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: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Lexus TX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V461000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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. VIN tool confirm parts unavailable.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
The Back up camera failed several times. When vehicle is put into reverse the screen would be black and after some time a message indicating failure to connect to camera would appear.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
While driving on the HWY the vehicle started to loose acceleration and make some strange noises. When I tried to give it gas I heard a loud pop and smoke starting coming out of the hood of the car and the exhaust.The car shut off in the middle of the hwy. With the moment left I got the car over 3 lanes to the shoulder. There were two of in the car that were at risk if this failure would have caus... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
Driver 1 will be the Hyundai Santa Cruz traveling northbound on [XXX] at [XXX] . Driver 2 crossed [XXX] 1 directly in front of my vehicle causing extensive damage to the vehicle as well as injuries to the occupants. Vehicle 1 was [XXX] months old at the time. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED! All airbags of the #2 vehicle deployed, ALL. Driver 1, was driving 45 mph northbound and never had a chance to slow... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
Driver 1 will be the Hyundai Santa Cruz traveling northbound on [XXX] at [XXX] . Driver 2 crossed [XXX] 1 directly in front of my vehicle causing extensive damage to the vehicle as well as injuries to the occupants. Vehicle 1 was [XXX] months old at the time. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED! All airbags of the #2 vehicle deployed, ALL. Driver 1, was driving 45 mph northbound and never had a chance to slow... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The steering gear went out at 45k miles and I JUST got the car recently. The steering stays stuck when I turn it and it takes turns very sharply. In snow or rainy conditions,This might be fatal. I checked out a couple of forums online regarding this issue and seems like a lot of people have also encountered it. It’s a $4000 fix when I took it Chevrolet. This should be something Chevrolet recalls... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
While driving a 1/2 second squeal came from engine compartment. Motor immediately stopped. No power steering or brakes. Vehicle is available for inspection. We were on an interstate We coasted to shoulder. There issue is frequent on Internet forums. A trusted mechanic old us the engine was totally seized. Could be turned manually. No oil in crankcase. At this time only aforementioned mechanic has ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
While driving a 1/2 second squeal came from engine compartment. Motor immediately stopped. No power steering or brakes. Vehicle is available for inspection. We were on an interstate We coasted to shoulder. There issue is frequent on Internet forums. A trusted mechanic old us the engine was totally seized. Could be turned manually. No oil in crankcase. At this time only aforementioned mechanic has ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
For the 3rd time in 18 months my car has just stopped accelerating on the freeway and all of my sensors go off at once, my touch screen and speakers go on and off repeatedly. Honda here in Reno, NV keeps replacing my fuel injectors (and making me pay for it) which seems to resolve it for a short while and then it all happens again. This is incredibly unsafe for this car to just stop accelerat... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
I pulled into a driveway on a one lane road (due to construction) to allow a car traveling downhill to pass so they would not have to back up. I had come to a complete stop in the driveway with the car in drive. As I started to put the car in reverse it surged forward at a high rate of speed crashing into my neighbor's garage, tearing the door completely down pushing the door into the garage and m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
When driving on freeways and using my cruise control….. If I need to use my brakes to disengage cruise control when traffic slows and then use the “resume” feature on the C.C. my vehicle continues to accelerate until I shut the cruise off and reset it. If I am resuming to say 65 MPH I can reach 85 MPH in a couple seconds. This happens more than 50 % of the times I use my C.C. As I continue... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
3 episodes of unexpected and sudden braking for no reason. Twice on Sept 13 when ACC was in use and set at 70 mph the car hard-braked and dropped to 40-42mph rapidly, then it stopped braking and I was able to use the accelerator again- the braking lasted perhaps 10-15 seconds. The third episode was on Oct. 13 and the ACC was not on. I was driving manually at 55 mph and again the car suddenly br... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
dRIVING APPOXIMATELY 50MPH AND HIT A BUMP AND THE TRUCK WENT INTO THE DEATH WOBBLE AND NARROWLY AVOIDED A ROLL OVER
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
This vehicle has been taken in on four separate occasions now to have know faulty fuel injectors replaced. All dealer service people acknowledge this is a know defect, all tow truck drivers have also confirmed the same, as well as thousands of people online. Huandai has not issued a recall. When the injectors go out, the car dies and will not accelerate and then leaves me stranded on the side of t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
On [XXX], while driving on [XXX] in Virginia, the check engine light came on in my Chevy Volt. A message on dash said that there was reduced propulsion, and the gas engine quit running. The car switched to battery power, which would not have lasted long enough to get us home. At this point, we were stranded on a very busy highway which seemed quite dangerous. Using battery power, we were able... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
Almost all cars next to me are unable to interpret my signal lights due to I) rear signal lights being so low and not at brake lint level, and ii) from signal lights being near the grill and not the corners. This is a huge problem when changing lanes. Same with the reverse light being only on the rear bumper level - it is common for pedestrians and cars to not notice that the car is about to reve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Upon exiting my garage I always stop to close the door. My driveway has incline. I begin to roll back, hit the breaks several times with no engagement, begin pumping the brake pedal several times, no response. Continued to roll in reverse going across the street and hit neighbor's park car in their driveway. Police Officer noted that brake pedal was very low upon applying brakes and a hiss so... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
My license plate light has stopped working. It was replaced and still isn’t working. This reduces visibility and increases risk of a crash. This is in addition to the legal requirement to have an operating license plate light.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
Due to screen delamination - While operating the vehicle, the central monitor cycles repeatedly through different functions, and actions, including but not limited to: calling multiple people using phone connected to vehicle by Bluetooth, changing the directions/stopping navigation, showing the back up camera, changing radio stations, change environmental controls. This is a significant safety iss... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Was driving and suddenly steering became very difficult. It became hard to turn.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Seat release for the middle right seat does not work when the seat release lever is pushed up. Failed more than 3 years ago. Prior owner did not disclose the problem.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Infotainment screen malfunctions, pressing buttons by itself.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
BMW replaced the brake system twice to fix the brake failure issues we had on our 2024 BMW X7. When we brought our vehicle in for the 1st brake system replacement in June 2024 at 12,000 miles, the dealership inspected tire tread depth and all tires are in green. When we brought our vehicle in for the 2nd brake system replacement in September 2024 at 15,000 miles, both rear tires tread depth became... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
BMW replaced the brake system twice to fix the brake failure issues we had on our 2024 BMW X7. When we brought our vehicle in for the 1st brake system replacement in June 2024 at 12,000 miles, the dealership inspected tire tread depth and all tires are in green. When we brought our vehicle in for the 2nd brake system replacement in September 2024 at 15,000 miles, both rear tires tread depth became... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
On Sept 25, 2024, my car completely turned off as I was pulling out from a side road to cross a 4 lane road. Fortunately, it was mid-morning and no cars were coming. I was able to coast to the far ride lane and put hazard lights on. A light came on--a gas can with something dripping from it and possibly some other lights. It was extremely scary and happened with no warning whatsoever. It could hav... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was distorted on several occasions, and was black on other occasions. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or rep... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
I have a vehicle in which a safety recall was issued for models In that body type and year range. The recall was issued in response to a software glitch that causes a shudder when acceleration. I called my local dealer and was told I do not qualify for a recall even though I have the exact same symptoms listed in the recall. I have spent over 3k trying to resolve this issue and have tried to reach... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - EQUIPMENT
Oct 10, 2024
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
On October 3, 2024, EnelX announced it is discontinuing its commercial charger business on October 11, 2024, with only one week's notice and no vendor to continue with support or service. I have my charger in a public parking lot that I own, and I need to be able to require visitors to pay for their car charge. EnelX no longer supports this functionality. I purchased this unit on May 9, 2023. If t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2016
Got this warning on my tesla model 3. Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault will get it fixed at appt on monday Had the exact same issue on our Model Y. Also happened to my friend's tesla. It is all over the internet. I think a recall should be issued and the warranty extended to ten years for this issue on all existing teslas
Incident date: Oct 10, 2016
Camera sensor fails from time to time and break system light come on. This is reported to happen on most Honda from 2018 to current model.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and Manufacturer recalls: 964 (Auxiliary Canister Installation), 966 (Engine Monitoring Module, ECU Software Update), and 994 (Hybrid Safety Fuse). The contact stated that after the repairs were completed while attempting to sta... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
I was fully stopped at red light of intersection of [XXX] . Suddenly my vehicle accelerate it self and start auto drive at high speed and malfunction, hitting multiple parked vehicles. My vehicle was on auto holding brake feature. I was not able to control my vehicle, even when I tried pressing the brake. No warnings or alarms from my vehicle when crashes into multiple parked cars. On [XXX] incid... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
I was fully stopped at red light of intersection of [XXX] . Suddenly my vehicle accelerate it self and start auto drive at high speed and malfunction, hitting multiple parked vehicles. My vehicle was on auto holding brake feature. I was not able to control my vehicle, even when I tried pressing the brake. No warnings or alarms from my vehicle when crashes into multiple parked cars. On [XXX] incid... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
I was fully stopped at red light of intersection of [XXX] . Suddenly my vehicle accelerate it self and start auto drive at high speed and malfunction, hitting multiple parked vehicles. My vehicle was on auto holding brake feature. I was not able to control my vehicle, even when I tried pressing the brake. No warnings or alarms from my vehicle when crashes into multiple parked cars. On [XXX] incid... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
Tailgate dropped while driving on the freeway. I was towing a utility trailer at the rime and the Tailgate hit the hitch area and scratched the Tailgate. It also dropped when not towing anything. I am leary to haul anything in the back of my truck
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon inspection, the contact became aware that the coolant level was being consumed very quickly. In addition, the contact became aware of an unusual burning odor and saw white smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coolant had leaked into the engine and tha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the exterior A-pillar trim detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The dashboard and user interface for the vehicle resets, crashes, reboots, crashes and reboots while driving constantly. The dash and entire console is affected. We have had it serviced at least three times for this issue and it has not been remedied even though VW has done full module replacements. The doors also unlock and lock and unlock and lock repeatedly. We no longer feel safe driving the v... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I was driving and my car began to lose power and Drivetrain Malfunction appeared on the screen. I had to pull over to a side street and turn the car off. I turned it back on but it was very sluggish and moved very slow. Once I parked it I turned it off and tried to start it back up but it wouldn’t turn over. I contacted BMW and they said they couldn’t do anything. I need a new engine and timin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 35-40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Randy Redinger and Sons Auto Service, where it was diagnosed. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
White Pearl paint flaking off front of car above windshield
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
Drivers headrest jumped apart on its own while sitting in my driveway. Looks like it exploded apart.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
Vehicle engine set off a failure code P1326 and went into a full limp mode. This code is related to the knock sensor picking up the crankshaft pounding against the bearings. It is a known issue with the original engine small oil ports. Brought my vehicle to a Kia dealership and their diagnostic procedure was to replace the sensor and reflash the ECM. My problem is, ever since they did that, th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2021
The auto dimming feature on headlights fails to function. When the high beams are in use, they will not dim when approaching an oncoming vehicle. Conversely, when they are on low beam, they do not switch to high beam setting when it is totally dark outside and no cars are approaching. This fault was not disclosed during initial test drive and the dealerships only explanation is that they are so... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
I was driving my 2018 Kia Sorento up a hill going about 40 mph. It suddenly lost power and I had to pull over. No lights showed up on the dash warning me anything was wrong. I was draining oil like crazy and it was all over the engine. I had it towed to a mechanic and then the dealership. A bolt from inside the engine blew and tore a hold in the valve and head gasket. That’s all I know now. I ha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
When do you go does not detect lanes violently moves the steering wheel to try to maneuver you back into a lane. I’m constantly turning this feature off because it has posed a risk of crash on multiple occasions
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
When do you go does not detect lanes violently moves the steering wheel to try to maneuver you back into a lane. I’m constantly turning this feature off because it has posed a risk of crash on multiple occasions
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
I have wasted too much time and my own $ for my local KIA to dismiss their on going re-appointments and months of different service technicians to not have them reacting to an engine light to never retry something not done right. Now, they have my 2017 KiA Soul+ wrongly listed as no recalls remaining. I am trying to be as proactive and not lose my Kia or several more months of covering the Kille... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I turned into my driveway and the Jeep accelerated significantly and the brakes did not work even when I pumped them. The result was that the Jeep crashed into my garage door and house!
Crash
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
In March 2024, I was driving my Ford Focus when the engine suddenly shut off at a stop light and never restarted. There were no warning lights or indications that anything was wrong with the car prior to it shutting off. The car was towed to a Ford dealership where it was determined that the reason the car broke was due to the oil belt breaking which is an active recall. The manufacturer recall nu... Read more