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: Feb 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle hesitated, and jolted while responding. The message "Service Transmission” was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the transmission was slipping out of gear, and the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. A relativ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
Transmission was failing without any check engine light on-> right passenger side tire would skid before transmission was replaced -> new transmission replaced still has issues shifting at times. Inspection was done by Nissan 104th in Northglenn.( sends out a threat to public by transmission not shifting gears properly to move or get out of way of other cars going faster speeds) Seat belt restrai... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
Brakes got hard all of a sudden locked up, almost hit another car, front collision warning keeps going off and automatically hitting brakes with no one in front of me. I’ve read it could vacuum brake pump failure. Please recall this as many people have kids and could hurt them.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
Started truck for 10-15 minutes with front and rear defrost on to remove ice from glass. Upon entering the truck, there was a smell of wiring/plastic burning. Smoke was coming from the bottom corner of the rear sliding window. I immediately shut off rear defrost and then shut my truck off. Then the driver side rear glass panel popped and shattered completely.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
While doing a casual drive, engine made a noise after work at night. Woke up in the morning and check engine light as well as the EyeSight light was on. Checked everything and noticed the coolant was low; but upon filling it, did not resolve the issue. Took it to a Subaru service center and was told that it the Temp Valve had been stuck and that they had replace not only one for my year model the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
Airbags did not deploy
Crash
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
As I was approaching a T intersection and preparing to stop at the stop sign, I started to apply my brakes when all of a sudden my car accelerated and lunged forward almost into the path of oncoming traffic on the intersecting road. As I had originally started to apply my brake, it felt as if the brake dropped slightly under my foot but, as the car lunged forward, I immediately jammed on the brake... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) 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 the vehicle had been taken to the dealer and had remained at the dealer. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
My 2011 Toyota Camry LE (2.5L, 2WD, 4 cylinder, automatic transmission) has been experiencing problems with oil consumption. I have to add a quart of oil between oil changes (add 1 quart every 2000 miles). I'm using the recommended oil type (OW-20). Also, I'm experiencing loud rattling noises coming from the engine after cold start up. The noise is very loud and usually quiets down after driving... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
While doing a casual drive, engine made a noise after work at night. Woke up in the morning and check engine light as well as the EyeSight light was on. Checked everything and noticed the coolant was low; but upon filling it, did not resolve the issue. Took it to a Subaru service center and was told that it the Temp Valve had been stuck and that they had replace not only one for my year model the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
When I would start my car in the morning, it would stall/sputter and make clanking noises. The check engine light came on, and I took it to the dealership for repair. They replaced a fuel injector and then the next day I had the same issue and took it back to the dealership. They replaced another fuel injector and when I got it home and tried to start it a few days later, the same issue persisted.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
The steering assist warning message came on and power steering failed twice in less than a week's time on my 2015 Lincoln MKC. It first happened while turning left and later in a parking lot at low speed shortly after I’d started the car. I could have had an accident had someone been behind me. I could not even steer the car into my driveway. Oddly, the problem would go away after turning the ca... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The whole instrument cluster went dark suddenly while driving. I had no idea what speed I was going. Eventually I was able to safely pull over to check what was happening. There were no warnings. We checked the instrument cluster dimming and this made no difference. We tested the lights, indicators and brake lights and all were functioning. It was very disconcerting. As we were in small town there... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
Fuel pump damage. 2019 and 2020 have recalls but not in this Vin range. Same failure issue though presents.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
I was backing into my garage in reverse gear when there was a sudden power surge and the car accelerated rapidly backwards (without me pushing the gas pedal), which led to a crash that caused substantial damage to the car. The car was out of my control, with it accelerating without reason, so something failed on the car. I do not know what component failed, only that there was a sudden and rapid... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
I was backing into my garage in reverse gear when there was a sudden power surge and the car accelerated rapidly backwards (without me pushing the gas pedal), which led to a crash that caused substantial damage to the car. The car was out of my control, with it accelerating without reason, so something failed on the car. I do not know what component failed, only that there was a sudden and rapid... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
My 2020 Rav4 back trunk hinge is coming loose, there for the truck won't close evenly. I took it to dealership to get it fixed, but instead they blamed me but its clearly a manufacturing problem they don't want to take responsibility for it.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
I was losing oil quickly. One Ford dealership said there was a leak in my engine. 2 other Ford dealerships couldn't find said leak. On [XXX] I was taking my car in for an oil change when about 8 miles out my brakes stopped working. Per Jennifer Wilkes at Ford this was the issue "Good afternoon, I had to submit a claim to replace the long block of the motor as well as the turbo assembly and the va... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2023
I continue to experience accelerated severe rear tire wear since my original purchase of this car new in February 2022 on both rear tires (275/45R20). The car has had the alignment specifications confirmed by Tesla. Yet I have had to replace two sets of rear tires in less than 36,000 miles due to the inside edge of both tires being worn through the rubber and into the steel cords of the tires. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
* Brake hose, right front wheel * Wasn't able to stop truck, Made a emergency entrance into a parking lot. * Problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or service center, only a parts store as I used their parking lot to pull into to stop. * No inspection yet on part. * Yes, Low oil light for brakes while driving and brake pedal was going to floor right when brakes failed. Lost of brake... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
I have had the blue screen sensors replaced 3 times. This has been a recall. Now my front camera is having an error code. Yeh blue screen came on while backing up and I hit a rock. They say it has been fixed but now it is still occurring with the radio freezing and the front camera producing an error. The dealer says there’s no current fix and they have an unable to reproduce it when it is at th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
I believe my steering has failed. I got it looked at, the dealership reported that nothing was wrong with it. My safety is at risk because it is hard to steer. It jerks on the highway. I believe it is cause my wheels/tires to also jerks and swivel. My car feels very shaky on the highway. I have not taken it to another mechanic because the dealership has already said they would not reimburse me if ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
Structure around the bedroom slide broke and pushed th exterior wall. Slide would not stay in place. Slide could have come out while going down the road and hit something or the wall could have totally give out and end upon the road and caused a major accident. The manufacturer was not interested in find a cause. They just said you’re out of warranty and hung up. The aluminum frame was just tack... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
Car randomly ahutting off while driving. No lights no warning justt dies. While caause accident when ot randomly die in the road.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
I own a 2013 ford Escape sel. While driving on the road a message appears and states steering assist fault. When this happens the steering becomes very hard to steer. I feel like I can’t even pull over because it is very hard to steer. I feel is very unsafe. Another msg that appears is hill start assist not available and then with that massage 911 assist fault. All of these messages to me seem v... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
The ABS Module on the vehicle continually go bad. A newly never used one was purchased 2yrs 4 months ago. A genuine Toyota part ($1300) and it has already gone bad. This is causing safety issues as the brakes make a loud thumping sound when pressed. The car also starts rolling in reverse when turned on if the engine hasn’t started as yet.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
When braking the vehicle will initially slow then it feels as if the brake releases or actually accelerate before the brake engages again. This has been happening pretty much since we purchased the vehicle. It seem to be happening with more frequency.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
Car battery constantly draining resulting in having to jumpstart the car now every time to turn it on. Had the hands free system disconnected by the dealership over a year ago due to them stating it was drawing on battery however it has not changed and went from occasional need to jumpstart to every time you need to turn on car. Have had two new batteries installed and car looked at by dealership ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
Retractable awning (by Carefree) has continued problems opening and closing, which can occur while the vehicle is traveling on highways, causing a potential hazard to vehicle occupants and other vehicles on the road. This problem has had a recall by Winnebago with repairs, which we have had performed, but it has not solved the problem. Neither Winnebago nor Carefree has a good solution for the pro... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
I bought a used (7,000 miles) 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV. Bought the car on January (18-19th) 2022 with a clean Car Fax. Then, on August 12, 2022 at 17,500 approximate miles the transmission failed. I was driving and suddenly the engine light came on and the car was being strange. Slight shaking, vibration, and delayed acceleration plus a few other details I cannot recall. I immediately went to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
Door locks stopped working. First the back two locks, then the driver lock and now none of my door locks lock or unlock on their own. I have read around and many people have this issue. I fear my car will be broken into because the locks won't work. This is unsafe and inconvenient. Please help us this is a widespread issue.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
ABS Code C0020-01-ABS PUMP MOTOR CONTROL - GENERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
This vehicle has the standard headlights. No headlight cleaners included. Live in Colorado. When it snows, the front end of the car attracts snow to the point all the safety features shut down and the headlights pack up with snow so bad you cannot drive the car at night. You can’t see the road and other drivers flash their headlights to tell you the lights are not on, even though they are. O... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to exceed 15 MPH. The Power Steering Reduced and Service ESC messages were displayed, and the check engine and low fuel warning lights were illuminated. The engine temperature gauge indicated that the engine was cold. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
On [XXX] I dropped off the car to dealership because engine light was on. They said it was the Catalytic converter and replaced it with about 95,607 miles on it. On [XXX] I was driving on a 50mph road and my speed dropped to about 10mph and then the car began shaking and engine light came on. I got it back up 20 mph to get it pulled over to safety Avoiding an accident. I had it towed back to sam... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q8. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the oil needed to be topped off frequently. The Check Oil warning light was illuminated and remained illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure milea... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 not ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts n... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY USING CRUISE CONTROL, THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING HAS ENGAGED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. A WARNING FLASHES ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE CAR SLOWS DOWN VERY SUDDENLY. IT HAPPENS FOR ONLY ABOUT 2 SECONDS THEN GOES BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS AND IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 3 TIMES.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
Frame corrosion through out the entire frame. Recently the steering rack broke away from the frame cross member. Now every time I turn the wheel there is a popping sounds and the steering feels loose compared to what it did before the sound accord. There is also a hole in the back of the frame behind the back tire. My attached tow package ripped sections of the frame and caused crack to extend tow... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
problem with milage range and charging rate . The vehicle will not charge above 24Kw--no fast charing possible "the vehicle has been found to be operating as designed and no repairs are being recommended" Leased vehicle in October 2023
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
Rear back up camera stopped working. When putting the truck in reverse the video display only shows the yellow grid lines. The camera video is black. I saw on line that this is caused by a faulty wire harness. There’s a you tube video showing where the problem is and how to fix it so this must be a common issue. I followed the instructions from YouTube and I took the tailgate apart and fou... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
Vehicle does not have the proper software updates needed to clear the two NHTSA recalls for my VIN.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the ABS inadvertently activated while making a turn. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the ABS pump was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who determined that the electronic module needed to be replaced, but... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
1-16-24:car wouldn’t open and start; jump-started by AAA to dealer; dealer kept overnight & checked battery: said charge held, ready to go home. 1-30-24, 4 pm-ish: able to start n drive, but check engine& eyesight warning light came on- late in day, so didn’t drive to dealer. 1-31-24: car dead; jump-started by AAA again & drove to dealer. On 2-1-24, dealer sends a video & says replaced battery... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
RAW Fuel smell at random times in car, sickness causing fuel smells where vehicle garaged.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
The Tesla Y 2023 was in the garage. My wife backed the car carefully out of the home garage that she has done many many times without any problem. It is not clear what exactly happened, but over the time of a few seconds, the car jerked or lurched forward. There was moderate damage to the siding of the garage as well as the side passenger panel. My wife quickly pressed the brake pedal to stop the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
On july 2023 i have talk to hyundai about engine stall in traffic n oil burning. i got an oil change two week my engine light n oil light is on before my warranty up but couldnt get my tucson in because no available appointment. Im in traffic at the light it turn green i press gas i didnt go nowhere cause my tucson was stalling i had to quickly put on my emergency light cause i almost got rearend... Read more