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: May 15, 2024
There is a defect on all models like mine, and the dealer claims that it cannot be fixed. With my former vehicle, a 2019 BMW 340i GT, whenever I drove into a garage, the headlights would come on immediately so I could easily see where I should go. With the Lexus, it takes about 5-to-8 seconds for the headlights to turn on. This is unsafe to anyone walking in the garage inn that area.
Incident date: May 30, 2024
While traveling at highway speed, with no warning my truck lost acceleration power. There were other vehicles in the road, and I had to travel across multiple lanes to get to an exit while the vehicle was continuously slowing down. This put myself and my children at risk due to the sudden loss of power. I was able to exit and turn the engine off, after which, the problem seemed to stop. I took my ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
While traveling at highway speed, with no warning my truck lost acceleration power. There were other vehicles in the road, and I had to travel across multiple lanes to get to an exit while the vehicle was continuously slowing down. This put myself and my children at risk due to the sudden loss of power. I was able to exit and turn the engine off, after which, the problem seemed to stop. I took my ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Just had transmission fluid changed, now car is jerking and has no response to acceleration pedal. With car in park and gas pedal pushed down the RPM's don't move. Losing power going up a small incline RPM's drop to 500 and speed drops from 55 to 30mph. No codes from scanning but check engine light is on. Nissan has no idea what is going on.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
When driving at highway speeds while in a curve the steering will stick which causes u to possibly over correct and could cause an accident... and after doing some research this seems to be a very common complaint with these particular vehicles of the same year model and newer with no resolution ...
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Diagnose: code P05271 - Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance: The valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction. Mercedes Benz extended warranty to 15 yr / 150k miles for intake assemble which resolve this issue. Like to acquire a confirmation letter from Benz to cover the repair by the Benz dealer
Incident date: May 27, 2024
I own a 2013 Ram Sport with 69111 miles. My truck gets serviced regularly. I have not had any issues until I got in the truck on 16 May 2024. I started the truck to go to work and got the "service power steering" message and the indicator was on, steering wheel will not move. Had it towed to the dealer where they said my electronic power steering module is bad. Part is backordered by weeks, unable... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2024
Per BMW's SIB (Service Bulletin) "SIB 17 03 20" "The O-rings that seal the quick disconnect coolant lines will not seal properly when outside temperatures are at or below -15 degrees C (5 degrees F) et. al BMW - DEFECT CODE: 1712144800 "Coolant hose including quick-release coupling not leak tight" on-going issue since 2019 on the BMW X3 Model G01
Incident date: May 27, 2024
The engine has a coolant leak and has made my car not properly functional. Have taken it in multiple time for repairs same issue would happen now they won't fix it because of a specific code is not reading but exactly what's going on they won't fix because it's over the milage coverage confidently.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2019
A crack in the windshield appeared one day with no apparent reason.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2019
A crack in the windshield appeared one day with no apparent reason.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2019
A crack in the windshield appeared one day with no apparent reason.
Incident date: May 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag sensor warning light illuminated and the seat warming function failed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the wiring in the seat was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made a... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving or parked, the “Air Bags Deactivated” and “Seat Belt Detached” warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a local dealer. The independent mechanic performed an electronic reset on the vehicle and the lights were off for one day; however, the failure reoccurred. The independent... Read more
SUBARU
ASCENT
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
May 30, 2024
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights and the “Service ABS Control Braking System” message flashed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that simultaneously an audible chime was heard. Additionally, while driving at various speeds with the cruise control activated, the cr... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of smoke coming from the tailpipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a blown. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of th... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
I just purchased a used 2021 GMC Sierra after having for a month the SERVICE POWER STEERING came on, I took it in for service and was told the part is on back order. Not to worried if the dealership and GM sold it to me that way. I am going to drive it and hope and pray that nothing bad happens. And if it does i will be getting a Lawyer.
Incident date: May 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. 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 had no... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2024
Driving during rainstorm, car in front slowed down so I pressed brakes they locked up and I spun around. Abs light and traction light were on.
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side seat belt pre-tensioner inadvertently deployed and locked. As a result, the seat belt pre-tensioner failed to retract or extend. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat belt retractors needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V099000 (Seat Bel... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side seat belt pre-tensioner inadvertently deployed and locked. As a result, the seat belt pre-tensioner failed to retract or extend. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat belt retractors needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V099000 (Seat Bel... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
While accelerating onto highways, my Toyota Highlander suddenly misfires, causing rough engine and a natural response to decelerate instead of continuing to accelerate. The ignition coil was blamed, I replace and then a week later it happens again while trying to accelerate on the highway. Another replacement and then it happens again a third time. There was a known issue under Toyota’s TSB 014... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle jerked and vibrated. Eventually, the transmission failed, and the vehicle would not drive forward. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The transmission clutch was replaced but the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Subaru sudden acceleration – Garage Accident [XXX] [XXX] – before noon, wet, rainy day: [XXX] returning from grocery shopping - car suddenly accelerated from near stop as she was about to enter garage, the car hit the garage brick wall. When she put her foot on the brake, the car suddenly accelerated. I have security video showing this sudden acceleration (.mp4, nhtsa doesn't accept). After... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Like the existing recall for the exterior A pillar , the exterior B Pillar is lifting from the car at the top. This has since caused rain water to leak in from the top and caused a short in the touch entry keypad within the pillar, causing it to flash on and off over and over draining the cars battery until it is dead and won’t start.
Incident date: May 25, 2024
Multi purpose camera failure that impacts the safety features in my vehicle. Many people have reported this, however Honda still hasn’t created a recall on it. Dealership wants $1900 to replace, but this is a safety feature how is this not on Honda to handle?
Incident date: May 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic Si. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts d... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
We have been waiting on an improved HCU for the ABS system for approximately 18 months now to no avail. The ABS system is constantly failing and throwing codes related to the HCU and ABS module which shuts down the ABS system as well as cruise control and the dash lights up like a Christmas tree more times than I can count. My local dealership has no information on when parts will be available to ... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2024
This model is designed with a small button on the steering wheel to activate the horn- I have attached 2 pictures of the horn button ( not a standard horn in any way) to show how small and non- standard it is. In the event the driver needs to use the horn, the driver needs to take his eyes off the road/traffic conditions to locate the small horn button. Also if the car is not traveling in a... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2024
Auto start stop did not restart engine after stopping at red light.
Incident date: May 9, 2024
I may have figured out the common link between Tesla Autopilot crashes. Distracted operators have the accelerator pressed while the TACC is engaged, thinking (for many reasons) that the vehicle will stop if there are any obstacles in front of them. However, when the accelerator is being pressed, the vehicle will not stop. It will happily run into a wall. One second before impact, the forward c... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 30, 2011
While driving the car, you could hear a squeaking noise coming from the rear passenger side of the car. It would get louder if you hit a bump. It took mechanics awhile to figure out what it was but it turned out to be the rear subframe had rusted through on the rear passenger side. The rest of the subframe is not rusted. However, it is now not safe to drive.
Incident date: May 24, 2024
I just bought this car with only 58,000 miles on it back in October. The dealership I went to pressured me into buying this car for $5,000 more than the Toyota I went in for. I had a bad feeling from the start, but I’m young and easily taken advantage of. While driving a couple weeks ago, taking my [XXX] son home from the park, a check engine light came on. (First light to ever come on since ge... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
I was going about 30mph going straight, when all of a sudden a warning popped up on my dash stating, “steering assist fault service required”. Steering was very difficult and stiff. Once parked and turned off vehicle, warning went away.
Incident date: May 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission and a battery failure. The vehicle was partially repaired. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway, the vehicle lost motive power with the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed with a failure with the engine not receiving engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
Daughter was driving and noticed initially that the steering wheel briefly lost power making right turns and applying the brakes. The next day while negotiating a curve the steering wheel froze and warning light came on stating “steering wheel assist fault.” Almost left the roadway before steering returned. Went directly to mechanic nearby. Mechanic scanned and found code U0131 Lost Communi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
Overhead console which controls lights, sunroof, garage opener, just FELL DOWN. You can see where the glue and the plastic surrounding the screws holding the console up failed and cracked. Console has never been altered, is rarely touched except for light buttons as I don't like to open roof and my garage opener is on my phone. I don't have kids who could have messed with it. VW is refusing to cov... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and went into LIMP Mode. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact was turned off and restarted. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle failed to respond as intended.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
Hello on or about April [XXX] I was driving my Honda CRV on the freeway. all of a sudden I felt the car sputter. It went down to 25 miles an hour. I pulled over and shut the car off. A couple hours later. Oh my dashboard lights went on. One after another, I called Honda and got the service department voicemail.. Then I called my mechanic and he suggested I reboot the computer Which I did. The next... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
I purchased a used 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV one week ago today and was shocked to learn of a known issue with the rear brake lights many claim is a very serious and hazardous design flaw. Undoubtedly, you have received complaints from fellow 2022 & 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV owners who have advised the car's rear brake lights are dangerously located down below in the bumper section. The mid-section of the bac... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle decelerated without the brake pedal being depressed. In addition, the vehicle veered to the left independently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle using a scanner the vehicle and... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door failed to open. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and repaired. The contact stated that after the initial repair, the rear driver’s side door failed to open. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with the lock actuators failure. The manufacturer was not made aware ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
I could not brake and almost caused a car accident. Brakes gave out, no gas, it smelled like it was going to catch on fire.
Incident date: May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 128I. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2019
The options above were not exact for my vehicle issue. But here is the letter i am mailing to FORD. [XXX]. [XXX], Queen Creek, AZ 85142May 20, 2024 RE: 2019 FORD EDGE VIN 2FMPK3K90K[XXX] with 60K miles in 12/2023 Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship CenterTo P.O. Box 6248 Dearborn, MI 48126 We've purchased several used Fords growing up and loved them and found them to be reliable like your... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2019
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling rough while driving, and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was an abnormal antifreeze odor. The contact became aware there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine was cracked. The vehicle was not repa... Read more