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: Mar 5, 2024
Every time i brake my car goes to park mode.. this happened every time I brake, mode of the car changed from Drive to Park .. Done soft and hard reset still facing this issue.. opened service ticket with Fisker but no update yet. this is really scary and makes me nervous to drive this car. Any help is appreciated. thanks
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The vehicle has 4 coolant pumps to keep the batteries from overheating. One of my pumps stopped working and the company sent me the new pump a month ago but have yet to schedule a tech to come here to replace it as promised. The car has less than 500 miles on it and is dangerous to drive as it will shut down without warning on the highway. Fisker needs to send the tech out before they file for ba... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Prime. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V478000 (Electrical System) 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 exper... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The contact allowed the vehicle to cool down. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the engine failure was due to coolant leaking into th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
Collision Mitigation Braking System malfunctioned on 4/23/24 causing automatic abrupt braking when driving over metal hole cover in road. The braking was so intense the car behind our family nearly collided with our car. In the moment this happened the car was not in driver’s control as a result of malfunction. Contacted local Honda dealer by phone who was familiar with the issue and advised the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The infotainment system in my 2019 Subaru Outback glitched/ stops working randomly. I have a video of the touchscreen glitching and making selections betweens apps by itself. Also, I've started having random alerts pop up on the dash, such as: " obstacle ahead" when there is not an obstacle ahead or "roads may be icy" when it is 60 degrees outside. I reported it to Subaru, which they advised me to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
In our 2024 Honda HRV, If you are holding the steering wheel at 12 and turn it to 12:02 or to 11:58 there is stickiness, once the going past the stickiness there is then a jerk in the wheel.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
To whom it may concern, I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding my recent experience with my 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. It has come to my attention that there is a known issue with the piston in the engine of this model, and unfortunately, I have fallen victim to it. This issue has caused significant inconvenience and expense for me. As a loyal Chevrolet customer, I e... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
The Cylinder head cracked and caused oil to spill out. This was inspected at Towne Mazda in Orchard Park, NY. I was driving ~50 miles when the issue occurred, and had driven approximately 40 of the 50 miles when me and my sister pulled over and noticed my engine smoking and the burning smell to be pungent. Had I not pulled over, It could have led to engine misfire and damage to other parts of my v... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V256000 (Exterior Lighting). The dealer was made aware of the issue, but the service manager initially refused to perform the recall repair free of charge due to the vehicle's salvage title. However, after the contact threatened to report the dealer, the dealer complied and repaired the vehicle free of... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
While turning vehicle at slow speeds the trailer warning,no trailer on vehicle, stability control hill assist radio and steering stop working as well as vehicle will stall out. Depending on when it happens it may stall while turning into traffic. I have searched the issue and found there is a ground problem under dash near windshield. It has happened multiple times like 15 as of this date.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
While turning vehicle at slow speeds the trailer warning,no trailer on vehicle, stability control hill assist radio and steering stop working as well as vehicle will stall out. Depending on when it happens it may stall while turning into traffic. I have searched the issue and found there is a ground problem under dash near windshield. It has happened multiple times like 15 as of this date.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started overheating, and smelled an abnormal electrical burning odor inside the cabin. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle and inspected under the hood. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Veloster. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
The ABS control module is not working. This turns off the anti-lock brakes and I have nearly hit someone when the brakes locked and skid across the intersection. The consistency beeping and vehicle message block the information screen. I have been waiting for over a year for the parts to be replaced. It is a shame that new vehicles safety systems doesn't work. The part is 68347098AA the replacemen... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Kia is refusing to repair a 2016 Soul subject to NHTSA recall No. 23V-218.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the rear bench seat was loose. The contact stated that the base was attached; however, the back of the bench moved and wiggled when the hand was placed anywhere on the bench. The contact stated that the seat was not secured, and it was not safe to install the car seat on the bench. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
The roof seals failed, water poured into the rear of the car in cargo space, and filled spare tire wheel well without warning. We had noticed a sour, moldy smell prior to that, and began to show allergy symptoms, necessitating medication. Dealer was made aware.They tested roof and resealed it. The roof was glued on at manufacturer… not riveted or secured in any other way. It is the fault of... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
On multiple occasions, my 2022 Honda Accord has used the automatic braking system against my better judgement and almost caused traffic collisions. - It has braked when I was simply turning around in a parking lot, nearly causing a vehicle to hit me. - It brakes when I'm trying to park my vehicle in a narrow garage space, despite not being in danger of hitting anything. - It has braked at traff... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact replaced the battery, but the vehicle failed to restart. After numerous attempts, the vehicle was able to restart but the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restar... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of the spare tire well, he observed that the well was full of excess water. Later, he observed that water was entering from the rear passenger’s side quarter panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
At less than 8000 miles on this brand new vehicle, the paint started chipping away all the way down to the metal under the paint on the front of the car… The dealership that I ordered from the manufacturer through stated it will probably start to rust and that I need to have someone repaint it… They tried to refer me to someone that they use for paintwork… And stated it will be at my expense... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
Oil was leaking when we bought the car. By the time of the first service at the dealer (~7,500 miles), I had noticed the plastic underbody cover has some smeared oil that was making it past the plastic cover and fasteners. I had assumed they would catch any problems, but after the service they did not mention seeing anything, so I kept a closer eye on it. Brought it back about 1 to 2 months later ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
1. The coolant bypass valve failed. I had to pay about $950 to get it fixed because it is a safety issue and was not covered under any warranties. 2. Yes they were. The coolant bypass valve is responsible for maintaining optimal engine temperature. With this part broken it, the engine can overheat as the coolant will not circulate through the radiator. 3. Yes. The toyota dealership informed us t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The safety recall on my vehicle has been open for nearly 7 months with a risk of fire. There is still no status as to when my vehicle can be serviced to prevent this risk of fire. I find this lack of urgency completely unacceptable considering the risk.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The safety recall on my vehicle has been open for nearly 7 months with a risk of fire. There is still no status as to when my vehicle can be serviced to prevent this risk of fire. I find this lack of urgency completely unacceptable considering the risk.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2012
We were driving to northern Minnesota on the freeway. There were no vehicles in front of mine in either lane. The automatic braking system engaged and the vehicle almost came to a stop on the freeway before it disengaged. Approximately 1 hour later it happened again. If there had been a vehicle behind us in either instance there would have been a serious problem. Today pulling into the garage the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V711000 (Visibility). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the dealer was advised to not service the vehicle to prevent damages to the front windshield. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
Lately the automatic braking system has been applying the brakes unnecessarily when there's nothing in front of me. That is an escalation from the at least 3-4 times a week the brake sign will light up and the steering wheel will shake to let me know to brake but there's no car in front of me but rather a car in the lane going the opposite direction. I love in West Virginia and there's a lot of tw... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
windshield cracked and replaced
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the signal changed, and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle moved forward but failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver became aware that the coolant level was low. The contact stated that the engine was making an abnormal rattling sound. The front wheel was making an abnormal sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The service engine error message was sent to the Ford pass. The vehicle was taken t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac XT6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument panel went black. The vehicle was restarted, and the instrument panel lights illuminated but the vehicle began shaking from the driver's side. The check oil warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she felt heat coming from where her feet were located under the das... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
The car essentially stalls and the gas pedal becomes unresponsive at times. It is mostly from if the car is stopped or if you are growing slower and then try to go faster I.e. turning on a stop sign into a road. I continue to press the gas pedal and then it will peel out once the car comes to. It is terrifying because I feel like I cannot trust the vehicle and it carries my children. I am terrifie... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
Over the course of 5 years, a lot has been mechanically wrong with our vehicle. Each service appointment yielded a 'cannot duplicate' response. Recently, my car has been in the service department a few times. My car had recall work performed on a ground bolt, and my husband advised them that the car had a 'rich fuel' smell when starting with the hood open. I've complained since 2021 of a smell whe... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
Twice while driving my Rogue it has gone into a limp mode. First time car was towed to Ted Russell Nissan and they found no code for problem ,an update was installed. Second time I drove car to same dealership and again no code was found. The have now had my car for 8 days and can’t get car to duplicate problem. I have to take grandchildren to daycare and pick them up. Both times the proble... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-450 SD. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, he started to hear a loud knocking noise coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to reach out to the NHSTA ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the engine unexpectedly shut off. The Power Train Malfunction, Service Engine Soon, Reduced Power Warning, Pre-collision Assist Not Available, and Active Trac Not Engaged me... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
The engine is consuming motor oil in excess after conducting oil changes. If it goes unaddressed after oil changes, it causes the pins in the engine to not operate properly. This results in a check engine light requiring the owners to get another oil change prior to actually needing one. Kia motors is aware of this issue; however are only willing to replace the engine if it fails due to pins and n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
Took it for inspection was told the part that holds the engine up is rotting away and it will not pass inspection next year this is disappointing I have cars older then this and they are in better condition this vehicle was brought brand new this should not occur I could understand if it was old this car is only 8yrs old I have pics to support
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
Seat belt extenders are not made available at Kia Dealership.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted and was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced and a tune-up needed to be performed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent me... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
There is transmission issues with shift i between upshifting especially at lower speeds. looking this up seems to be an inherent problem with Ford 8 spd transmissions
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
While driving in rain, the windshield wipers will randomly stop. This will happen both in AUTO and in MANUAL modes, especially at night in poor visibility. I contacted Tesla and they came and replaced the wiper motor assembly but the problem was not resolved. I believe it is a software issue. I nearly had a crash as this happened to me first at night in a very busy and complex highway intersec... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
With the car on, and wanting to take off, I pressed the accelerator pedal and there was a several second delayed reaction in throttle response/car movement. The car eventually started to move. This is the 3rd time I have went to push the gas pedal and the car did not immediately respond. There are no check engine or other warning lights on the dashboard. This is a huge safety issue as one tim... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The check engine light went on and the diagnostic code read was P26A3, Engine Coolant Bypass Valve is failing in my 2019 Forester, which only has 46,000 miles on it. Subaru was aware that this part was defective in the 2019-2021 models, because in Feb of 2022 the part was replaced and a service bulletin 09-80-21 was issued with instruction for replacing the part, but did not issue a recall, despit... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The structure supporting the fresh water tank is insufficient to carry the weight when full of water. The 36 inch long support bars sag ~2 inches when the tank is full, and the tank itself sags another 1.5 inches between the bars. There have been numerous accounts of these tanks detaching and falling out while travelling on the highway, posing a risk to other drivers.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Exhaust fumes fill cabin when car is slowed or stopped. I've had it to dealer once, but hasn't been fixed.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2021
The FRM module on my 2010 MINI Cooper S failed in 2022. I was unable to access multiple functions on the vehicle, including interior and exterior lighting, window controls, and other operations that worked randomly during this time. I needed my car fully operational for work commuting so I had to find a replacement FRM, which I did from an OEM MINI parts website, [XXX] . The new FRM I purchased wa... Read more