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: Jan 30, 2023
P2615 code: Lost of power. Car barely goes up hill on first gear with gas pedal all the way pressed. Won't go faster than 40 on flat road.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated while driving 32–33 MPH, the rear of the vehicle was shaking, and the vehicle stalled. There was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the system needed to be reset. There was an unknown fault with the air bag. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2024
Potential for engine misfire
Incident date: May 19, 2024
While driving my vehicle it shifts into “park”, not sure if it is an electrical issue, transmission, or breaking issue. I have taken to the dealership for repairs they worked on the driver seat sensors, was at the dealership for 10 days. Three days after repairs the same issue occurred, took back to the dealership and they informed me that they could not recreate the issue(possible electrica... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2024
While driving my vehicle it shifts into “park”, not sure if it is an electrical issue, transmission, or breaking issue. I have taken to the dealership for repairs they worked on the driver seat sensors, was at the dealership for 10 days. Three days after repairs the same issue occurred, took back to the dealership and they informed me that they could not recreate the issue(possible electrica... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2024
While driving my vehicle it shifts into “park”, not sure if it is an electrical issue, transmission, or breaking issue. I have taken to the dealership for repairs they worked on the driver seat sensors, was at the dealership for 10 days. Three days after repairs the same issue occurred, took back to the dealership and they informed me that they could not recreate the issue(possible electrica... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
The car keeps throwing a P0101 code. The MAF Sensor has been replaced and the throttle body has been clean and the engine light and code keep showing up. It is causing acceleration issues making it dangerous to start moving or going fast to get up to speed on the interstate.
Incident date: May 19, 2024
Please note that although this system does not show that the recall repairs were complete, we have documentation from Nissan that we completed the recall work twice. On Tuesday, [XXX] at approximately [XXX]. our Nissan Murano spontaneously caught fire in our driveway. My family, including my [XXX] and a [XXX], woke up to the airbags exploding. We got our family out of the house as we spoke to the ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 19, 2024
Please note that although this system does not show that the recall repairs were complete, we have documentation from Nissan that we completed the recall work twice. On Tuesday, [XXX] at approximately [XXX]. our Nissan Murano spontaneously caught fire in our driveway. My family, including my [XXX] and a [XXX], woke up to the airbags exploding. We got our family out of the house as we spoke to the ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 19, 2024
Collision warning failed. Automatic emergency braking failed. Unknown if brakes were delayed or had issue stopping. I rear ended the car the in front of me, going from a stop while attempting to make a right hand turn. There were no system warnings or emergency braking applied although the car is equipped with those and many more safety features. During the accident the air bags were not d... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
This is a low mileage car with odometer reading of 25668 (less than 2000 miles per year), used sparingly and always parked in the garage. On 05/07/2024 I noticed brake fluid flowing from the left rear side of the car; on examination this seemed to come from the flexible hose that connects the brake fluid line to the brake caliper. I called my Mercedes-Benz (MB) dealer and arranged for further ins... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
Front right side marker light defective warning message populates when the vehicle is started, and also when temperatures are low, or conditions are wet. It also causes the ADAS components to be deactivated some of the times it occurs.
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
May 17, 2024
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
I have tried at three dealerships to get this recall repaired over the last two years. Everyone tells me they cannot get the parts including a replacement fuel pump. Each dealer has stated that it needs to be replaced. I drive this vehicle everyday at apparently my own risk. The state of Ohio sent a letter requiring repair of this safety recall. Any assistance in this matter would be greatly ... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - ENGINE
May 17, 2024
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
There was a coolant leak on my Mazda CX9 Signature with a 2.5T engine, and when driving the engine temperature started increasing slightly before taking off and turning red. I had to pull off to the side of a busy interstate road very quickly and shut the vehicle down before it overheated any more. Once I got the vehicle to the dealership, they told me it was a cracked cylinder head leaking coolan... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2015) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
May 17, 2024
Incident date: May 16, 2024
See attachment for detailed explanation
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
The driver's side rear trailing arm lower broke again. Was driving all of a sudden felt it start fishtailing and pulled over and thank God I didn't crash
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was not... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
The error code is P052E and it is a PCV Code Crankcase Ventilation Oil Separator. It's a time-consuming and expensive repair that seems to be regularly occurring on a lot Mercedes Benz that have this installed. And it happens often on cars with under 50K miles on them and when it's just been out of warranty this is a small inexpensive part that the customer funds through the cost of labor. Not ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
The error code is P052E and it is a PCV Code Crankcase Ventilation Oil Separator. It's a time-consuming and expensive repair that seems to be regularly occurring on a lot Mercedes Benz that have this installed. And it happens often on cars with under 50K miles on them and when it's just been out of warranty this is a small inexpensive part that the customer funds through the cost of labor. Not ... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2024
The windshields chips very easily and then shatters The third break light quits working and the rear turn signal randomly quit working
Incident date: May 4, 2024
Back up camera not engaging
Incident date: May 16, 2024
My car has 84000 miles on it. The car recently over heated, I checked the coolant level, and it was low. I filled it to the required level and the warning went away. 2 weeks later it came back, I brought it to the mechanic and was told that the engine needs to be replaced. That it is recycling exhaust from the engine back through the coolant system and that cylinder 3 is misfiring. I spent over an... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2024
My car has 84000 miles on it. The car recently over heated, I checked the coolant level, and it was low. I filled it to the required level and the warning went away. 2 weeks later it came back, I brought it to the mechanic and was told that the engine needs to be replaced. That it is recycling exhaust from the engine back through the coolant system and that cylinder 3 is misfiring. I spent over an... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
Dear Tim Sir, Greetings to you and Team I hope this email finds you well, Brining it to your attention once again ( VOQ #11581817 Previous case no), In a less than 3 weeks of time and after Toyota's investigations and promises went unfaithful. As per Toyota's office sent email on the April 17th stating the vehicle is fit and safe after claiming highly on the investigation report and put me agai... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2024
Currently my reverse lights do not come on i have changed the bulbs and checked fuses. it started with one reverse light, however the warning light would come on and off on my dashboard. Next, the other reverse light so i attempted to change both bulbs and change fuses. still not working. Now it is also my low beam headlights again changed the bulbs and fuses with no fix. My vehicle flickers a li... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Velar. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The vehicle started to lose motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted but stalled. Additionally, there was an abnormally loud knocking sound coming from the engine while starting the vehicle. The contac... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
Headlight wiring insulation dry rots prematurely within headlight causing system failure, which includes Headlight malfunction and system shorting. Headlights are known to stop working due to wiring shorting out, issues may cause an electrical fire besides malfunction.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 4, 2021
Transmission began whining and hesitating around 62K miles. Transmission is the 8AT.
Incident date: May 14, 2021
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, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manu... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
I got this suv in 2023 and I kept up with oil changes and I take it in for a oil change and not even 2 days later the oil light came on so I topped it off and I go in for another oil change not even 2 days later I'm running hot so I take it back to the dealer to find out I have either a cracked head or a blown gasket??!!! There is coolant visible and mazda told me they are aware of this problem bu... Read more
SUBARU
LEGACY
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
May 14, 2024
Incident date: May 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, an alarm sounded, and the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving, causing the ABS and the cruise control features to become inoperable. The contact stated while driving and slamming on the brakes on several occasions to come to a complete sto... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, an alarm sounded, and the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving, causing the ABS and the cruise control features to become inoperable. The contact stated while driving and slamming on the brakes on several occasions to come to a complete sto... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
The headlights of my 2015 Acura RDX have degraded to the point where driving at night is near impossible, but definitely dangerous. The bulbs are relatively new, but the light output only extends a few feet in front of the car. This deterioration has been identified by the dealer as a known issue, but is requiring a substantial replacement cost. The issue is not due to driver negligence. One c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2024
I purchased a new 2023 Tesla Model Y long range Dual motor AWD in September 2023. On March 20, 2024, while I was parking my car in parking lot of strip mall, I somehow became confused and panic. I unintentionally pressed the accelerator with some force which resulted in movement of car in speed and it hit a structure. The car failed to apply the emergency breaks before collision and hit the glass... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while making a left turn at 40 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact and the seat belt also failed to restrain the contact during the crash. Due to both failures, the contact's head and chest hit the steering wheel. The contact was taken to the hospital b... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 13, 2024
My 2010 Elantra just started making a clicking noise when slightly turning the steering wheel back and forth. Doing online research, I discovered it is a common problem on Hyundai, with the same symptoms as my problem, that there is a rubber star damper gear in the electronic motor system inside the steering column that fails, it completely falls apart, and is very common defect in these vehicles.... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2024
Safety was put at risk when brakes went out without warning, and unable to use emergency brake at that time. Car was serviced for over $1700, with the mechanics stating that the piece “blew up.”
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Key wouldn't start the car. It was in lock mode. Had to get it repaired. I had issues with the stario before where it went blank and nonsound will come out. Got it fixed, how, there are times where it comes and goes.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Momentum. The contact stated that the RV was purchased brand new and taken to the residence, where the contact noticed that the front driver's side nose had detached at the fifth wheel pin location. The RV was taken to the dealer, where it was repaired; however, the failure recurred while the RV was still at the dealer. The RV was repaired. Additionally, the co... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The car stalls while driving. The vehicle will just shut off while trying to back up, pull into parking lots, pull away at traffic lights, and trying to turn into a roadway. It has done this dozens of times. Volkswagon has replaced the eval canister numerous times, as well as other parts. It still constantly stalls while actively driving it on the road. It is extremely unsafe. The evap canister is... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
driving over 50 miles an hour on an expressway and vehicle randomly dies. after pulling off road, need to wait 20 minutes and vehicle will start as normal. Major safety concern as some areas do not have shoulders to get car off of road. filed a complaint, in October of 2023, took to authorized Dodge dealer as advised, paid over $800 out of pocket and car still looses all power at high speeds. dodg... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2024
Took Tesla's 30-day free trial offer of Full Self-Driving (supervised) for my Model Y. Encountered several concerning situations: 1. Autopilot failed to detect a parking barrier arm, causing acceleration towards it; fortunately, I intervened in time. 2. Merged onto the highway in the wrong lane, prompting honks from vehicles behind me. 3. Wheel hit the side road curb when making a right turn, dama... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
On [XXX] my husband was traveling on [XXX] in Pennsylvania between mile markers [XXX] and [XXX], on cruise control driving 75mph. As he was starting up a steep incline, the Maverick (without warning) started to lose speed, went into LIMP mode (power to engine failed ) and the dashboard lit up with several different errors. He was in heavy traffic and had to swerve to the left median to pull over t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
There are a lot of boxes it would not let me check. Started 2020. For no apparent reason the car will just lose all power and all the warning lights will go on. Some times it will just automatically break. Luckily the times it's happened I was city driving but had I been on freeway when it happened may have been dealt for myself and others. Car continues to have same problem, with losing power,al... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
I was driving home last week when I came across a large crash on the highway. Traffic was backed up for a mile. I decided to turn around through one of those crossovers and head a different way home. I accelerated to catch up to the oncoming traffic when my car suddenly sounded more loud like it was struggling to accelerate. I got onto the off ramp and my car slowed from 70mph to 40mph and would n... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
These systems fail sporadically and unpredictably.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The clutch slave cylinder started leaking fluid. Luckily I noticed this issue before the level was too low. This is especially dangerous as this fluid is shared with the brake system so a loss of too much fluid could cause both a loss of clutch control and a loss of brakes. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and the issue was found. This issue is also very commonly reported on fo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
Engine head gasket failure requiring a complete engine replacement
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 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 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 not made aware of the issue. The con... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The Driver side rear sliding door motor was not functioning properly. however the sliding door was getting locked and unlocked and can function properly manually . I took the vehicle to the KIA dealership with this recall and extended warranty. they installed a new motor and that motor was not working properly so they went ahead and installed a module for the sliding door to function properly. L... Read more