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 13, 2024
Exhaust front flex pipe leaking from crack at welded hanger. Upon research, this is a problem that go back to 2019. (Bulletin No.: PIP5681 Published date: 09/26/2019) ( Chevrolet TSB N222385510)
Incident date: May 1, 2023
I only feel that it is right I complain about the Acura Rdx headlights I really fear I will only end up hurting my self and/or others. The low beam headlight are dangerous at night I barely see the headlight on and when it’s snowing and the night time with no street lights I’m scared for my life. I can only drive my Acura rdx during the daytime. Please investigate this problem. Thank you
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
Steering feels "sticky" at highway speeds and lacks responsiveness and nuance typically associated with power steering. Can sometimes move the steering wheel upwards of a 2-3 inches without the front wheels actually turning in real-time. All drivers in my family (including teens) noticed this issue immediately. Seems worse in the cold and when the weather is damp. I've read reports of other ex... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
I purchased the vehicle in April of 2023. It has just over 2000 miles on it. I don't drive it very much. Starting in January of 2024, I’ve been having intermittent issues with my fairly new Nissan Kicks vehicle, as follows: •Engine stalling at stop •Forward Emergency Brake (FEB) Sensor activates when no obstruction present – and while driving full speed on road I have taken the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
I attempted to fasten my driver side seatbelt & the cable holding the seatbelt to the vehicle frame on my left side broke completely off, I have it temporarily attached until I can have it restored to its expected level of performance & have shown it to a Chevrolet service department & they informed me my cost to have them repair it would be $750, This incident never before or after the seatbelt b... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The 2021 Subaru Forester had been functioning normally with no warning lights. About 25 minutes into the drive I had come to a stop light on an upward incline. When the light turned green I moved from the brake to the gas as usual. However the auto-start function on the car failed, causing the engine to stall. A loud clunking sound was heard and the dashboard lit up with multiple lights, although ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The driver's door suddenly became hard to open and close and makes loud noise when doing so. The door does not sound like it is closing well which is a huge concern. I took it to dealer and they knew immediately what the problem is as it's a known issue documented by Ford "SSM 50150 - 2020-2021 Escape - Cracked Or Broken Spot Welds In The Left Front Door At The Check Arm Attachment Points In Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Similar issue to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V260000. Vehicle was in park. Shifted the vehicle into drive and the passenger side parking break seized and would not release.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
I have a 2019 Jeep Wrangler JLU, which currently has a recall out because the clutch pressure plates are apparently bad. I realized today that the symptoms of that recall are EXACTLY what I have been experiencing for several months now. I went to the local Jeep dealer (Wallace Jeep in Stuart, FL) and they said there was nothing they could do because Jeep has not put out parts to remedy the recall ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz E450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V880000 (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. While the contact’s wife was driving and then stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle inde... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
Engine Failure: Timing chain had excessive slack causing guide to be sheared off. Timing chain guide bolt was completely stripped requiring both the timing chain and cylinder head to be replaced. Safety: The vehicle stalled while driving Problem: Problem was confirmed by a dealer Warnings: The check engine light came on as the vehicle stalled
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
After several years of fighting problems with, after braking to a brief stop, the loss of power/abs grinding when accelerating and turning right, now the ABS is completely dysfunctional. Both TRC lights will turn on and usually the parking brake, and when braking at speeds less than 10mph the abs will activate and prevent bring the truck to a stop without pumping them, on dry pavement. When the AB... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
Started engine after parking and check engine light came on, eyesight disabled, and flashing “s”. Stopped driving and took vehicle to dealer. Diagnosed as thermo control unit. Told they didn’t have a loaner and was safe to drive for a few days. Has no heat and engine would not warm up. No safety systems. Retained 3 days later to dealer when loaner was available. Repaired under powertrain wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
At speeds of approx 40mph and up I am experiencing "sticking/resistance" in the steering. This is requiring me to make extra effort to correct and in some cases causes me to "oversteer" to correct the issue. It's almost like LKAS has taken over but LKAS is off. Also, since purchasing the vehicle new an LKAS warning light randomly appears when backing up the vehicle that tells me to "see dealer"... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
Had windshield breakage and replacement on 14 December 2023. On 29 January 2024, had an apparent windshield strike (pinhead size) and windshield cracked from middle to top. Within 20 minutes crack had spread all across the top of windshield. While parked crack spread down and completely across the bottom of windshield in about 30 minutes. Vehicle is now in Mercedes dealership for windshield serv... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Brakes: ABS system has been feeling funny for some months. Engine: Consistent P3497 Code which has turned into a check light ON.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
While driving the vpickle, shut off on its own and came to a complete stop. No lights, working, no horns know nothing would work on this vehicle. This happened while the vehicle was in motion we are lucky we didn't die.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2022
The rear driver side door Ajar light well come on when the door is closed and not making my doom lights come off and stay on and running down my battery
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Watergets into the body of the car for years since i bought the car i chaged the "body plugs" at the dealer they told me that would fix the problem but whenever it rains floor and trunk fills with water.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
Due to an oil consumption issue the engine failed while there was still 1000+ miles before the next oil change was due. There was no warning light indication that the vehicle needed oil. Needed to replace the entire engine. After engine was replaced we were required to monitor the oil consumption consistently. The issue continued and oil had to be monitored and changed more often than manufact... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
The water pump is in the engine on this vehicle. You have no clue if it is leaking and it can cause your vehicle's engine to blow. It is also a very very costly repair for a water pump.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
The water pump failed causing coolant to leak into the oil pan causing my vehicle to die suddenly and without any warning lights or messages on a high speed, heavy traffic metropolitan interstate/highway (35W in Minneapolis). I was commuting home from work. It was completely dark. I was in the far left lane and had to quickly maneuver across 4 lanes to the right shoulder narrowly missing being s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the rear driver's side door failed to latch when closed, causing the door to fly open. The contact stated that he used a rope to tie the door to another door to keep the door securely closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was inspected. The dealer determined that the door handle assembly needed to be replaced and informed t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
The thermal control valve stopped working. The car has <50K miles on it. The error also results in many/all of the safety systems being deactivated (no adaptive cruise control, no lane centering, no rear braking, etc.)
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
Steering wheel sticks while driving causing driver to jerk the wheel to make it move
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
Vehicle is leaking exhaust into cabin. Had it inspected and was informed that my front catalytic converter is cracked. Mechanic informed me this is a common flaw in gm vehicles that happens regularly and that there were already some existing recalls related to this.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
I'm currently experiencing problems with what I believe to be the Electronic Power Steering. As I'm driving it feels as though the power Steering goes in and out as it becomes difficult to turn the Steering wheel. It's currently an intermittent issue. I see Ford had recalls for this on other manufacturers dates and would like to know if my vehicle would be added to the same safety recall?
Incident date: Nov 16, 2023
On many occasions, the AEB (FEB) engages on its own, when there is not vehicle or item in the car's path. This is a safety issue, as it can happen in traffic, which is likely to cause a collision. This week I took the vehicle to Regal Nissan in Roswell, GA and made them aware of the situation. I was told, "This is a technologically advanced vehicle. If dirt or debris is on the front of the veh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
I'm on my 3rd windshield in under 12 months. I have not changed my driving habits and have been in typical weather for my area. The vehicle is garage kept. First windshield had a center driver's side ding that lasted all winter. We had some unseasonable spring weather changes that caused it to crack and spiderweb replaced 4/10/23, 24K miles. 2nd windshield, cracked 5/15/23, got dinged at the bo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle in a driveway, it failed to turn over and start. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the start-stop button again, but it failed to start. After another attempt, the vehicle restarted, inadvertently accelerated, and crashed into a wooden fence. There were no reported injuries. There was no air ba... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
-My rear differential needs replaced with just 24,000 miles on the car. I have the video from the technician at the Mazda dealership if needed. -My safety was not at risk because I took the car in at the first sign of issue. -Mazda Dealer technician has confirmed problem. -Mazda has been contacted to approve the part/fix since it is still under warranty. -No warning lamps appeared. I noticed a n... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The coolant system depressurizes due to steel head bolts into the aluminum block. While driving, the coolant system released all pressurized coolant out of the coolant overflow tank. The engine began to overheat without warning in the middle of traffic while transporting children. Kia has sent out an Extended Warranty to all 2016-2017 Sorento owners to attempt to remedy the issue. Our dealership w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The anti lock brake system has failed on my 2018 Ram 2500. This has been confirmed by the dealer as well as an independent shop. First case was hauling a trailer full of wood, a car pulled out in front of me, I slammed the brake and the anti skid failed, brakes locked up. The only reason I didn’t completely lose control is my trailer brakes worked and stopped the swerve. Since that day the ABS ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The anti lock brake system has failed on my 2018 Ram 2500. This has been confirmed by the dealer as well as an independent shop. First case was hauling a trailer full of wood, a car pulled out in front of me, I slammed the brake and the anti skid failed, brakes locked up. The only reason I didn’t completely lose control is my trailer brakes worked and stopped the swerve. Since that day the ABS ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, she noticed a leak on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cooling system was leaking. The dealer determined that the cooling system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to an unk... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
Defective water pump caused coolant leak and the serp belt to deteriorate at 30,000 miles. Previous years of this vehicle have been recalled for this issue but mine was not recalled. The service department refused to fix the damage caused to my car under warranty. The water pump was replaced under warranty but I had to pay for the serp belt.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle in a driveway, it failed to turn over and start. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the start-stop button again, but it failed to start. After another attempt, the vehicle restarted, inadvertently accelerated, and crashed into a wooden fence. There were no reported injuries. There was no air ba... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron. The contact stated that after charging the vehicle to 80 percent, the vehicle only achieved 91 miles of travel time. The help system warning light was continuously illuminating. The contact stated that the turn signal intermittently failed to operate as needed. The contact also stated that the Lane Keep Assist intermittently failed to operate as designed, an... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
I was driving down a country road, and suddenly the engine stopped working, all systems shut off, and dash started flashing. Luckily, there was no one around me, and I was able to coast to a stop. However, it would have been terrible if this had happened on a busy road. Nothing worked including brakes. Had the car towed to the dealership, since we were just over 100K miles they would do nothing, a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The windshield cracked for no reason while parked in our garage. The windshield was not stuck by any objects, the car was simply setting parked in our garage. There is no evidence of any object striking the windshield such as a rock chip or other items. The Crack is in line with the left side EyeSight driver assist technolgy sensor mounted inside the windshield. The Crack in the windshield may ef... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
Power train system (po299) A turbocharger harnesses the flow of exhaust gases that spins an internal turbine. This turbine then forces or packs air into the engine faster than normal .This action increases the horsepower of the engine. When it doesn’t work!!!!A failed turbo charger will cause a decrease in engine performance which isn’t for family . (Manufacturer recall number:A212338300 reca... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
Power train system (po299) A turbocharger harnesses the flow of exhaust gases that spins an internal turbine. This turbine then forces or packs air into the engine faster than normal .This action increases the horsepower of the engine. When it doesn’t work!!!!A failed turbo charger will cause a decrease in engine performance which isn’t for family . (Manufacturer recall number:A212338300 reca... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
My car's belt had been screeching for a few weeks. I was planning on taking my car in the next day. When i turned my car off, all the electrical went out and it started smoking on the driver's side. I got my car towed to the nearest auto shop. They replaced the battery and belt and yet the electrical was still out. When they tested the fuse, the driver's mirror caught on fire and was smoking. Than... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
Truck has a faulty fuel pump relay which causes the pump to run constantly or not at all. This can cause the vehicle not to start, or to not perform correctly while driving and potentially cause accidents. This is a known issue among mechanics and there are a couple of bypass methods to fix - the relay is not serviceable being located in the TIPM. No warnings are associated with this issue.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
My rear window has shattered twice in 1 year 11/22 &12/23.. @ no fault of my own..both times I get in car close door & window just shatters, I had kids in truck bck seat, Acura should take accountability for this issue something to do wt rear defroster, but when will it happened again it’s dangerous, & they will not recall those bck windows
Incident date: Sep 25, 2020
My toddler has been easily able to open the chest clip, barely pressing the button to release it. Even after it gets clipped back together, he quickly reopens it.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
About 9 month ago parked the truck then the next morning pulled out of my driveway and power steering went out completely. Truck had under 100k mile on it? Dealer kept saying part was on backorder for months and now they say the part has been discontinued? Even aftermarket remanufactured units are no longer being made available due to the high failure rate from speaking to 3 suppliers. Given the h... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the oil warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the light had appeared prior to the next scheduled oil change. A few days later while driving 60 MPH, an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine with an oil burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle then stalled and ... Read more