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: Aug 5, 2024
Rear camera fails to load. This is after the update that was issued because of the recall. Restarting the car multiple times did nothing, still stated that the “Camera is temporarily unavailable.” Backup sensors do seem to be working. This is a scary thing to happen as I could hit something when reversing.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
The Park Neutral Position (PNP) switch malfunctions. Yes Not a huge safety issue if you are parked in your driveway and cannot start the car. But if you are driving and the if you have the engine auto start/stop engaged the car will unexpectedly not restart and you have to play with the gear shifter to get it started to move out of an intersection or out of the way of traffic! This has happened se... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the display screen seized and was displaying a black screen. The contact stated that the rear passenger's door handle failed to unlock and open the door. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V651000 (Structure) and 24V344000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment, Electrica... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Accord. The contact stated while cold starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start immediately. The contact stated that four or five attempts to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred in cold or warm weather. The contact heard an abnormal grinding sound after each attempt to start the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached. Additionally, the detached trim struck the front windshield, and the impact caused a crack in the front windshield. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on the highway. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention); 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 for the recall repair. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
My wife was driving on a 4 lane road after it was wet. The road is flat but bended to the right. Traveling in the middle lanes, the braking system engaged and the brakes fully locked while she was at a driving speed of 25 mph and the car slid across the lanes as she entered the turn. She said it lasted for about 10 seconds before the brakes disengaged.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Hello, I'm writing to see if the Ecoboost lawsuits also include 2014 Ford Escapes? Mine cut off on me while on the highway Saturday (XXX). The Engine failed while driving, no light or warning. This is even after me dishing out a little over $8k in 2021 when I purchased it used from Bommarito Ford in St. Louis. I had transmission/engine issues from the start. When the car stopped on me a few folk... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
My 15 year old permit driver was driving the car and a power steering message flashed. The car became very difficult to steer and very difficult to pull to the side of the road. This could have caused a major accident. I was told when I called there was a recall for this in the past but had been fixed on this particular car. It must not have been fixed well. The car is not technically high mileage... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
My 15 year old permit driver was driving the car and a power steering message flashed. The car became very difficult to steer and very difficult to pull to the side of the road. This could have caused a major accident. I was told when I called there was a recall for this in the past but had been fixed on this particular car. It must not have been fixed well. The car is not technically high mileage... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side A-pillar trim detached and flew onto the roadway. The contact stated the front passenger’s side A-Pillar trim was loose. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The loca... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
I understand there is a recall on Rav4 starting fire from 2013. Our vehicle is a 2011 and started on fire in our driveway and is a total loss. May need to include other years.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while decelerating, the transmission seized in third gear. The contact stated that later while attempting to accelerate from a stop light, the vehicle failed to immediately accelerate forward. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the transmission failed to shift from fifth to six gear. During the failure, the RPMs increased... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
I currently have the following recalls; tailgate harness, hood latch striker, timing belt and fuel pump. I have contacted my local dealer and I am being told that there are no parts.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
While driving, the steering wheel becomes stiff and sometimes even sticks, making it hard to turn or keep the car in control, especially at freeway speeds. It’s a struggle to keep the car straight, and this problem can happen at any time, which makes it really dangerous.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
I am filing this complaint regarding my 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, which recently suffered engine failure due to an unresolved issue related to error code P1326. The check engine light began flashing, and despite multiple visits to my local Hyundai service center (Gateway Hyundai Nissan in Fargo, ND), the problem was not properly diagnosed or repaired, resulting in catastrophic engine damage. T... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
The electronic power steering (EPS) on my truck failed suddenly. Luckily, I was just in my driveway, but this could have led to a serious safety issue if I had been on the road at speed or pulling a trailer. After researching this I see that there have been some recalls regarding this issue for trucks produced in other years, but nothing for the 2014. It is a costly and potentially deadly issue th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that his daughter depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle continued to lose motive power. The contact stated that his daughter pulled over ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Got “Stop Safely Vehicle Will shut off soon” message twice. Vehicle shut off both times.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
While I am driving straight everything is fine. As soon as I begin to make a turn my steering wheel will lock up and force itself straight. I was told it was the steering rack and I did my research and found that my year model had recalls for the steering rack but for some reason my truck does not. I have almost ran off the road a few times simply because my steering wheel will force itself straig... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
Cam phasers in engine have failed for the second time. Potential safety issue is if not repaired, could lead to catastrophic, unexpected engine failure as the cam phaser is part of the engine timing system. Prolonged driving with this issue would inevitably cause major mechanical problems which could possibly lock the engine up while driving. This would obviously be a safety issue while trav... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
numerous times while emergency braking my foot pushed on accelerator and brake at the same time called Ford and they said take to dealer Called dealer and discussed the problem I said it is a design problem and they said if designed that way nothing they can do Accelerator is 5/8" wider than my cars
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
Sunroof shattered while vehicle was parked. Nothing touched the vehicle. We were just sitting in the car when it happened.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2009
Date: [XXX] I went to the Exxon gas station in Richmond ,VA to fill up for the trip back to Rocky Mount, N.C. When I put the handle hose into truck hole to pump the gas the gas would not go down the hose. It splashed out on the ground, on my feet and clothes. After several attempts with no resolve, I contacted my insurance for roadside assistance. Which led to the Jeep towed to N.C.I view this as... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
ABS light and Traction Control light are coming on intermittently-noticed that when vehicle is in park the needle on the mph will jump-nothing has really happened yet-it’s just intermittent. I have researched and noticed quite a few others have had the same instances
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Component malfunctioning is the engine cylinder 2. EcoBoost engines can break or catch on fire causing an accident. Yes, apparently a known issue. There is a current class action lawsuit in the state of California about this exact situation. Yes. Cylinder 2 started to miss fire on March 2024, took it to the shop thinking it needed new coils or spark plugs replacement. That did not solve the issue.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in Ford Customer Service Program Number: 23B56 (Warranty - Front Door check arm weld). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was no prior failure experienced with any of the doors. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer stated that the front driver’s side... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes Benz C300 equipped with Pirelli Tires, Tire Line: P Zero, Tire Size: 255/35/VR19, DOT Number: [XXX] . The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an unknown bumping sound heard. The contact pulled over and noticed that the passenger's side front tire was flat. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The infotainment screen showed a reading of ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
While on the highway vehicle started shaking violently, flashing engine light then service hybrid system along with every light on the dash! Car still running poorly, stiff steering very hard to slow down to get to safety! By the time I was able to pull over the engine was knocking and a burning smell was coming from the engine compartment. I popped the hood shut the car off , the exhaust manifold... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V461000 (Air Bags); 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. VIN tool ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
My dealership where I bought my car let me know of a recall my vehicle had during an oil change. I then asked if they could fix it to where they said no, that only FIAT could fix it or another dealership about 40 minutes away. I then went to that other dealership and they told me no because it had to be done through the dealership I bought the car from. Then the guy told me he had the parts but he... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Tail lamps are prone to hairline cracks difficult to see, when driven in rain or car wash tail lamp floods and causes electrical system to short circuit resulting in death or accident in inclement weather due to low visibility.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The brake caliper remain stuck
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
On multiple occasions this vehicle has failed to operate, a red hazard light goes on along with many other failure light indicators. I've been stranded where the car does nothing and also experienced the car dying while driving. When the vehicle comes to the airbag indicators come on warning that the airbags are not functioning. I have had to drive the vehicle this way. It's not the first time... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
On multiple occasions this vehicle has failed to operate, a red hazard light goes on along with many other failure light indicators. I've been stranded where the car does nothing and also experienced the car dying while driving. When the vehicle comes to the airbag indicators come on warning that the airbags are not functioning. I have had to drive the vehicle this way. It's not the first time... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was smoking with the engine overheating. The wrench symbol was displayed and was flashing on and off. The engine warning light was illuminated and flashing on and off. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The vehicle was taken to the local d... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
My brakes has been malfunctioning since last year November of 2023, the dealership is aware of this. It is putting me and others at risk because I am not sure when my brakes will fail, it has been inspected and confirmed by the dealership.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
Fuel Injectors failed on all 4 cylinders. They replaced them, still having issue. Blown head gasket was what they diagnosed next and repaired. Picked up vehicle, when driving it down the interstate (70 mph speed limit) the check engine light started flashing. An error came up indicating a Critical Failure. Vehicle stopped accelerating and would not move, luckily I was able to coast to the emergen... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Rapid Delamination and paint peeling of front bumper. There are so many Kia Forte owners experiencing this same issue for it not to be recognized and resolved by now. Please help us. It’s not right.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Front passenger air bag seat occupancy sensor (OC3) mat warning "Passenger restraint system. Fault in passenger restraint system affecting airbag" BMW has an extended warranty for this exact issue on several other models, but not the 1 series which should be included. This is a huge safety issue and shouldn't be the customer's responsibility.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2005 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to come to a stop while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the brake pedal felt loose. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and the contact became aware of a brake fluid leak coming from under t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. 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 recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the passenger... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
The ABS warning light and alarm come on while driving. Loss of ABS and cruise control, near rear end collision by following vehicles on the freeway while using cruise control. Ram knows they have a problem with 2017 and 2018 2500 pickups. Why no recall? Safety problem!
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
The vehicle digital instrument cluster turned off and wouldn’t show speed or any other information. The central infotainment screen and the climate control screen worked while driving. The turn signals were not working while this was happening either. Tried to stop the car and start back again within a minute, but the screen never came on. Have pictures taken to prove it. Once we were at our tem... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
When driving above 30 MPH and going over a bump the car shakes and wobbles Violently feeling like the tires and steering wheel will fall off. This has been referred to as the “death wobble.” The car has some warranty remaining and is going in for repair with an authorized Jeep dealer.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
When driving above 30 MPH and going over a bump the car shakes and wobbles Violently feeling like the tires and steering wheel will fall off. This has been referred to as the “death wobble.” The car has some warranty remaining and is going in for repair with an authorized Jeep dealer.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
I was parking the car at a low speed (2mph) when it suddenly accelerated with a great speed, jumped the curb in front and moved forward and up a small hill. The car collided with a tree before I was able to stop it. All ADAS features were activated in the car and no alarms sounded prior or during the event, which lasted between 1-2 seconds. The vehicle was inspected by Mazda and deemed safe to co... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
In May 2024, I took my 2013 Kia Optima (2.0L T-GDI) to my local dealership to have several recalls completed, including SC284QF (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit). The dealership completed the recalls and I have a receipt showing all three recalls were completed. On Sep 12 2024 I received a recall notice stating the recall SC284QF had NOT been completed and to contact my dealership to schedule t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
after heavy rain, the forward looking radar will start stop working with no warning, cause AEB and forward warning not functioning, greatly increase risk of collision. the problem is consistent with heavy rain, but dealer refuse to do any repair because it didn't happen normally. the problem appeared on 03/31/2024, 06/30/2024, 08/18/2024 every time there is a heavy rain, with picture as proof.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
Driving and power started to die and engine warning lights came on. Pulled over immediately and engine stopped. Wouldn’t come back on. Towed by Cadillac and discovered engine blew. Apparently a know issue with many similar in the shop awaiting new engine.