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 11, 2024
Was in 6th gear(on a 6speed transmission) and immediately my truck downshifted to 1st gear causing my back tires to lock up and almost crash into a median. This is due to a CSP that Ford no longer offers to fix because it "expired".
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Was in 6th gear(on a 6speed transmission) and immediately my truck downshifted to 1st gear causing my back tires to lock up and almost crash into a median. This is due to a CSP that Ford no longer offers to fix because it "expired".
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V257000 (Equipment, Electrical System) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. 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 contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2019
Vehicle lost power while driving on highway requiring vehicle to be guided to shoulder. Once on shoulder, truck died and would not restart. After being towed to dealership, the vehicle was found to have a failed fuel pump. At the time of the incident, vehicle had 27671 miles on odometer.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Purchased vehicle new. ABS and TC lights presented on dash intermittent. Cruise control inoperative when lights on. Had issue under warranty and had components replaced to resolve issue and now happening again. Afraid to have family in vehicle with inoperative safety systems.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
My wife's 2018 Impreza premium has had an open recall on it since August 0f 2022. It has been almost 2 years now. The recall, 22V624000 is a serious safety concern since it's about the car's headlights not functioning properly. Even with no obvious symptoms, I'm terrified for my wife to drive in the dark. Just last year I saw headlight assemblies for her model available for sale on Subaru's OEM we... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Horn and all other steering wheel functions don’t work. Appears to be clock spring
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Went out to driveway and started car. Heard a ping. a few minutes later the windshield started to crack from drivers side bottom corner upward across the field of vision. At first it was about a foot long but spread to about 3 feet. No sign of impact.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality intermittently. The power steering warning light and the power steering malfunction message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
DRIVER SIDE BUMPER DOES NOT SIT FLUSH ALONG DRIVER SIDE FENDER; POPS OUT ALONG TOP EDGE BETWEEN BUMPER AND FENDER. MANY REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE FROM FACTORY, INCLUDING ALL TRIMS AND ALL COLORS. A TSB NEEDS TO BE ISSUED FOR THESE VEHICLES TO FIX THE BUMPER RETENTION. MANY OWNERS WITH THIS ISSUE
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Frame is severely rusted and has holes started at 40k miles
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed pieces of rubber on both the driver’s and passenger’s sides were deteriorating. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the exterior A-Pillar trim needed to be replaced. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
Coolant is leaking into cylinder 1 causing the engine to fail and needing to be replaced
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, and the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Check engine light Nox sensor failure message
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
I was driving on the freeway driving eastbound on 152 and I switch to the fast lane to pass a vehicle and the throttle stopped working, the truck lost speed and the truck turned off, a message popped on the screen saying that I needed to put it in park. I put it in park put the hazards on and attempt to restart it and it would crank but wouldn’t start. I did this until the allowed amount of time... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The brake light stays on the whole time.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Windshield just cracked on its own. My vehicle was just sitting in my backyard nothing around my vehicle. A day latter i went outside i noticed the windshield was cracked nothing touched the windshield it just cracked on its own.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
The brakes continue to malfunction I am unsure if a previous recall was fixed properly or not the Chasis electrical system has been fixed with electrical tape only the transmission and stability track and anti lock brake system error light with go off from time to time when it does and the more it’s driven the worse the issues get these are all recalls and the problems still persist are we confi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
numerous occasions of collision warning braking system activating, sometimes applying brakes, and sometimes just the warning. Alternatively, initial attempts of braking do not work, and only releasing the brake pedal and reapplying will initiate actual braking. Six examples with date, time, and location via maps pin have been provided to Fisker. They attempted to reset software once, but even as t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
There have been many times where while driving that the breaks don’t work properly, you can push the break all the way down and it still work stop.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the fai... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The engine has a cylinder misfire and leaks coolant (the engine was destroyed - manufacturer error).
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
Whining noise from transmission on 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE model . Toyota has acknowledged this on large numbers of vehicles manufactured during the same year (TSB-0160-18). They have a voluntary recall for some of these vehicles during this year (2018), but not all of them. The transmission can fail which would cause the vehicle to stop running. On a highway or busy road, this presents a ve... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic braking system malfunctioned, and a message to contact the dealer was displayed. While at an intersection, the Pre-Collision System engaged, and the brakes seized with an oncoming vehicle approaching. While entering the parking lot, the brake pedal was depressed, but t... Read more
SUBARU
OUTBACK
(2016) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: DYNAMIC BRAKE SUPPORT/BRAKE ASSIST
Jun 10, 2024
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic braking system malfunctioned, and a message to contact the dealer was displayed. While at an intersection, the Pre-Collision System engaged, and the brakes seized with an oncoming vehicle approaching. While entering the parking lot, the brake pedal was depressed, but t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
At around 66,861 miles my car started to do a weird shaking, slowing down on highway, rattling, and missing. I brought to dealer and they stated I needed an EGR valve replacement. This was done yet the code did not reset and the problem happened again. Now, I’m told well my vehicle needs an egr cooler!??? What is this? And why was this not communicated to me before I had the work done. Also, w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
This vehicle was subject to a recall regarding a fire hazard due to faulty OEM wiring harnesses provided with the towing/hitch package. The recall was because of fire risk by the harness and it was recommended the vehicle be parked outside. A repair has not yet been made available by the manufacturer.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owned a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced abnormal gear shifts. Additionally, the contact noticed a gasoline odor and a burning plastic odor coming from the A/C vents. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop at the stop sign, the vehicle failed to respond. The message "ABS Failure " was... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
1. Propulsion, acceleration, brakes, transmission- no longer available for inspection 2. The vehicle went completely out of control; I stood on the brakes as hard as I could but would not stop or slow the car at all. We careened down a hill and head on into a large tree 3. not reproduced or confirmed 4. Vehicle was inspected by insurance company and was declared a total loss 5. no signs of any mal... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
My Honda HRV 2023 rear window shattered itself without impact while driving on the highway I-94 on Saturday 6/9/2024 evening with heavy rain. Defroster was used and kids are in the rear seat. The spontaneous shattering was so loud that caused a sudden panic but very luckily with my long years of driving experience, I was able to maintain the control of the vehicle. Kids are shocked and were afraid... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's door trim panel detached, ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning system stopped working. It was safer to drive on the highway when it was working. I had it looked at and I was told that the sensors are known to fail. It is an expensive replacement and not under warranty or recall.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Charging system failed The system failed with no warning, we were traveling on a country curvy road and about to descend a grade. With the charging system failure, the truck lost power to brakes and steering. It's at the dealer, being inspected etc. No warning lights or message until the failure occured, then a battery light appeared and a charging system failed message.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Charging system failed The system failed with no warning, we were traveling on a country curvy road and about to descend a grade. With the charging system failure, the truck lost power to brakes and steering. It's at the dealer, being inspected etc. No warning lights or message until the failure occured, then a battery light appeared and a charging system failed message.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Tire tread is cracking and breaking away in small chunks. The tires are OEM (Toyota Tundra 22') Bridgestone Dueler H/T 265/70R18 model 685 with manufacture date of 1022. I do not feel safe driving on these tires due to tread rubber breaking away even in the middle of the tire. All four tires show cracks but both rear tires are worse of the four. I have had regular service and tire rotation by Toyo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Steering wheel sticks while changing lanes making lane changes difficult, especially at highway speeds. Honda dealer diagnosed the problem as a faulty EPS Gearbox that requires replacement. Vehicle has 29,951 miles.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
While operating the motorcycle, it will randomly go into limp mode no matter what speed you’re at the motorcycle will rapidly decelerate extremely quickly and without warning. No brake light to illuminate when this happens. I have contacted INDIAN motorcycles as well as dealerships with absolutely no help whatsoever. This is extremely dangerous and can get me killed!!!!!
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
PC Solenoid B CAR REDUCES POWER & HESITATES while driving.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
This is a 9 year old vehicle that should not be stalling and shutting down. I had to be towed twice and have the fuel pumps replaced. Honda feels like they are not responsible. The fuel pump on the 2016 Honda pilot is no good. I should not have to replace the fuel pumps in a 9 year old car. Honda should reimburse myself and several others. Please make this a recall or a warranty extension. I almos... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
Multiple system warning lights come on at various times when driving the vehicle. These startle my wife and she is concerned with the safety of the vehicle. When she lifts her foot off the accelerator the brake and accelerator shimmy and move causing alarm that something is wrong. System says charging ports is randomly open while driving, the lane departure or blind spot detection is unavailable... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
At the beginning of April, I purchased a 2003 Subaru Baja from Roseville Auto Center for $10,500 and was reassured by the salesman that it passed a safety inspection and that there were no leaks in the head gasket. I did my own inspection under the hood and underneath the vehicle. I found there to be undercoat sealant which made sense as the vehicle was from Pennsylvania. I asked about the rust co... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Unexpectedly downshifted to first gear from 4th gear.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
This is certainly a weird incident that got my passenger side blind spot warning light to stay on solid, even though there was no car or obstacle on my passenger side blind spot. I was driving to pick up my wife at the airport, I was on the right lane and I had all my Toyota Safety Systems 3.0 activated. I was on a highway (65 MPH)when I was approaching to the merging lane, two vehicles were appro... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
I have had multiple issues with my car for the past month. First, my rear right wheel has been making a fan-like sound when going above 35mph and it gets louder until 70mph. It is most likely the wheel bearings going out but, I only have around 50,000 miles on the car. This seems to be a common issue with Foresters. Secondly, my rear Harman Kardon speakers have stopped working. This also appears t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
The cluster that makes my dash gauges visible has failed and malfunctioning. The safety concern is that I cannot see my speed, my tire pressure, mileage, and I will not be able to see if there are other issues wrong with my vehicle since the entire dash gauges are not visible. The system is not resetting while driving and I lose power when it does that. I have to guess when to put gas or put th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
The cluster that makes my dash gauges visible has failed and malfunctioning. The safety concern is that I cannot see my speed, my tire pressure, mileage, and I will not be able to see if there are other issues wrong with my vehicle since the entire dash gauges are not visible. The system is not resetting while driving and I lose power when it does that. I have to guess when to put gas or put th... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
When we received the notification about the Anti-Lock Brake System fuse recall, we called our nearest dealer (Larry H. Miller Hyundai) to make an appointment and found out we had to wait almost four weeks to be seen. When it finally was our appointment day, we brought the car in and we found out that they could only test to see if we needed the Anti-Lock Brake System fuse. We of course failed and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
Vehicle exploded while parked in the middle of night catching fire causing major damage to the vehicle and a total loss.
Fire