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 24, 2024
I'm filing a complaint regarding my 2016 Ford Edge Titanium with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, which required two engine replacements due to a defect causing coolant intrusion into the cylinders.The engine failed due to coolant leaking into the cylinders, a problem diagnosed and confirmed by Ford technicians. Both engines are no longer in the vehicle, but documentation is available upon request. My s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
Transmission issues that where addressed by factory recall: Here is the summary: Although the truck has high miles it has been running and driving very well. A couple of months ago, the truck developed a transmission issue that was covered by the recent recall. The truck was experiencing 2 main issues. A. The transmission would suddenly and unexpectedly downshift from a high gear to a low gear o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V880000 (Fuel System, Diesel); 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 had not e... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had n... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
This Hybrid LE model brake system is very poor. If we press the break pedal it stops 5-10 meter far. Urgently need for recall and rectify this major issue to avoid more accidents and property damage to others on the road .
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
A warning message appeared that stated: “Engine maintenance required - Visit your dealer”. At that time my vehicle had 38,796 miles on it. I contacted the Service Advisor at Toyota of Newnan who advised that it was likely the Coolant Bypass Valve on the engine and that they have had issues and repairs relating to that condition on their RAV4 and Corolla models. Their mechanics confirmed that... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
I was driving down the road then all the sudden halfway through making a turn the power steering went completely out almost causing me to wreck. I looked up the issue and it is on the recall list but for some reason this individual vehicle doesn't have the recall. It falls into all there peramiters for being recalled. The Ford dealership gave me the same runaround. So now it is sitting with the po... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
I was driving down the road then all the sudden halfway through making a turn the power steering went completely out almost causing me to wreck. I looked up the issue and it is on the recall list but for some reason this individual vehicle doesn't have the recall. It falls into all there peramiters for being recalled. The Ford dealership gave me the same runaround. So now it is sitting with the po... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2023
All 4 Continental PRO CONTACT TX tires on 1 week old brand new purchased Ford Bronco Sport VIN [XXX] from Ford Dealer Swelling on Sidewalls in various points. After researching amongst other Bronco Sport Forums issue appears to be common failure on New Bronco Sports equipped with Continental PRO CONTACT TX tires. Requested tires to be changed at Dealer, they found 1 Bronco Sport with Balled up Si... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front driver's side wheel well. The contact stated that increased effort was needed to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the front driver's side strut. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated the engine compartment had caught on fire. The contact’s spouse extinguished the vehicle. The local fire department was not contacted, and a report was not filed. however, a cause for the failure was not yet determined. A Police repor... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
Driver and Passenger door will not stay shut while driving, I almost fall out the passenger door while my boyfriend was driving the car from Fett's city motor in omaha nebraska when we bought it the door wouldnt shut we have to lift the doors and slim them shut and lock them and that doesnt even work. My Little 15 year old baby brother and his girlfriend was riding with me while driving down [XXX]... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Complete engine failure at 150,000. No check engine or warning lights prior to failure. I was traveling at 75 mph on the freeway when the engine lost power and locked up. I was barely able to make it safely to an exit before it fully shut down. After stopping, oil was profusely leaking out of the vehicle. When levels were checked it was completely empty. I know for a fact the oil was full before d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Cannot get backup camera to pop up automatically when vehicle is put in reverse.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
I was driving and all of a sudden the emergency brake light, the ABS brake light and a couple more turned on and I had no more brakes. I had just driven 25 miles with it and stopped at many red lights along the way with no issue and NO WARNING lights. I could have gotten into a major accident if it had happened anywhere else in my route. Fortunately, I was about a mile from my house and the hybrid... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
Brand new vehicle comes with horrible quality brake pads. The sounds come and go, but usually happens on the initial start of driving. The sounds do not sound normal and multiple 2021 Atlas' have this issue. It's really a shame that they are allowed to sell "new" vehicles with quality of brakes.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
vehicle stalls while driving and at stops. has 65000 miles on it. No engine light comes on. starts right back up. very dangerous while driving. Mechanics cannot determine problem they said if no warning lamps
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
Recall has been ongoing since February. Received notice and letter that remedy was available and took the car to dealer. Remedy was implemented but it still shows as an open recall. Sees like the manufacturer has failed to remedy or is not able to.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
Recall has been ongoing since February. Received notice and letter that remedy was available and took the car to dealer. Remedy was implemented but it still shows as an open recall. Sees like the manufacturer has failed to remedy or is not able to.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
Will driving on the interstate, using the adaptive cruise control feature, vehicles were slowing down to a stop ahead and my car accelerated instead of slowing down. I then pressed the brake and simultaneously, the car breaks locked down (automatic braking). Unfortunately I wasn’t able to avoid an accident as I rear ended the vehicle in front of me. My vehicle has been turned over to the insur... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
While driving I had to push the brake to the floor and a light came on saying reduced engine power. I pulled over right away and had my car towed to mechanic. The vacuum brake pump exposed and parts went into the engine. The mechanic got all the parts out but now engine has low compression and needs a new timing chain. This is over $3,000 so far. Gm recalled other vehicles with the exact same pump... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
+ What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The front camera, which plays a crucial role in the functioning of the Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Avoidance system, and Auto High Beam, malfunctioned. This camera is integral to these systems. +How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
+ What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The front camera, which plays a crucial role in the functioning of the Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Avoidance system, and Auto High Beam, malfunctioned. This camera is integral to these systems. +How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine overheated. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and allowed for the engine to cool down. The vehicle was later started and taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
I received a recall notice from Fisker (the third one), this time regarding water pumps. It directed me to call a number that is not in service, to reach out to an authorized service provider (there are none in the USA), and to contact you if I was unable to get the water pump replaced. The company is in Bankruptcy and has done nothing to fix any of the recalls so far besides pushing a softwa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Vehicle warning for “low brake fluid” came on while on freeway. Lost braking power and had to coast to a stop.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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: Jul 1, 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 contac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Entegra Accolade RV. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the coach was flexing abnormally. The contact heard abnormal popping sounds from where the coach was attached to the RV cockpit. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the RV to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the screws used to attach the coach to th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
when coming to a stop and applying the break, the transmission stalled. a warning was issued around lane keeping assist and a second warning. Then the transmission light was on. It was not at risk in the moment because no one was behind me and I was coming to a stop sign. If it prevented me from stopping I might have gone through the stop sign It is at the dealership today to service. no warn... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
when coming to a stop and applying the break, the transmission stalled. a warning was issued around lane keeping assist and a second warning. Then the transmission light was on. It was not at risk in the moment because no one was behind me and I was coming to a stop sign. If it prevented me from stopping I might have gone through the stop sign It is at the dealership today to service. no warn... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
Transmission making a shuttering feeling while driving. Felt in the steering wheel. Dealer said it’s not covered unless still under powertrain warranty. No check engine light while happening. There was a pending code about transmissions control module.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started driving rough and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the lifters in the engine were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but shortly after retrieving the vehicle, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken ba... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 (Electrical System); 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 not made aware of the issue because the phone listed on the recall letter was no longe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid servo brake electrical malfunction has led to braking inconsistencies, unprompted emergency brake application, and numerous dashboard errors. Electric servo brake component needed to be replaced entirely for the vehicle, roughly $2,200 for parts and labor.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V163000 (Visibility). The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud clicking sound coming from the windshield wipers. The contact stated that the wipers had went past the windshield. There were no warning lights ill... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle turned off unintendedly. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the e... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Verano. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side seat sensor failed to detect a passenger in the seat. The “Air Bag Off” and “Service Air Bag” messages were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Special Co... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the valve lifters, resulting in damage to the camshaft. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact rela... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
A few months ago after an update, my turn signal functionality was completely replaced by AI. This results in me driving either with the blinker engaged when I don’t want it to be, or not engaged when I want it to be. To correct the usually incorrect AI is distracting, and often causes even more incorrect blinker usage. I find this to be dangerous.
Incident date: May 16, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: May 16, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: May 16, 2024
Slowing down as I pulled into a turning lane. The vehicle lost power and cut off with a warning light saying please restart engine manually. I did start engine manually to begin with. I had to throw my car in park in the middle of the road. And restart it. The vehicle restarted and I got out of the way with my kids in the car. And after continuing to drive the vehicle feels like it has no power. T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Driving on the expressway and a rock from a vehicle in front of me hit the top right corner of the windshield causing small pieces of glass to scatter on the inside of the vehicle.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
When I put the car in park it does not register and will not come out of accessory more. This is a known issue and gm is making customers out of warranty pay for it
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
I have extremely loud static coming the stereo., Blue tooth, satellite, FM etc.I have turned it off completely and still have the static. I have to wear Bose Noise cancelling headphones while driving. This is very dangerous as I can't hear horns, sirens etc. There has to be a recall as I have now read many other people having the same issue. What should I do?
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the deal... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
Have had a recall on rv chassy for over two years now. Took local ford dealer over a year to finally agree they could look at my rv for fords recall. Said it was good no problem detected . Then a month later ford sends out a recall saying all recalls are now needed to be repair even if your recall induction said it was ok. Sent out official recall in March 2023 saying all need to be fixed and part... Read more