the way, our living room slide broke and dropped down. Our hitch flex while on the our trucks, and the trim is moving so the movement on the frame is actively happening. We had the unit now for... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
we have frame flex issues, the doors to the generator compartment has come open while driving, the safety lights are being pushed out from the body, trim is coming off, our bedroom slide does not close all the way, our living room slide broke and dropped down. Our hitch flex while on the our trucks, and the trim is moving so the movement on the frame is actively happening. We had the unit now for... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal scraping sound underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit. The contact was informed that the PTU had become detached. The... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
It was a rental car, driving on freeway , warning light will come up , saying engine will shut off. The Van had no power, and I had to pull over. I turned off the car for 2-5 minutes and restart. Then the car will accelerate again. I had to drive from LA to Las Vegas. It started doing that after Loma Linda , CA [XXX] , on [XXX]). It took me 7 hours to get to Las Vegas. Because of the const... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
It was a rental car, driving on freeway , warning light will come up , saying engine will shut off. The Van had no power, and I had to pull over. I turned off the car for 2-5 minutes and restart. Then the car will accelerate again. I had to drive from LA to Las Vegas. It started doing that after Loma Linda , CA [XXX] , on [XXX]). It took me 7 hours to get to Las Vegas. Because of the const... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, ESC, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hyd... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
The collision mitigation braking system periodically activates when traveling on interstate highway when there is nothing in the roadway to cause this function to activate, causing the vehicle to stop suddenly then release which have caused potential rear-end accidents and possible injury to the driver r passenger due to the sudden stopping motion which propel the driver and passenger forward quic... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
Was traveling down freeway at 70 mph when truck hit a bump and got severe death wobble from the front end. Brought truck into ford dealer and determined steering wheel dampener was bad and replaced under warranty which Ford extended due to known issue. No warning lamps or prior issue before that day. Almost crashed due to known issue with child in truck.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
ML350 engine stalled while driving on an expressway and would not turn back on. ML350 needed to be towed where it was determined that water accumulated in the spare tire wheel well, leading to the fuel pump short circuiting. This is directly related to NHTSA campaign 22V955000. That recall repair was completed prior to this incident. Per the technician, the recall repair installed a water drain pl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
ML350 engine stalled while driving on an expressway and would not turn back on. ML350 needed to be towed where it was determined that water accumulated in the spare tire wheel well, leading to the fuel pump short circuiting. This is directly related to NHTSA campaign 22V955000. That recall repair was completed prior to this incident. Per the technician, the recall repair installed a water drain pl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
I was backing up into my parking place in an alley way. I was turning slightly to the right to fit in and the car started to accelerate. I hit the back wall with the rear of my car. I put the car into drive not realizing it was still accelerating. I had my right foot on the brake. When I put the car into drive it accelerate very quickly even with my foot on the brake and I crashed into a door gara... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
I was backing up into my parking place in an alley way. I was turning slightly to the right to fit in and the car started to accelerate. I hit the back wall with the rear of my car. I put the car into drive not realizing it was still accelerating. I had my right foot on the brake. When I put the car into drive it accelerate very quickly even with my foot on the brake and I crashed into a door gara... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
I’ve owned the vehicle under a year and am already on my second window replacement. I drive the same route everyday and ever experienced windows cracking in any other vehicle before this vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Was in traffic on a summer dry day when I went to stop again at a speed under 15 and brakes locked up the steering wheel starting to shake and brakes were pulsating up and down I had to really push down hard and all the way on the brakes and it finally stopped the car. I almost rear ended the car infront of me no lights came on the dash no warning noises
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
I was on my way to work and all of a sudden I lost all power steering almost causing me to get in a head on collision
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 75-80 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from 6th gear to 3rd gear. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and pulled to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as needed while driving. The contact stated that the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
Unable many times to open driver side door has happened many times have videos but unable to down load video
Incident date: Jun 28, 2024
Emergency breaking for no reason. Car shuts down and stalls. Flashing Emission system problem, brake systems problem, brake hold systems problem, Power steering systems problem, vehicle stability assist problem, Hill start assist problem, adaptive cruise control problem, Collision mitigation System problem, Road departure mitigation system, problem. This is continuing to happen after the recall w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
While driving vehicle slows down/loses power. Dash reads "see manual". Started happening a few days ago. Took to mechanic today and they stated this is a known issue from Ford transmissions, I should inquire about a recall as the parts are backordered three weeks and the costs is a substantial amount. Recall only covers 2014 not 2015, from what I am reading the same issue happening to my 2015.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted to park(P). There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the vehicle remained stuck in the middle of traffic and would not shift out of park(P) into driv... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Verano. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that all four doors would not properly open nor close and remain secured. Additionally, the front driver's side window would not roll down as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the subframe of the vehicle was corroded. The contact was informed that the ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Verano. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that all four doors would not properly open nor close and remain secured. Additionally, the front driver's side window would not roll down as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the subframe of the vehicle was corroded. The contact was informed that the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
Engine is burning oil. Engine only has 116,000 miles on all maintenance has been kept up to date - has never missed an oil change, only ever used full-synthetic. Should not be consuming this amount of oil. Also dash board lights pertaining to engine or oil never come on.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
I was driving down the highway doing 70 mph my car lost all power and a warning light came on said engine failure. This is dangerous. We could've gotten killed.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
There is recall on my 2019 Honda Hybrid and according to dealership they have no parts available for the fix and they said they can't do anything about it.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
I was driving my vehicle on the highway and I heard that it making noise and knocking and I immediately pulled over in the highway and saw the oil came out of the engine. I took the vehicle to Hyundai dealership and they said the issue for vertical square and scoring. I have an extended warranty to repair the engine, but when I want to use it, they denied and said it is not covered by warranty.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, warning lights displaying incorrect warnings were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V405000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
After turning the car on one morning, an alert displayed on the dash saying "Power Steering Assist Fault" and "Service Advancetrac". I turned the car off, and back on, but the same message appeared. When driving, there is no power steering and it is difficult to turn the steering wheel. The Milan only has 110,000 miles. Ford needs to issue a recall as this is obviously a defect affecting many cust... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
While turning into a parking lot from the road, the steering locked up and was impossible to turn left or right. Basically stuck in the middle of the turn lane and parking lot. Flatbed tow truck was called and transported to a local repair shop.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed there was a sh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
You could not read anything on my dash. It was all rainbow colors. I couldn’t tell how much gas I had or if my car was running hot. Basically everything on the dash that tells you how your car is running. We have the carefirst extended warranty and they would not cover it. It cost me out of pocket 2000 dollars to fix. I do have a picture but unfortunately I couldn’t send it
Incident date: May 19, 2024
Incident happens every 1k miles or more. Car is in motion driving. Press down on throttle and transmission drops to 1st gear. A bunch clicking and thumping sounds are heard. Car doesnt accelerate(can be at 70mph), starts to slow quickly until gears change. Also 4H is jerky as well as sport mode. Very unsafe to be traveling on the highway trying to overtake a vehicle and then your car fails.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
The shop is alleging that the Steering box failed causing the driver to loose control resulting in the death of the driver.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
Hello, when I start my vehicle and leave it in park and idle the transmission makes a mechanical clicking noise. I went under the truck to try to find the source of the noise. When I was underneath I found that when the clicking noise is active the drive line coming out the rear of the transmission is trying to turn. It is rocking back and forth. This is what the clicking noise is. I tried it with... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
Unknown - The airbag light has been on for a while. Check engine light is also on, and after a few repairs/replacements of diagnosed issues the light remains. A Texas vehicle inspection report shows a P0420 fault code that will not go away, as well as a P0741 fault code about a torque converter clutch circuit underperforming or is stuck/off. I have a technical service bulletin from the inspection ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
While driving on a clear day on an open road going about 50 MPH my car made the emergency alert noise for a forward collision and slammed on the brakes. Nothing was in front of me and the event almost caused an accident.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the contact became aware that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated the failure had become more frequent over the past several months. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
Error code showing left front marker light defective. Dealer asking $5500 to repair. Many other complaints about this issue in online chats.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
On 5/28/24, while pulling up the driveway, the car suddenly accelerated and it’s so fast that we couldn’t react. The car crashed into the garage, knocked down one wall along with the main electrical panel. It stopped because it got stuck on 10 in foundation’s of garage structure. The collision mitigation feature did not get triggered and didn’t give any alert or helped to stop the car from... Read more
Crash