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: Dec 20, 2023
I was sent to this form by live chat to report that a recall for my car has not been remedied in a timely manner. I received notification in November of 2023 that it was advised to not use my car and to park away from buildings. It has been 7 months and it still shows as not updated on this website and the official Kia one.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
During my trip, traveling at speeds ranging from ~30 to ~75mph my car suddenly and with no advance warning braked to a full stop, four separate times. I was not using cruise control or any driver assisted features. There were no obstacles in the road. I did not get in an accident because there were no other cars near me on the two different roads I traveled on.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
The vehicle is displaying MIL on these 4 warning lights: lane keeping assist problem, adaptive cruise control problem, collision mitigation system problem, and road departure mitigation system problem. The issue is intermittent and can showing up for days and disappear and then come back. Sometimes restarting the vehicle a few times will make it goes away, sometimes not, which render these advance... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
The vehicle is displaying MIL on these 4 warning lights: lane keeping assist problem, adaptive cruise control problem, collision mitigation system problem, and road departure mitigation system problem. The issue is intermittent and can showing up for days and disappear and then come back. Sometimes restarting the vehicle a few times will make it goes away, sometimes not, which render these advance... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
We’ve had issues with the electrical system/brake lights when we hook any trailer (horse/boat/utility) to the truck. One issue is that the system shows unconnected and the trailer lights blink or do not work. We’ve brought this in to the dealer 3 times and they have yet to resolve the issue. The other issue of melted plastic on our rear sliding mirror. It just appeared one day, possible after ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Vehicle shut off 8 times on my wife while driving. Check engine light did come on with a warning from the vehicle stating a possible issue with our Engine Control System. Shortly after, while ON the roadway, at about 35-40 mph, the car completely shut off. Luckily my wife was going to a church and the church men were able to push her car safely, with our kids inside, off the roadway and into the p... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
The car shakes between 30-40 MPH, with or without acceleration. I’ve done a lot of research on this issue many people are having the same issue and can’t find a solution.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 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 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 while driving approximately 65 MPH, the cont... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
Car repeatedly shows a warning for "Front passenger safety restraint system fault." The error goes away after a few minutes usually, but comes up frequently - about 1/2 of all drives. Error came up in 2021 and Tesla fixed it under warranty in about 2 minutes, tech said it's a sensor under the seat and a frequent error. Called Tesla about it in May 2024 and they said it's a safety hazard and we nee... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
I have to get a new engine due to the coolant leak.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
while the car was in neutral tow mode, being towed behind a motorhome, the steering wheels went onto a 'death wobble'. This was after turning left onto an on ramp. Traveling 5mph. Stopped immediately. Started to slowly move forward and it appeared the problem has corrected. Towed fine after that. However, the vehicle has lost power steering. I have noticed from the forums that this has been hap... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and occasionally surged forward while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the wrench warning light illuminated and the message "Engine over-temperature. Service Now" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle operated as needed upon rele... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
I was in the process of merging on the the express way when my vehicle threw a warning light, "service electronic throttle control" along with a "service engine" message and a check engine light. The vehicle went into a "limp" and had extremely poor acceleration, I was almost rear ended because the vehicle couldn't reach highways speeds fast enough. The vehicle has not yet been inspected my the ma... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
I was in the process of merging on the the express way when my vehicle threw a warning light, "service electronic throttle control" along with a "service engine" message and a check engine light. The vehicle went into a "limp" and had extremely poor acceleration, I was almost rear ended because the vehicle couldn't reach highways speeds fast enough. The vehicle has not yet been inspected my the ma... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to confirm that the failure was related with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
THIS IS FOR TIRE SIZE P265 75 16. To start, I've seen multiple other complaints describing the same scenario and type of incident. Driving along the highway at appropriate speeds, I hear a whoosh/deep pitch rumble, then my vehicle began to vibrate violently. I was luckily able to pull over but had to swerve to regain control of my vehicle once the rumbling and vibration got too severe since it hap... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
The screen showing the speed and the backup can stop working at any point leading to a crash and compliance issues. It's been several months and VW still has not come up with a solution for this recall and these cars are still on the streets, hence they are a major threat to consumer safety.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
Front "camera"/sensor went out, this caused all of the errors to come up and ding repeatedly while driving at a high speed on the interstate. Honda says they won't cover however, this is a safety issue with lots of reports of the same issue in a quick Google search.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
Front "camera"/sensor went out, this caused all of the errors to come up and ding repeatedly while driving at a high speed on the interstate. Honda says they won't cover however, this is a safety issue with lots of reports of the same issue in a quick Google search.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
The computer was not recognizing my car being in the correct gear shift. It did this for a few days until finally, I couldn't drive it. The car would not recognize any part of the gear being in the correct position. The car would not move forward or reverse, resulting in a tow. The mechanic at Reed Lallier Chevrolet in Fayetteville NC was even able to guess my car make and model from the symptom... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
When driving at highway speeds the auto has started to brake and the warning brake alert flashes on the dashboard when there are no obstructions. On some occasions the brake warning light comes on even when there are no cars or traffic in front of the auto. Recently the cruise control turned off for no apparent reason.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
After a recent oil change, they informed me that the cross bar was very rusted and looks very unsafe. Upon further research I was informed there was a recall for this problem. I am the only owner and at this time all maintenance is up to date. Because the car has low mileage, I want to keep the car so during my research I was informed the part is unavailable. Not sure what to do at this point look... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
I have made a prior complaint about the same issue when I had the truck for only a day and 111 miles on it that the entire truck lost power as I was making a left hand turn. It has again happened that the entire truck lost power as I was driving. I now have 15,039 miles on it. I was driving stop and go leading up to a stop sign when the truck stalled and lost power and turned on the emergency b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
SUV showed on the display that there was a Hybrid System Malfunction. SUV is in a Toyota dealership shop in Aberdeen, WA. I called the shop immediately when the notification came up. Was advised that it was OK to drive until check engine light came on, which it didn't. I only drove to work amd back after the notification and call to shop. The cruise control would turn off and I'd be notified on th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
The driver seat on my 2019 Ridgeline I believe is a safety hazard (potentially the passenger also). When braking they move forward with a thud. The same for speeding up as there is a noticeable thud. Dealer states it is the Frame Rail. In 2018 there was a recall for very similar issue for Honda Pilot's (same seat and frame) due to the seat dislodging when in a accident. I believe this same thing... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
Having acceleration problems with the Kia and catalytic converter. I had contacted the Kia dealer but can't be seen till August but I need vehicle to go to work plus have dr appointments and can't drive the car feel like it's gonna die on me how can I get this problem recall done sooner as I need my car
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the second-row seat belts were being frayed while retracted by the belt latch. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the fraying of the belt webbing was slight but over time had become more noticeable and the contact was concerned that the belt would tear during a crash. The contact had not take... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
I have made a prior complaint about the same issue when I had the truck for only a day and 111 miles on it that the entire truck lost power as I was making a left hand turn. It has again happened that the entire truck lost power as I was driving. I now have 15,039 miles on it. I was driving stop and go leading up to a stop sign when the truck stalled and lost power and turned on the emergency b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
Antilock brake warning light that says service antilock brake system comes on often if you hit any bump or rough spot. It continually dings and then the cruise won’t work. We have been told the part to fix it is unavailable. It is a horrible thing that cannot be repaired.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
ABS MODULE has gone bad. Only the dealer can replace it. This has been an issue for years with this part. My truck has only 80,000 miles on it. Talked with a fellow the other day and the same thing with his truck with only 40,000 miles.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Was in 6th gear(on a 6speed transmission) and immediately my truck downshifted to 1st gear causing my back tires to lock up and almost crash into a median. This is due to a CSP that Ford no longer offers to fix because it "expired".
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Thermo control valve defective. Not informed one week ago when I purchased car at end of lease. Problem known to Subaru since 2019 or sooner. Would not have purchased if I had been notified about this major problem
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into reverse(R) and reversing at approximately 4 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal, and the rear brakes made an abnormally loud sound. The contact pumped the brake pedal and the sound persisted. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer who d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that several days later while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with water intrusion into the engine. The ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2019
The contact owns a 2021 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 contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The low fuel indicator light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
My car has had a rough idle off and on for 1 year. What is really scary is that 2 times in the last two weeks I have lost engine acceleration when pulling into traffic.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
DRIVER SIDE BUMPER DOES NOT SIT FLUSH ALONG DRIVER SIDE FENDER; POPS OUT ALONG TOP EDGE BETWEEN BUMPER AND FENDER. MANY REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE FROM FACTORY, INCLUDING ALL TRIMS AND ALL COLORS. A TSB NEEDS TO BE ISSUED FOR THESE VEHICLES TO FIX THE BUMPER RETENTION. MANY OWNERS WITH THIS ISSUE
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
I TOOK MY CAR FOR A CHECK ENGINE SENSOR. MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE IS COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. BULLETIN 22-2229
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Driver's Outside mirror shaking at highway speeds. Massive blur, headlights "dance" around, quite distracting and disorienting when checking for safe lane changes. Took brand new (less than 400 mile) 2024 Crosstrek Limited into local dealer to report buzzy left mirror. They took a look at it. Received this report: (Tech) said the mirror glass itself does shake but that is going to be normal b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The backup camera switches from color to black and white. It also produces static and becomes blurry. I have almost hit cars/people while backing up with the sudden changes while backing. I have taken it to the dealership. They said they are aware of the problem, bit have no solution. It happened a week after purchasing.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
I was driving on the freeway driving eastbound on 152 and I switch to the fast lane to pass a vehicle and the throttle stopped working, the truck lost speed and the truck turned off, a message popped on the screen saying that I needed to put it in park. I put it in park put the hazards on and attempt to restart it and it would crank but wouldn’t start. I did this until the allowed amount of time... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 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 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 ha... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
I was driving on the freeway driving eastbound on 152 and I switch to the fast lane to pass a vehicle and the throttle stopped working, the truck lost speed and the truck turned off, a message popped on the screen saying that I needed to put it in park. I put it in park put the hazards on and attempt to restart it and it would crank but wouldn’t start. I did this until the allowed amount of time... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Lane keep assist feature is on by default even with new software updates. when you merging to turning lane at intersections even with the turn signal is on, the car will try stop you merging into the turning lane.
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated, and the temperature gauge became elevated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the head gasket was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated after the vehicle had been repaired under an unidentified recall, the instrument panel and central electrical console were flickering. The contact stated that the headlights were also flickering. In addition, there was an abnormal burning odor coming through the air vents. The battery was replaced and drained prematurely. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated after the vehicle had been repaired under an unidentified recall, the instrument panel and central electrical console were flickering. The contact stated that the headlights were also flickering. In addition, there was an abnormal burning odor coming through the air vents. The battery was replaced and drained prematurely. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Purchased vehicle new. ABS and TC lights presented on dash intermittent. Cruise control inoperative when lights on. Had issue under warranty and had components replaced to resolve issue and now happening again. Afraid to have family in vehicle with inoperative safety systems.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Purchased vehicle new. ABS and TC lights presented on dash intermittent. Cruise control inoperative when lights on. Had issue under warranty and had components replaced to resolve issue and now happening again. Afraid to have family in vehicle with inoperative safety systems.