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 4, 2024
I was driving home and got an error message that the coolant temperature was too high, even though the gauge showed it to be right in the middle at the normal level. The car then locked up and I was unable to turn the steering wheel for a terrifying few seconds. The car then restarted itself and I was able to drive home. a while later, I tried to start the car and it would not start and kept givin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
OIl leak from "Brocken aluminum bolts" that do not hold up and are failing to hold up from basic car use. A safety recall on this manufacturing parts issue should have been mandatory back in 2015. When this issue started and Macan 2015-2022 all have this issue and are now been replaced with steel bolts. It is costing consumers $2000-$8000 in repairs do the safety issues of bad manufacturing of bo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
The sliding door on the back passenger side will not unlock. A lot of times we carry grandchildren still in car seats and in case of an emergency, this can be a safety hazard.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2019
Check engine light appeared and the car ran rough. I took the car to an automotive repair shop. Spark plugs are misfiring into the cylinder causing coolant to leak into the engine. Then causing the engine block to crack. 2018 ford edge with only 38000 miles. The engine could start on fire and cause catastrophic failure. The car is not drivable and the mechanic cannot repair it without cha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
The turn signals do not work properly. Has I attempt to turn left my right blinker turns on, otherwise none of the blinkers work and blowing my rear light bulbs. I addressed this to the dealer however any dealer or mechanic wants to charge me to look into this. As I was reviewing my cars history it has been noted as a manufacturing issues and failure to repair this defect. I purchased this Kia sad... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
My tempered glass sunroof exploded while driving at 70 MPH on a clear, sunny, 86 degree afternoon sending the glass shards throughout the interior of the car. No warning or damage to the vehicle roof preceded the explosion. There was a very loud noise followed by the safety glass raining down on myself and my wife. It occurred while driving on the expressway and no other vehicles were involved. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
Volvo mechanics claim the engine seized due to alternator pulley failure, however, at the time of the event, the engine showed no oil on the dipstick despite having added multiple quarts of oil over the last three months. Volvo has issued an extended warranty letter to customers due to excessive oil consumption, but Volvo failed to provide this letter for this vehicle. I’ve checked Volvo databa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
There is a common problem with the VSA module failing on Honda's and there is no mfg recall. I believe there should be.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
The headlights while driving will flicker completely off. This happens during the daylight lights are on and at night when main headlights are on. This is very dangerous and concerning while driving at night when I have to drive on country roads where the headlights are vital. This issue also creates unnecessary confusion with other drivers as they are under impression I'm flashing my lights at t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
Driving the vehicle the alarm dinged and the panel displayed service ABS system, service electronic breaking system. Would go off and on flashing intermittently
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
Driving the vehicle the alarm dinged and the panel displayed service ABS system, service electronic breaking system. Would go off and on flashing intermittently
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Without any warning from feel unstable, wobbly, or noisy, my car began pulling hard to the right as I was going straight on a small street. I was going about 10 m-15 miles an hour. My steering wheel did not respond to my efforts to straighten the vehicle and my brakes did not slow the car’s path. I was only stopped by two parked cars on the side of the road that I bounced off of. When I got out,... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving 15 MPH and turning out of a parking lot, the power steering warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost power steering functionality, nearly causing a crash. The contact's son depressed the brake pedal and stopped the vehicle. The contact's son was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assist... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, she observed a rubbing noise emanating from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that on one of those occasions, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while driving over bumps in the roadway the vehicle was not driving smoothly. The vehicle was taken... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
As I was driving out of the parking garage I could not turn the wheel of my vehicle and almost hit a cement pillar. A light popped on that had a steering wheel and a exclamation mark. This message had never popped up before. I looked in my owners manual and found it was the power steering sign. I thought my vehicle needed power steering fluid but found out it was automatic. I took it to the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
My daughter was driving her 2022 Mustang GT when the rim snapped, vehicle went into a truck, started flipping on the highway, then burst into flames. My daughter had approximately 3 minutes before it was engulfed. The manufacturer, Wheel Pros, stated that the insurance company allowed us $400 for the rim, so we should be good. This looks like a defective rim. It put my daughter’s life in danger.... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
My daughter was driving her 2022 Mustang GT when the rim snapped, vehicle went into a truck, started flipping on the highway, then burst into flames. My daughter had approximately 3 minutes before it was engulfed. The manufacturer, Wheel Pros, stated that the insurance company allowed us $400 for the rim, so we should be good. This looks like a defective rim. It put my daughter’s life in danger.... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
I hit a small bump at around 45mph and my truck began shaking violently. I was unable to control the truck and had to come to a complete stop. They call it the death wobble. It truely was frightening and I could have killed someone..
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated abnormally and lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the ignition coils and spark plugs however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was determined that cylinder #2 had low compression, there was s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
The windshield has such a severe glare from reflecting the dashboard in most lighting during the day that it is extremely difficult to see. This poses a safety issue because it is difficult to see pedestrians or other road hazards.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
I bought my car in June 2023 and I’ve been having problems with my steering wheel. The dealership's goal was to fix that issue. They said they fixed it, but I’ve been having the same issue since I bought the car. They had me pay a $500 deductible to fix the same issue since I bought it. Today is August 15, and they haven’t offered to fix it. I believe they are taking advantage of the fact th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
This vehicle is a lemon. It is a 2019 with 81,000 miles. How in the world does the engine start knocking when i have consistently, kept up with the maintenance on this vehicle. If i do not hear something soon im weakening legal action. Since May 18TH i have been without a car.i am a single mom and this is so difficult. Mind you it was towed July 5th from where it broke down on me.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
This vehicle is a lemon. It is a 2019 with 81,000 miles. How in the world does the engine start knocking when i have consistently, kept up with the maintenance on this vehicle. If i do not hear something soon im weakening legal action. Since May 18TH i have been without a car.i am a single mom and this is so difficult. Mind you it was towed July 5th from where it broke down on me.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The cruise control sensor or whatever its called that's mounted on my expeditions master cylinder leaks and I'm using brake fluid to the point I worry my brakes will fail or it will catch fire.tbere is a good amount of fluid around the outside of the sensor and I'm afraid it's going to ignite one day or my brakes will fail.im surprised there isn't a recall on this because it looks very danferous.i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
A fuse between the solar panels and solar controller melted and caused it to flame up. The incident could have caused a major fire. The problem has occurred on other units with various other owners. No. Winnebago is aware of the incident but we have not heard anything from them. There were no indications that this was going to happen.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
I HAVE A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE AND THE TURBOCHARGER INTERCOOLER HOSE BASICALLY BROKE FROM WHERE THE END OF THE HOSE STARTS AND A LITTLE BIT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE AREA OF THE END PART OF THE HOSE. AND THIS CAUSED MY ENGINE'S POWER TO BE REDUCED INMENSLY. TO THE POINT THAT I HAD MY FOOT PRESSING ALL THE WAY DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR AND IT COULD NOT GO ANY FURTHER DOWN, AND MY CAR WAS MOVING SLOWER THAN A... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred immediately after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V010000 (Electrical System, Hybrid Propulsion System). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer requested that the ve... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred immediately after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V010000 (Electrical System, Hybrid Propulsion System). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer requested that the ve... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Struck a deer traveling at 65 mph & air bags did not deploy
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
I checked on KBB.com and my car came up as having a recall for the drive shaft. The NHTSA Campaign ID - 23V754000 and when I called my dealership about it, I am being told that there is no recall. This is a serious issue and I am seriously concerned.,
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
Was driving at slow rate of speed <30 MPH, the car started having a really loud knocking sound coming from the engine and then lost all power. Had car towed to local garage and was informed that the rod bearing had been broken and the engine needed to be replaced.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
Electronic trailer brake controller when using disconnects and reconnects turning trailer brakes on and off creating an unsafe situation by never knowing if trailer brakes are going work. Dealer states no problem found with controller and changed trailer plug. Not correcting issue. Tried 2 other trailers same issue occurred. Leading to believe controller is issue. Web search indicates there are ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
Electronic trailer brake controller when using disconnects and reconnects turning trailer brakes on and off creating an unsafe situation by never knowing if trailer brakes are going work. Dealer states no problem found with controller and changed trailer plug. Not correcting issue. Tried 2 other trailers same issue occurred. Leading to believe controller is issue. Web search indicates there are ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted; ho... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
On days when it rains or the weather is slightly cold/dewy, the Ford Bronco seems to make a screech/horn-like sound only when reversing. I found some online forum links (listed below) where other Ford users seem to describe the similar issue we're experiencing. This is the second dealership that we have taken the vehicle to be serviced for the issue, but they have both stated there is nothing they... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was displayed upside down, sideways, and occasionally blank. Additionally, the pedestrian warning system was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that front driver's side window failed to roll down or roll up while engaging the power door window ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost electric power steering functionality. The message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The contact was able to drive to the nearby residence by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
Yesterday I took my one year old granddaughter to North Carolina, which is an hour and a half drive away. We had breakfast with family members and I loaded her into the back seat. When I closed the door it looked as if the door closed, but as I began to drive, the door swung open. I attempted to close the door again, and the latch would not connect to the hook inside of the driver side rear door. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that two separate dealers were ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and pulling out of the driveway, while attempting to depress the brake pedal, excessive amount of force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated that the braking distance was extended, and the vehicle was jerking while stopping. The contact stated that the ABS, Brakes, and traction control... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
Multiple safety features rendered INOPERABLE AND USELESS including front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping system because FORD uses an inferior product to connect the vehicle's cameras and sensors. Each of the systems listed "front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping system" are now DISABLED and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
Rear left seatbelt randomly stopped latching properly. Seat belt buckle goes into the latch but doesn't stick inside and just slides right out.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Wipers stopped during driving on interstate during rain.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The side view mirror motors/gears malfunction and intermittently fail to hold the mirrors in position when driving after the have been folded in them back out, either manually or electronically.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
On [XXX] we charged enough more than 80% limit to travel towards Knoxville . The vehicle indicated we have enough charge to reach Knoxville supercharger. Kindly note our vehicle has set like that it can’t go more than 80mph. While we’re closer to severville, the vehicle still indicated that I need to drive to Knoxville but indicated battery percentage will be -2% means we will not be able to d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the WIN Module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manuf... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at highway speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from sixth to third gear. During the failure, the vehicle abruptly decelerated, causing the driver to almost lose control of the steering wheel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the turn signal was not operating as designed. The contact stated that the turn signal was activating on the opposite side of the turn signal desired. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
On 7/24/24 I was driving off the expressway near my home when as I was switching lanes the vehicle made a loud clunk noise (it was like the sound of a lock turning but louder) and stopped accelerating, eventually coming to a full stop in the middle of the lane. Since I was blocking the lane, and it was during rush hour, I called the police to have them escort me out of the lane and into the middle... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
The contact owned a 2015 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, she observed a burning odor and the vehicle then stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road where she observed smoke and flames from the engine compartment. An unknown driver stopped and used an extinguisher to extinguish the fire but the fl... Read more