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 1, 2024
My car died at McDonalds and we had to push it out of the way. I was on lunch with coworker. Then it started and on the way back to work the car just stopped. We did not get hit but we sure could have. I had to have my car towed to dealer with my triple A. They told me I needed a new transmission. After many calls and much haggling I decided to purchase a transmission if I could have the old... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: [XXX] (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while charging the vehicle, the message "Service Charging System" was displayed, and the vehicle stopped charging. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the cause of the failu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Through a check engine light for camshaft position sensor bank 1 so I replaced both of them well that cleared the check engine light for a min and was running good the after five min of running it started rough idling cutting off and throwing a check engine light for p0340 again I sent it to the Nissan dealer shop they said it didn’t have no check light they tested the sensors and said there go... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
This is an updated video related to an issue I previously reported. I’m becoming increasingly concerned by the idea that Tesla’s recommended remediation is to replace the car’s MCU. However, the MCU in my car was upgraded to a newer version in July 2021. There are serious safety concerns with the need to perform a “soft reset” while the vehicle is operational (as seen in the video). Plea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
Auto Emergency Breaking & Forward Collision Warning: Yes it available for inspection ASAP My safety was risk, while driving on the freeway I was staying in my lane driving and all of a sudden it said Forward Collision: warning when passing a vehicle that was driving in the next lane to the right , then immediately the auto emergency brakes turned on and once it did that I had trouble with ste... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Faulty abs and hcu module. They are defective units and discontinued for purchase. I contacted local dealer and parts are on back order for 5 months.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Faulty abs and hcu module. They are defective units and discontinued for purchase. I contacted local dealer and parts are on back order for 5 months.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Auto Emergency Breaking & Forward Collision Warning: Yes it available for inspection ASAP My safety was risk, while driving on the freeway I was staying in my lane driving and all of a sudden it said Forward Collision: warning when passing a vehicle that was driving in the next lane to the right , then immediately the auto emergency brakes turned on and once it did that I had trouble with ste... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
All 4 Rotors are warped and pads are worn down on a 30K mile vehicle. Have had several mechanics tell me That the pressure proportioning valve hose.might be becoming stuck on just enough to make the rotors get hot and wear down. I have looked online and have read many people having the same issues.Kia has told me there are no active bulletins or recalls for this problem.I have driven sport vehic... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
The car's main screen displayed an error message, "front passenger safety restraint fault. service required." According to on line user groups this same safety system fault has occurred in many Tesla Model 3 cars. In my case, Tesla replaced the occupancy sensor harness in the seat and replaced the passenger side air bag, for a total price of $1800. Replacing the air bag was by far the most expe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
The ABS hcu fails intermittently causing a loss of traction control, cruise control. this is the second time i will have to replace the this unit. i had to first replace it at the end of 2021 and it failed a second time in october 2023.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Brake System", "Collision Mitigation System", "Road Departure Mitigation", "Adaptive Cruise Control" and the "Lane Keeping Assist" massages remained displayed along with an audible alarm. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
On January 19, 2024 my wife was driving the CRV when it suddenly slammed on the brakes bringing the car to a full stop. The dashboard screen said Object Detected. It was a violent stop, so much so that she thought she had been rear-ended. Luckily, she was not going very fast and the car behind her was able to stop without hitting her. If it had happened at a higher speed on a busier road she and o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that the front driver's side and passenger’s side headlight assemblies had experienced cracks and chips causing moisture to enter the headlight assemblies. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
On 11/18/2023, as soon as I started the vehicle, put it in reverse and let off the brake to back down the driveway, the car made a loud unfamiliar noise (like bzzzzzt) and suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated on its own. Nothing worked, brakes, automatic gear shift, gas pedal, and steering were all disengaged. It was terrifying to me and I was worried about anyone or anything behind me. At the s... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
The steering wheel clock spring has gone bad leaving no power to the electronics of the steering wheel making me question if the driver airbag works at all now. my passenger air bag is a bomb according to that recall and my driver is now faulty because of clock spring if I get in a wreck I'd be seriously injured or dead. do better jeep
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked and stalled. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The check engine warning light and the low oil pressure warning light were illuminated. The contact shifted into park(P) and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. The contact then pulled to the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
My car as I was driving on the expressway stop getting power stop accelerating. The collision warning light came on and the check engine light came on. My car has done this several times while I am driving and it’s very scary. It even wouldn’t crank sometimes and the dealership couldn’t find anything wrong
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Car had smoke engine overheating this is the 3rd engine I got sick from the smoke I don’t feel safe in that car
Fire
1 injured
1 deaths
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
I am submitting this report to bring attention to an ongoing issue with the power steering system in my truck, which appears to be under investigation. Notably, a similar problem led to a recall for the same vehicle in the previous year, prompting me to contribute additional information. The problem manifests as intermittent loss of power steering, resulting in increased steering difficulty while... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
CAR HAD JUST BEEN SERVICED BY SUBARU SERVICE DEPT ON 2/27/2024. ON 3/1/2024, WHILE TRAVELLING IN HEAVY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, WE SMELLED A VERY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE AND WERE ALERTED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT OUR CAR WAS LEAKING A LARGE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE IN THE ROADWAY. WE PULLED OVER TO A SAFE AREA, EVACUATED THE CAR, AND THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE WANTAGH FIRE DEPARTM... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I was driving today 3/2/24 and speed was about 40-50 and suddenly/randomly the vehicle would do a jerk once it got to about 50 and the rpm’s would jump up between 2-3 and quickly drop back down to normal. I was not pressing the gas hard or a lot just lightly and also the jerking would happen if I was going down in speed from like 60-50 it would randomly jerk again and rpm’s would increase and ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I was driving today 3/2/24 and speed was about 40-50 and suddenly/randomly the vehicle would do a jerk once it got to about 50 and the rpm’s would jump up between 2-3 and quickly drop back down to normal. I was not pressing the gas hard or a lot just lightly and also the jerking would happen if I was going down in speed from like 60-50 it would randomly jerk again and rpm’s would increase and ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Rear backup camera works intermittently. One time display screen was solid white, the next time it was solid green, abd the third time it was solid purple. Yet the reverse guidelines still showed all three times. Fuses are good and recently had battery replaced at dealership.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The vehicle has lost all antilock brakes Lights on dash warn there is a issue with vehicle safety capabilities. The trailer brakes will not activate. Dealer says common issues with 2017 2018 and cannot fix due to parts not available for a year. People are putting their lives in danger operating this truck with this issue. I have had work on this problem before costing thousands of dollars. I ca... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
My paint started fading then the exterior metal layer on the roof started to chip off
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
Burning clutch smell….recall is over a year old…dealer say parts not available 👺 how long can a recall go for…they should inform owners of the time frame…so should I continue too drive my $50,000 dollar jeep .. which may burst into flames 🔥 or not
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
Ascent randomly hesitates when pulling out into traffic.. both at slow speeds and when attempting to pass on interstate.. has been at dealer service numerous times regarding this , it periodically 'walking' when parked and ranfom inability to get hatch to work. Is currently at a different dealer service as previous dealer was unable to replicate and unwilling to keep vehicle for more than the hour... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
There is a plastic ring on top of the gas tank that holds down the fuel pump.I filled up my tank and looked under the car afterwards,at this time I noticed gas coming out from the tank until is was flushed with the top and then stopped.I pulled out the back seat,found the inspection plate and for sure this was and did happen,now nothing could be done at the time because the inspection plat hole w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
Tesla Model Y, loses control in snow and fish tails, making it unsafe. This has happened multiple time in winter and even in heavy rain. I follow standard recommendations for winter/snow driving, if you skid, ease off acceleration, and do not brake to avoid skidding. If we do this, the regenerative brakes kick in and brakes the car, causing the skid. Have had several narrow escapes in highways and... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
AFTER USING CRUISE CONTROL THEN BRAKING -CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGES AS NORMAL. THEN PROCEEDING TO PARK AT LOW SPEED AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO PARK-IT SEEMS LIKE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGES AND CAR ACCELERATES. IT ONLY HAPPEN A FEW TIMES -5 SO FAR- ONLY HAS ABOUT 9000 MILES. APPLYING BRAKE DISENGAGES THE PROBLEM. NO INCIDENTS OCCURRED, BUT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEM.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
goes into 4th gear and will not shift up or down DTC P1DD2 gas leaking from sending unit area and fan wont kick on untilk 230F also has electrical problems
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
The dash lit up with several codes I got out, walked around the vehicle as if someone damaged it would not start. It went into theft mode. Alarms went off, emergency, breaking temperature, control, climate control, side detection error had to have vehicle towed to have all codes cleared with the advanced snap on tool Computer the problem was undiagnosed but side detection error code is still displ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V133000 (Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the collision sensor lights flashed, and the brakes were applied inadvertently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The fail... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel was making an abnormal grinding sound. The ABS, air bags, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
I bought my first used car, 2012 Toyota Prius, from Fowler Toyota back at the end of October 2023, but I was not able to pick it up until September 21, 2023 due to extra time for re-conditioning. I did not haggle about the price nor complained about the 3 week delay. In the last 3 weeks of owning my car, the TPMS sensor light and check engine light infrequently turned on. February 28, 2024 all ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
My son was traveling at an appropriate highway speed when the truck in front of him stopped suddenly. He braked immediately and was able to slow down significantly, but not enough to avoid colliding with the back of the truck in front of him. He was going approximately 20 mph, still braking, when the collision occurred. His best recollection is that the vehicle's pre-collision system did not engag... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
With absolutely zero prior indication of a problem, the car became completely immobilized in drive while attempting to turn after being stopped at a traffic light on a busy four lane road. Every imaginable code was cycling through on the dash and all warning code lights came on. I was unable to shift the car into any gear. Meaning, I could not shift into neutral to push the car safely out of the w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
With absolutely zero prior indication of a problem, the car became completely immobilized in drive while attempting to turn after being stopped at a traffic light on a busy four lane road. Every imaginable code was cycling through on the dash and all warning code lights came on. I was unable to shift the car into any gear. Meaning, I could not shift into neutral to push the car safely out of the w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the safety risk highlighted in the open recall 24V-132. Upon reviewing the details provided, particularly the issue involving the damaged pinch bolt which may break and lead to a loss of clamp load between the UCA ball joint and the knuckle, I am gravely concerned about the potential consequences. As someone who prioritizes the safety of myself, m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, after which the vehicle was unable to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia K900. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
There was a slow leak in the left rear tire overnight while the car was parked in driveway. In the morning the low tire pressure indicator light was on in the car. I drove the car to the Honda dealer to fill the tire with air. Overnight while parked in the driveway the tire leaked again and in the morning there was a low tire pressure warning again. I left the car with the Honda dealer and they co... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shut off with the "Transmission Hot" message on the instrument panel. The contact drove the vehicle to the nearest independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective clutch kit located inside the transmission. The vehicle was later towed to two other independent mechanics who also diagnosed ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Last night, an incident occurred, which was previously reported to NHTSA. This morning, while driving to the dealership to address that incident, the vehicle's engine turned off while driving in hybrid/gas mode. The "D" was blinking on both the shifter and on the driver information panel. I was able to turn the shifter knob to put the vehicle into neutral, reverse, and park, but there was no chang... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
steering wheel play, steering coupler wear
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
When starting from a complete stop with the car in drive (usually from a stop light/sign), the dash will go completely black and come back online with initial guidance to place the car in park before starting the engine followed by "Service Transmission". Once put into park, it cannot be released into neutral to move out of danger - it's truly stuck. Based on 4XE forums, this is not a unique probl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Rear lower control arm broke while driving. Vehicle had to be moved on a rollback. Upon replacing control arm, cracks have been found at several points on the crossmember subframe. As it stands, the vehicle is a danger to have on the road.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Steering feels "notchy", especially at highway speeds. Steering wheel feels very on-center and requires extra effort to move it from the center position.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 ma... Read more