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, 2022
There was no incident yet light came on dash 2 days ago and I got a letter in mail for a recall
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
This is for a shuttering clutch. I was not put in an unsafe position. The problem was found by the dealer when the car was in having a TCM replaced. There was no warning lamps or any other indication. I was told from the dealer I purchased the car from that it was an automatic but had a clutch and would feel like a manual transmission when it shifts. The dealer told me there was a Consumer Satisfa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
Driving down the road at 45 mph. The vehicle turned off and died. Could not start it after coasted to stop. E toque 5.7 1500 ram. At dealer now. It will take a week for them to look at it.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
Cracked cylinder head causing coolant to leak.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Steering system seems to become unhinged. Something in the steering system is not working properly.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
While driving it shifts into neutral
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Passenger headlight keeps going out. Have had to replace 4 times in 3 years. Difficult taking off entire bumper
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, she became aware that the computer was not working properly, since the welcome message displayed on the instrument panel had seized for several minutes. The contact was aware that the failure was related to an unknown recall. However, the local dealer refused to diagnose or repair the vehicle since the VIN ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's door trim panel detached, ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
I had another incident this week where I was stranded in a parking lot and had to call Triple A to get my car running properly again. They tested the battery and belts and all were good. When trying to start my car, it locked and said: "ENGINE STOPPED, POWER STEERING LOW". Not only was my car locked, but it was shaking and making scary noises. The same thing happened to me at a drive-thru a year a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle was sputtering and jerking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his destination, where the vehicle was parked and turned off. The contact stated that upon attempting to restart the vehicle half an hour later, the vehicle failed to restart. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormal hissing sound coming from the gas tank. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he observed condensation under the rear passenger’s side tire. Additionally, the contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, he observed three cracks on the fuel tank underneath the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
Vehicle appears to have rod bearing failure and is available for inspection. Myself and family are at risk for being in a serious accident and/or stranded should catastrophic engine failure occur. Problem has been reproduced and confirmed by dealer (Howdy Honda Austin, TX). There is an existing technical service bulletin (TSB 24-002) for this issue and dealer believes my vehicle is affected, but... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
My car’s brakes fully engaged suddenly and without warning. There was no obstacle of any kind in front of my vehicle. I was traveling approximately 10 miles an hour when the phantom braking occurred.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Charging system failed The system failed with no warning, we were traveling on a country curvy road and about to descend a grade. With the charging system failure, the truck lost power to brakes and steering. It's at the dealer, being inspected etc. No warning lights or message until the failure occured, then a battery light appeared and a charging system failed message.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Charging system failed The system failed with no warning, we were traveling on a country curvy road and about to descend a grade. With the charging system failure, the truck lost power to brakes and steering. It's at the dealer, being inspected etc. No warning lights or message until the failure occured, then a battery light appeared and a charging system failed message.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
I received a letter from Tesla in Jan 2024 detailing recall 24V-035 for my Model S 2023 vehicle. This recall indicates the vehicle is not in compliance with FMVSS No. 111, S5.5.3. and promised an over-the-air software update to remedy the issue. However, it is now June 2024 and my vehicle continues to show no updates are available to fix this safety issue. My vehicle continues to run software ver... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
When driving the vehicle, my check engine light will come on, the car will shake, start to slow on its own, the steering wheel locks up. If I am on the highway, I better be able to steer the wheel quickly to pull over or else I will be in the middle of the highway. All of this happpens within a minute. The car forces you to turn it off or it will shake uncontrollably. Once you turn it off you have... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle to her right lane was struck by a vehicle behind it causing the vehicle on the right lane to spin out and hit her vehicle. The contact stated her vehicle was struck on the right center of the passenger side. No air bags deployed. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. N... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
i was driving down the road and the power steering just went out. No warning at all that this was about to happen. I was VERY lucky I was driving on a straight road. If I was in a turn I would have been off the road without a doubt.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
PC Solenoid B CAR REDUCES POWER & HESITATES while driving.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
This is a 9 year old vehicle that should not be stalling and shutting down. I had to be towed twice and have the fuel pumps replaced. Honda feels like they are not responsible. The fuel pump on the 2016 Honda pilot is no good. I should not have to replace the fuel pumps in a 9 year old car. Honda should reimburse myself and several others. Please make this a recall or a warranty extension. I almos... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
Multiple system warning lights come on at various times when driving the vehicle. These startle my wife and she is concerned with the safety of the vehicle. When she lifts her foot off the accelerator the brake and accelerator shimmy and move causing alarm that something is wrong. System says charging ports is randomly open while driving, the lane departure or blind spot detection is unavailable... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
This is certainly a weird incident that got my passenger side blind spot warning light to stay on solid, even though there was no car or obstacle on my passenger side blind spot. I was driving to pick up my wife at the airport, I was on the right lane and I had all my Toyota Safety Systems 3.0 activated. I was on a highway (65 MPH)when I was approaching to the merging lane, two vehicles were appro... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
This is certainly a weird incident that got my passenger side blind spot warning light to stay on solid, even though there was no car or obstacle on my passenger side blind spot. I was driving to pick up my wife at the airport, I was on the right lane and I had all my Toyota Safety Systems 3.0 activated. I was on a highway (65 MPH)when I was approaching to the merging lane, two vehicles were appro... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
This is certainly a weird incident that got my passenger side blind spot warning light to stay on solid, even though there was no car or obstacle on my passenger side blind spot. I was driving to pick up my wife at the airport, I was on the right lane and I had all my Toyota Safety Systems 3.0 activated. I was on a highway (65 MPH)when I was approaching to the merging lane, two vehicles were appro... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
The cluster that makes my dash gauges visible has failed and malfunctioning. The safety concern is that I cannot see my speed, my tire pressure, mileage, and I will not be able to see if there are other issues wrong with my vehicle since the entire dash gauges are not visible. The system is not resetting while driving and I lose power when it does that. I have to guess when to put gas or put th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 5... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
am writing you today in frustration with my treatment at both your dealership Hyundai Streetsboro and Hyundai of Bedford. When I first purchased my vehicle I expressed concern regarding the hesitation while accelerating and the emense amount of oil this vehicle burns. When I scheduled all my services I expressed the same concern only to be told that it's normal rate or oil consumption. I am extrem... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. 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 local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
My vehicle began to expereince irregular shifting through all forms of acceleration and different gears. Notable incidents include dropping from 7th gear down to 1st while traveling 60mph on the highway and hearing a loud bang. Other incidents include losing power will in the middle of an intersection or turning onto a perpendicular road. The abrupt shifting of gears would throw myself in the driv... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that upon activating Smart Summon, the vehicle turned directly towards a vehicle parked to the left at an undisclosed speed, resulting in a crash before that contact was able to cancel Smart Summon, after which the vehicle came to a complete stop. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 13, 2024
Automatic transmission shifter cable bushing on transmission side failed for the second time. This is a recalled item for this make and model. It was repaired in 2019 but has failed again. Dealer told me they would not repair again. It’s obvious the material they use to make the bushing are prematurely failing do to heat.
Incident date: May 21, 2024
Oil consumption issue. the car was eating 2-2.5 qts per 1,000 miles of oil. Over numerous 1,000 mile tests, it was confirmed my care was eating oil. The dealership did a combustion chamber cleaning, but the car still eats almost 1qt of oil per 1,000. I was actually told by a service advisor not to refill the oil and let the engine blow while I was driving it which is a safety issue. In my rese... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT HEADLIGHT REFLECTORS ON AUGUST 12, 2022. NHTSA RECALL# 22V624000, MANUFACTURER RECALL # WRG622. TO DATE THE MANUFACTURER HAS OFFERED NO RESOLUTION TO THIS RECALL. AS IT HAS BEEN NEARLY TWO YEARS SINCE THE RECALL WAS ISSUED I FEEL THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NEGLIGENT IN ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. I BELIEVE THAT IT IS TIME THAT THE NHTSA CONTACT THE MANUFACT... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2018
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the brake pedal was firm while depressed and then became loose, mushy, and depressed to the floorboard after acceleration. The engine was getting extremely hot. The front quarter panel was hot to touch, and the temperature increased inside the vehicle. The seat belt warning light was illuminated and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
For the very first time I've noticed that my car won't start in a normal way. It was a couple of months ago. It was driving fine back then. Two weeks ago, not only my car won't start many lights came on including the engine service light. I took my car to Columbia Honda dealership; they only tested my battery and told me the battery was fine. So, they let me go. On [XXX] my car experienced the s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
For the very first time I've noticed that my car won't start in a normal way. It was a couple of months ago. It was driving fine back then. Two weeks ago, not only my car won't start many lights came on including the engine service light. I took my car to Columbia Honda dealership; they only tested my battery and told me the battery was fine. So, they let me go. On [XXX] my car experienced the s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
This complaint relates to Recall Campaign 251 from Hyundai, specifically the ABS Control Module. I own an affected 2013 Hyundai Sante Fe Sport. I bought it used in October 2023, and it driven by my minor child. While the affected components have yet to cause a problem, the mere fact that this vehicle could start on fire concerns me. Moreover, Hyundai has the wherewithal to fix the problem, rather ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train). The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a loud popping sound coming from the engine compartment with a clicking sound near the fuel tank. The contact’s husband inspected the engine compartment and noticed that the battery had e... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train). The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a loud popping sound coming from the engine compartment with a clicking sound near the fuel tank. The contact’s husband inspected the engine compartment and noticed that the battery had e... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train). The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a loud popping sound coming from the engine compartment with a clicking sound near the fuel tank. The contact’s husband inspected the engine compartment and noticed that the battery had e... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
I was in the drive thru at a fast food restaurant and after I placed my order I was about 5 cars from the pay window. As I went forward where there was a curve I stopped and then when the car in front of me moved forward to the pay window I let up on the brake and accelated slowly. When I put my foot on the brake pedal it went to the floor and the car would not stop. I served to the right of the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
component or system failed or malfunctioned unavailable for inspection upon he safety of others put at risk Had the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer representatives or others warning lamps messages other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when didnt first appear What compone... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to b replaced. The vehicle was not repai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and after stopping at a stop sign and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal needed to be depressed several times before the vehicle accelerated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the cause for the failure wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
A steering coupler is failing and will eventually cause a loss of steering control while driving. The steering problem was diagnosed at a local Car- X by a certified mechanic. The vehicle is available for inspection. I took the vehicle in for inspection because of a clunking and rattling vibration while driving. The rattling and clunking and vibration caused me unexpected alarm distracting my focu... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
involved in a multi car accident at the intersection of [XXX] , and [XXX] bound on ramp at [XXX] and the other two parties involed air bags deployed . I t boned the car traveling on [XXX] that had ran the intersection red light after the incrdent i was facing acroos all lanes of traffic and a car traveling the same direction hit me in the passenger front door and no air bags deployed in my 2016... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The steering wheel locked up while I was driving. I was driving on a country road and the road didn't have any painted lane stripes and the car got a lane departure warning and the steering wheel pull me hard to the left, I almost got out of the road and on the way of a incoming vehicle, I break and pulled hard to the right and managed to pull to the side. When I got into a complete stop I checked... Read more