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 10, 2023
The steel bar could be felt through the lower lumbar area. Seat back also moved out of position while driving and I was told the bar inside the back came out of place.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
Twice in the past week (9/11 & 9/14), the AEB has engaged while I was driving (forward) despite NO vehicles/objects/people obstructing the path. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. There was no beeping, no lights on the dashboard, or any other warnings prior to the AEB just abruptly stopping my car. Luckily I wasn't on the highway or going very fast because otherwise it would be EXTR... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
Three times in recent months vehicle has responded sluggish after coming to a stop. Two of those times were extended periods in stop amd go traffic greater than 20 minutes. 8/10/2024 event inexplicable as had stopped briefly and only driving for 5-10 minutes. Gas pedal must be fully depressed to get vehicle to move. When it finally responds it barely moves, RPMs Rev to 3,000 and stay there. In mos... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
Both back door rocker panels are rusting
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
I had this issue 2 times so far, and I thought I was crazy since it hasn't happened since, but I noticed another report of someone else having the exact same issue. This prompted me to include my own report, as this could be a fatal flaw that needs review immediately. While I was pulling out into traffic from a stop sign to cross multiple lanes, my engine on my 2022 Corolla Cross XLE shut off wi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Severe frame rot on driver’s side of vehicle just forward of rear wheel. Rear control arm bolt support location has rusted away. Discovered August 5, 2024 when up on lift for a tire rotation. Garage advised vehicle unsafe to drive. Vehicle has 96,374 miles and is out of warranty. However, Honda issued a recall on 2007-2011 CRVs for same situation where vehicles were repaired or bought back. Veh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
I had this issue 2 times so far, and I thought I was crazy since it hasn't happened since, but I noticed another report of someone else having the exact same issue. This prompted me to include my own report, as this could be a fatal flaw that needs review immediately. While I was pulling out into traffic from a stop sign to cross multiple lanes, my engine on my 2022 Corolla Cross XLE shut off wi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
Evaporator has gone out. Dealer confirmed. Parts on back-order. No warnings, AC just stopped blowing out cold air. While the windows can still roll down, on extremely hot days if AC isn't working, could cause health problems to some users.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel seized and was unable to be turned. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the steering failure message was displayed, and the power steering function was not available. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift as intended. The contact stated that the transmission jolted. Additionally, the transmission was hard shifting. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a possible failed torque converter. The contact stated that the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
Unknown Paint is peeling above hatch
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
The engine started to lose power and then completely died the engine and oil lights came on the car would restart for about 30 sec but would not move when put into drive it broke down on [XXX] extremely dangerous road road with traffic moving above 55 mph I was broke down in the center lane after I called a tow truck and placed a call to the WSP in fear of getting killed on this road this caused... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
The engine started to lose power and then completely died the engine and oil lights came on the car would restart for about 30 sec but would not move when put into drive it broke down on [XXX] extremely dangerous road road with traffic moving above 55 mph I was broke down in the center lane after I called a tow truck and placed a call to the WSP in fear of getting killed on this road this caused... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Both screens turn off while I’m driving 70+ mph on the highway therefore none of the features work like adaptive cruise or lane assist. It caused me to almost get into an accident a couple of times. Volkswagen says they won’t buy it back or fix it since it’s under the recall. I don’t know what to do. These cars are not safe for the road and are putting people’s lives at risk being driven... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Both screens turn off while I’m driving 70+ mph on the highway therefore none of the features work like adaptive cruise or lane assist. It caused me to almost get into an accident a couple of times. Volkswagen says they won’t buy it back or fix it since it’s under the recall. I don’t know what to do. These cars are not safe for the road and are putting people’s lives at risk being driven... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to suddenly lose motive power. Additionally, the RPMs increased but the vehicle did not properly accelerate with the "Service Wrench" warning light illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that while driving at an undis... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
Car shudders at 40 to 50 mph recall previously on torque converter
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
I fear for my safety in my vehicle because it’s been a lot of trouble since I first bought it. The vehicle reduces power and won’t let me accelerate even though the agency said they had fixed it already, the auto stop malfunctions and messes with the vehicle’s engine. Now that this new incident happened with the engine/gasoline that the car started shaking and just wouldn’t turn on I am ve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
On 8/30/2024 I had driven my 2018 Volt (purchased new on 3/27/2019), with about 45,000 miles on it, on a normally 5 hour trip. About 3 hours into my trip on I-94 my car suddenly slowed down with a "Reduced Propulsion" message and a check engine light that came on. (The engine probably has run less than 25,000 miles of the total miles I have driven it, with the rest being purely on battery.) I was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
After four months of driving without incident, all of a sudden, the car repeatedly stalled. When I restarted the car, no matter how much I pushed on the gas pedal, it wouldn't accelerate. At one point, I had the gas pedal to the floor, but the rpm indicator stayed very low and the car was only able to go around 30 mph. It was clear the car couldn't be driven safely, so we had it towed to the deale... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH on the freeway, the vehicle began to vibrate. The contact moved to the right lane, and there was an abnormal knocking noise detected. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact struck the curb, ran over the curb, and pulled up the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. There were no warning ligh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
Car was burning oil rapidly. While driving heard loud noises, shaking, smoke started coming through vents and car turned off. Kia is stating that there are many recalls on vehicle, but the only recall I received is for a tow hitch. I don't have a tow hitch. Very dangerous if I was going somewhere with a higher speed limit. Kia dealership is saying corporation won't offer extended warranty due to r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
On more than one occasion, this car has stalled or stopped, leaving me coasting to the side of the road in active traffic. I was going about 30-35 mph. It has had oil consumption problems since 2021 when I purchased it. It was presented to me at point of sale as gas consumption...it wasn't getting good mileage and would need a tune up. Also misrepresented as having a spare and it did not. On 4 Aug... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
Driving on hwy at 55 miles per hours complete power loss. No engine no electrical. I was able to coast to stop but was not able to activate hazards . I had just had the aux battery for auto start stop replaced by lithia Jeep dealer in corpus Christi
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The sunroof leaks when it rains creating water inside the interior that holds standing water. It has caused issues with mold which my son it highly allergic to. This issue seems to be a common defect in sunroofs for Infiniti. I've had it repaired, but the problem persists. I have to park it in the garage but I'm not able to when I'm at work.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Vehicle randomly downshifts into first gear and get stuck in higher gears, allowing no acceleration, causing serious traffic accident
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
Consistently getting a warning that the axel locking system needs serviced. Mentioned to dealership and they said could affect how my 4 wheel drive will work or not be able to use the 4 wheel drive when needed.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
First time when it happened, i was able to control and It went to back to normal. I did not pay attention after. Second time I took right turn and the car drove in left lane but this time I felt steering was rigid and was unable to control the Steering and hit a tree. Driver seat air bag was deployed and all doors were locked. Gel from air bag burned my right hand wrist.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH the front driver seat heater was activated and moments later smoke and flames were present coming from the center console of the vehicle. After stopping and exiting the vehicle the fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and lat... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while her husband was starting the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist had failed and that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - ENGINE
Sep 9, 2024
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
I have a 2.4 ltr Chevy equinox and the engine went out at 140000miles, no warning symbol. Left me stranded in the middle of nowhere, two days after being stuck in a rain storm, when I found out my wipers died.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
My Toyota Camry SE 2017 while driving on freeway, my car started to smell like something burning few minutes later the car radio and lighting started to go crazy on off flashing randomly. going on off random screens by itself. i tried turning radio off but it wouldn't let me. when car turnkey is on without running the warning lights says check charging system. dealer says not sure why it says that... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
In May '23 VW Manufacturer sent a letter informing my car was subject to Recall 57J4, for door handle failure which can lead to doors opening while vehicle is moving. 7/25/2 I brought my car to Steven’s Creek VW in San Jose, CA, for several issues that needed repair, and asked them to test for Recall 57J4. They found the left rear door handled failed and needed to be replaced (see attached serv... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
On September 9, 2024, I experienced a serious and concerning issue with my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas that compromised the safety and comfort of the vehicle. After stopping at a gas station, I returned to my vehicle and started the engine. Immediately, an extremely loud humming/vibrating noise began inside the vehicle, which was unbearable. I turned off the vehicle, but the noise persisted. We attempte... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
Backup Camera rarely works most of the time just a black screen. The main problem however is that the auto start/stop is stalling my Vehicle when it tries to restart. Sometimes immediately other time in let me drive a tiny bit and than stalls. i have been to the dealership over 6 times and it continues to get worse. i've only had this vehicle 2 years in November.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
The rear motor failed on my car. It has less than 4,000 miles on it. It is already being worked on. The car barely gave me 10 seconds before it lost power, locked up and wouldn’t move. Yes. They told me the rear motor failed and needed to be replaced. Tesla inspected it themselves and confirmed the issue. Yes, they appeared 10 seconds before it died, I had no other warnings prior to that. Th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
The rear motor failed on my car. It has less than 4,000 miles on it. It is already being worked on. The car barely gave me 10 seconds before it lost power, locked up and wouldn’t move. Yes. They told me the rear motor failed and needed to be replaced. Tesla inspected it themselves and confirmed the issue. Yes, they appeared 10 seconds before it died, I had no other warnings prior to that. Th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
I was driving on a street at the speed limit there were no cars in front of me and behind me thankfully the car just braked very hard suddenly for no reason and I lost complete control over the vehicle after the car came to a complete stop I was able to continue driving. Thankfully there were no cars behind me because if there were I don’t even want to imagine the accident I could’ve caused as... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Started vehicle and had no power steering. Tried multiple times starting the vehicle, no luck. Came back after 45 minutes and tried again and the vehicle was fine.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. 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 local dealer was contacted. 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... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and the contact was informed that there was a defective gasket on the transfer case and the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced. The contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the engine coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir, but one week later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
I was rear-ended and the driver's seat did not maintain it's position and fell into the seat behind it.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
ABS/ HCU ISSUES- BLINKING LIGHTS, Hendrick Dodge service in Cary, NC has the 2018 Dodge Ram 3500 in for service to replace the draglink that was another recall for 2nd time to replace the draglink this time. I know there is class action lawsuit 2023 file against FCA on the ABS modules and HCU's for 2017 &2018 ram 2500 and 3500 trucks.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
Car power steering rack liking bad, car has 46k miles This car should be recalled, is got major issues with power steering rack, in which Nissan didn’t do it right do to parts shortage, this is dangerous for my kids this car can burn any second, if you telling me that car at 46 k has a major power steering leek I would never buy this car, we took our car into Nissan they do not want to fix this,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
Car power steering rack liking bad, car has 46k miles This car should be recalled, is got major issues with power steering rack, in which Nissan didn’t do it right do to parts shortage, this is dangerous for my kids this car can burn any second, if you telling me that car at 46 k has a major power steering leek I would never buy this car, we took our car into Nissan they do not want to fix this,... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Driving when all electronic lights flashed. Rakes steering driver assist lift and towing. Said see dealer Reset after I waited at gas station for 30 min Power steering worked but was hard to control car
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
I'm writing to request an extension of the recall for the Brake Vacuum Pump issue and seek compensation for repairs on my 2018 Chevy Equinox. In November 2023, while exiting [XXX] in Warwick, RI, my brakes failed despite full pressure. I had to steer into the breakdown lane and eventually stopped in a parking lot. At the time, I was nine months pregnant and extremely shaken. After stopping, the ve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Honda Element. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear trailing arm mount was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent frame mechanic, where the contact was informed that the rear trailing arm mount could fracture. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in ... Read more