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 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and drifted inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact became aware that the front brake rotors had overheated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnose... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed front driver's side air bag clock spring and inflator. The contact was informed that the front driver's side air bag clock spring an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
This car was purchased new on [XXX]. In the ~30 or so days since purchase, the battery has died on 4 occasions and would not turn over, requiring it to be jump started, and began just 3 days after purchase on [XXX] and as recent as [XXX]. This is my wife's vehicle and she was left stranded with our newborn child on one of these occasions in the 110+ degree Arizona weather. We ensure that everythin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the front driver and front passenger side A-pillar trims detached. The contact was able to retrieve both A-pillar trims and temporarily replaced the trims w... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceede... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
My 2015 Hyundai Accent started having issues with oil consumption at about 80,000 miles or so. I was having to check and add oil to the vehicle regularly in addition to oil changes. The oil consumption issue got worse as the vehicle got higher in miles, having to check and add oil every 600-1000 miles approximately. I was not aware of the known issue with Hyundai motors and the oil consumption so ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Paint is peeling between roof and body pillars. It is a 2019 built in 11/2018. Also clear coat and paint flaking off drivers door.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
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 stated that while driving approximately 4... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Forest River Salem RV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 08E032000 (Equipment); 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 contact stated that there was an ammonia leak in the cooling system. The trailer was not diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started on several occasions, there was a chugging sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle was shaking for approximately 30 seconds. On three other occasions, while driving at various speeds, the " Engine Hot" message appeared and disappeared. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated sporadically... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2020
Vehicle had a sudden loss of power. This was following a catalytic convertor repair last year. Took vehicle to Kia dealership and was informed that the total for repairs would be 4600 dollars. They informed me that they felt we should just replace the engine at my cost and that me vehicle did not fall under the class action lawsuit, though it was demonstrating very similar issues that they've s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine was misfiring, and there was smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The m... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I was merging on to the expressway and my truck kept going to the left into traffic towards a concrete median. I turned my wheel to the right to try to avoid it and started to spin out and went back to the right side of the expressway which was four lanes wide and slammed into the guardrail. After the wreck I noticed my ABS light was on I’m not sure if it came on as I was merging onto the expres... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I was merging on to the expressway and my truck kept going to the left into traffic towards a concrete median. I turned my wheel to the right to try to avoid it and started to spin out and went back to the right side of the expressway which was four lanes wide and slammed into the guardrail. After the wreck I noticed my ABS light was on I’m not sure if it came on as I was merging onto the expres... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
My 10-speed transmission started jumping gears at about 50 to 55,000, miles. I asked my Ford dealership to do a complete check of the vehicle at 58,000 mi because it was close to the 60,000 mi warranty. They told me there was nothing wrong with the truck oil change on the road off. I went. At 63,000 mi it started shifting skipping gears as it downshifted. It would jump when I went from Park to rev... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
While accelerating moderately, the transmission downshifted and momentarily locked up the read axle. This caused the rear of the truck to start sliding out. There was a loud bang, and when I checked my outside mirrors, I saw smoke from the tires. I almost lost control in heavy highway traffic. The entire event lasted about a second or two. I am glad I was not pulling a trailer at this time. I rep... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Paint on roof and hood is excessively peeling like thousands of other white KIA's...
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Axles were supposedly installed backwards. Suspension is not installed square under the frame and rv bounces violently behind truck. Storage doors have come open while in transit.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The car engine shuts off while in the drive position randomly while at a stop.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The car engine shuts off while in the drive position randomly while at a stop.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
My Tiguan randomly shuts down or stalls while driving. I have come very close to accidents because It is in the middle of the road where I can't pull over, people coming around a curve behind me that may not have time to brake, specifically RV's and Semi-trucks. It is terrifying. I have maintained my vehicle meticulously and payed thousands in repairs only to be told by dealerships and VW corpora... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
LANE DEPARTURE RANDOMLY DEPLOYS ALSO THE CARS COLLISION STOP HAPPENS OFTEN EVEN WITHOUT BEING NEAR OBJECTS AND/OR PEOPLE.
Incident date: May 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was jerking while shifting between gear. The contact also stated that the vehicle lunged forward while accelerating and was vibrating while decelerating. The contact stated that there was a loud clicking sound coming from the dashboard. The contact stated there was a burning odor coming... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
While driving regular route during working hours the check engine light came on. Car was taken to a trusted mechanic who reported that the oil level was extremely low! He replaced filters and oil etc. The care then performed for less than a day when again the check engine light came on, flashing this time. Again took car to mechanic who found metal shards in the new filter, replaced same and ad... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen GTI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (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 contact had no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
My wife could have killed herself or somebody when the power steering went out on the highway this is a serious problem and a continues to happen daily
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
We have a 2016 Acura MDX and it has automatically shifted to Neutral 3 times (twice while driving on the freeway and 1x yesterday while driving on the street at normal speeds) in the last 2 months. On the MDX dashboard, it will display "Emissions System Problem" and then display "Stop Driving When Safe. Transmission Problem. See Manual." However, the car will automatically shift to Neutral within ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure). The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front bumper cover detached from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer referred the contact to an auto body shop for further assistance. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
My 2017 Honda Pilot touring edition stopped suddenly in a busy intersection causing major traffic back up and dangerous situations until police officers showed up to help. I called road service and it would ne over an hour before i could get help. I was unable to place push button in neutral by several means to get out of traffic and with officers help. No means to override shifter to neutral in... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I purchase a 2022 VW Taos in February of 2022. Right after I purchase I got a coolant warning light. Took it to dealer and they added coolant. This stated happening a couple of time with the same fix by dealer. In March of 2023 they tested the cooling system and found nothing wrong and said the reason the car was loosing coolant was because the cap was not installed correctly and the coolant evap... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. The contact stated that while at a four way stop, before attempting to proceed, the vehicle stalled, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with cam shaft failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
Service ESC flashing on the dash intermittently. If I am in cruise control when it happens vehicle abruptly disables cruise control. Codes when ready are U0002 and U0212. Same problem happened about a year ago, dealer reflashed ABS and sent me on my way. I informed them of other similar trucks experiencing the same issue and that it wasn't a reflash issue. Had them document my concerns that it wou... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 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 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 that while driving at approximately 6... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
Coolant leaking into exhaust And engine also vehicle suddenly stops for no reason now engine is completely broken due to the coolant going into the motor oil
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
On July 15, 2024 this vehicle at 50 mph on cruise control suddenly flashed white warning words indicating problems with the cruise control and immediately thereafter started flashing “hybrid malfunction” and to return to service dealer. At the time of the hybrid malfunction warning which was right after the quick cruise control warning, the engine operation, specifically the gas pedal no longe... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2024
Steering is sticking while correcting lanes on highway at high speed
Incident date: May 19, 2024
The Electrohydraulic Brake Booster leak a Brake Fluid in the driver side Cabin near to Brake pedal.. This brake Fluid leak touch de floor paint and cause rust on the metal floor… eventually make the warning light on on dash panel and canceling brake functions and another think on brake system .. is a brake fail dangerous.. to much tacoma owners report that fails but Toyota USA solution is repla... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
Got in my car today and have NO DASHBOARD INFORMATION, no speedometer, no battery information, no back up camera, no access to any software related information.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
Driving up steep hill to my mom’s house car would not drive up, as it hesitated I pressed gas pedal to no avail. I turned off car, got out & nothing was blocking me. Turned car back on & accelerated, this time it went forward.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
The "transmission fault service now" light has came on. The vehicle almost stalled on the interstate due to sudden loss of power. The vehicle is not operable currently. According to previous recalls, this should have been fixed already.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
Twice this month while driving normally and at a moderate speed a message flashed on the monitor that the emergency braking system was engaged. The car slowed dramatically and suddenly. Without thinking I braked or pressed the accelerator. Luckily, the car returned to normal speed. When the braking system engaged unsecured objects were thrown around. If a car was behind me I could have easli... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Cruise control deactivation switch. I was getting in my truck on my way to work in the early morning. as I walked by the hood I could smell what seemed like burning wire, so I opened the hood & right as I got it all the way up flames started shooting up. I put the fire out and had to wait to call my mechanic he came and told me it was definitely the deactivation switch that had caught fire.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The brakes squeal and make an odd chirping noise. They grab too. The dealership refused to even look at it unless if I paid for a service. The car is under warranty.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
When removing my vehicle out of Park the gear shifted to Neutral and then it began heavy jerking when switching gears. The vehicle would stall and stay in neutral then it would shift gear and go back into neutral which is dangerous and almost caused a collision of me possiblly being rear ended in drive thru
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
Having trouble with steering. At times steering wheel makes noises and locks up while turning. I was told a recall was already done and that I need a new computer that will cost 5k for part and install. I just had issues with panel lights going on and off and had to replace secondary battery due to stop/start button which Ive had trouble with consistently. I think this issue with computer may be d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
One day I was on the highway driving and the front collusion safety warning appeared. I thought the warning went off because the sensor was dirty due to dead bugs. However, I pulled over and the sensor did not appear dirty. After awhile the sensor went off on its own. Then a few weeks late the front collusion safety warning appeared again while I was driving on the highway. The warning has not fix... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
3 years ago the first problem started. If my car was idle for more than 15 minutes the SERVICE TRANSMISSION & CHECK ENGINE lights would turn on. I made an appointment at Jeep but could not be helped because the light turned off the next day. I was advised this would not be covered because I had 32,000 miles on the car. Last month as I was driving on the. Freeway my SERVICE TRANSMISSION & CHECK EN... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Odyssey. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated. The contact stat... Read more