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: Jan 25, 2024
The auto brakes are not accurate because it triggers them in unsafe situations.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
While traveling at high speed, 60mph plus, the vehicle unexpectedly shifts into fist gear causing rapid slow down and dangerous near miss condition.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
Muffler pipe fell off while car was sitting in my driveway
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
THE VEHICLE HAS A CONSTANT VIBRATION. IT WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER WITH 312 MILES. I HAVE COPIES OF EACH TRIP TO THE DEALER. THE DRIVE SHAFT SHOWED NOT ALIGNED PROPERLY, THE BRAKES SHUDDER UNDER DECELERATION, NOISE WAS FOUND IN THE MOTOR MOUNTS. IT VIBRATES AT ALL SPEEDS BUT AT 65 MPH THERE IS A ROARING SOUND INSIDE THE CAB WITH ENOUGH VIBRATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO PUT YOUR HAND TO SLEEP. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
The child safety lock is not engaged. The door latches on the rear right passenger door in my car has failed. It fails to unlock when from the inside. In an emergency situation. Passengers won't be able to exit the vehicle quickly. The Problem can be reproduced and there are current door latch recalls in other models but it needs to extend out these models too. It has not been inspected by p... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Sun roof glass shattered while driving down the highway.
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 28, 2024
Incident date: Dec 3, 2023
Shift lock every time you want to drive Nissan rogue since 2015 people complain with the same problem Not even 30000 thousand miles on mine Looks like no body care for this
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
Driving my 2020 Subaru Forrester on 1/26/24, at night. Stopped at traffic light. Car started shaking, dash lights system lights came on. Turned off car and restarted. Car would not accelerate. Had towed to mechanic. Diagnosed as probable thermo regulator. Could not repair because part only available from Subaru. Called dealer who was not sympathetic or helpful. Told to bring in and leave.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
GM is out of control . I have a front passenger control arm assembly in the shop for 2 months. No update on service part because they have changed the part number as the 2016 is unsafe. I need my service part or a new car . It's unsafe to drive and GM will not provide any update on ETW because there is a safety issue with this part. They already killed over 100 people from the ignition switch... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
I am reporting defective windshield. I’ve had windshield replaced 3 times when just the tiniest pebble tinged. My daughter also has a Subaru Outback and 3 windshields replaced. There must be a defect. Now that we have replaced the windshield several times, State Farm insurance has dropped us because of the number of claims. Most definitely a danger when a tiny people shatters the glass and pie... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
ABs Light came on high pitched sound and brakes suddenly stopped working while driving making very unsafe driving conditions. i recently purchased this car as my second, 2nd generation prius but the abs recall was evidently not performed when it was recalled and extended. this puts me upside down in a loan because i have found the repairs will be $1000-$2000 and now I can not afford to drive it... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2023
On 7/1/2023 my vehicle began to malfunction while driving - power was flickering with EMC drive error flashing. When this happened, I was at a complete stop in traffic, so I put it in park, then restarted. Everything seemed to be fine, but I was cautious. The same thing happened again, so I pulled into a parking lot and went inside a store for a few minutes. I got back in the car, started the veh... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
This seat offers the sensor safe chest clip to be alerted should your child unclip. Since turning our toddler forward facing we have used 3 times in our secondary vehicle. She has unclipped all 3 times. This should not be allowed on the market. You cannot always get your vehicle pulled over immediately if undone and should not have to check your phone for notifications while driving.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
Received recall notice and have been waiting ever since for GM to actually follow through with the recall. They don’t seem to care and I have two vehicles that falls under the recall. How the government hasn’t stepped up knowing that this issue can cause death is beyond me. What’s the point of a national recall if the manufacture isn’t forced to do something about the recall? No more GM pr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Our unit was recalled previously under recall 22V273000 for the slide creeping out. The RV was supposedly repaired prior to leaving the factory. However, over the summer it began to creep out dangerously while driving. Again it was sent in for repairs and "fixed" Again the slide is moving out 5 or so inches while parked and when driving down the road. I am not sure how far out it would exte... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
Our unit was recalled previously under recall 22V273000 for the slide creeping out. The RV was supposedly repaired prior to leaving the factory. However, over the summer it began to creep out dangerously while driving. Again it was sent in for repairs and "fixed" Again the slide is moving out 5 or so inches while parked and when driving down the road. I am not sure how far out it would exte... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
While driving will will get “hybrid system. Warning check brakes”. Car will loose acceleration. After turning car off for five minutes, error goes away and car drives. Happens for no reason and has occurred 4 times in the last week
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
Ignition and battery failure - unable to unlock certain parts of the car, all electrical is dead This is the second incidence in 6 months. Not weather dependent. One incidence in June and another in January. Entered car, pressed ignition button, no ignition, the icons all lit up in red on the indicator dash. Previously AAA indicated that the battery was totally dead, no amps, appeared to be an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
The startrover run clutch or whatever went out and they said it was bumper to bumper, not powertrain warranty! Don’t make any sense to me , the starter has to dtart everthing for there to be power and it’s attached to everything that’s powertrain related!
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
The vehicle drivetrain failed and would not allow the driver to change gear, either to drive forward or backward. The vehicle engine was still on. The vehicle computer system generated the following message on the dashboard: "Drive carefully. Drivetrain fault. Have the problem checked by the nearest service center. Contact service center." There was an option to "Close message" at the bottom of th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
I have recently attempted to exchange my current vehicle for another. However, I have discovered through a thorough examination of the carfax report that there is a recall on this particular vehicle. Unfortunately, no solution has been provided for this issue. As a result, the value of my car has been significantly impacted and the offer I have been given is considerably lower than its true value.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2024
slowing down pulling into a parking spot and there was a sudden unintended acceleration causing the vehicle to jump over the bumper onto the other side of the parking lot causing property damage to the front passenger side and a vehicle to the right parking spot.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
I was waiting to charge up my EV when the dashboard started lighting up red. Stating to turn off vehicle due to battery failure and safety. And then all of the sudden the car just turned off. And would not come back on. So my husband had to go rent a vehicle at Avis so we wouldn’t be stranded so far from home. And to continue to go to work. So after 30 minutes my husband suggested that I try and... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
While driving , the steering wheel feels like it is sticking and jerking. It is not a smooth motion as it was when first received the vehicle. Because of this sticky steering it sometimes causes driver to over compensate making it a potentially hazardous situation. Have contacted dealer who said it is not a reported problem for this VIN however it is real and I am taking it in for further evaluati... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
I was driving the car in stop-and-go traffic on a city street. After another stop, the car in front of me started moving. I pressed on the accelerator with the usual force, but my car took off like crazy. I pressed on the breaks, but the car didn't seem to respond to the brake pedal and ran into a car in front of me. Automatic emergency breaking system didn't engage as well. Luckily, nobody was in... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
I have a 2023 HR-V 5DR 2WD EX-L 5800K miles - bought 3/18/2023 Took my vehicle into my dealership to let them know I am having an issue with my steering as it sticks and then jerks when driving at any speed.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The power divider lockout failed and the thru shaft broke. The driver was pulling onto the high way and heard a loud bang, there was a loss in power. The dealer confirmed the problem and all work was done under warranty. There were no warning lights
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
After about a hour and a half of driving the car began to surge between 2,000 and 3,000 RPM. This has happen and few times but the last time the transmission lost high gear. The car had to be towed to the dealerships. The dealership is stating there is nothing wrong. I feel this is a safety issue.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2019
The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the exterior lights started flashing. The contact attempted to turn off the lights however, the lights failed to turn off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2020
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear door glass fastener installed between the V-shaped glass and the door glass had fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the passenger’s side rear door glass fastener needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair could not be covered under warranty. T... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that after driving into a parking space in a parking lot with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle jolted and veered to the right. The passenger's side of the vehicle hit the driver's side of another occupied vehicle. The other vehicle was scratched and there was no injury sustained. The contact stated she then reversed out of the park... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
[XXX] - Driving from San Diego to Ventura County (home), my dash flashed something to the effect of "Emergency Braking System Malfunction" as my brakes were engaged while driving 65-70 miles an hour (no vehicles close in front of me or on either side). This was VERY scary and could have caused an accident if there had been vehicles closer. Usually when this system j=kicks in you get a Collision al... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
[XXX] - Driving from San Diego to Ventura County (home), my dash flashed something to the effect of "Emergency Braking System Malfunction" as my brakes were engaged while driving 65-70 miles an hour (no vehicles close in front of me or on either side). This was VERY scary and could have caused an accident if there had been vehicles closer. Usually when this system j=kicks in you get a Collision al... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
Excess oil consumption resulting in having to get oil changed monthly. Oil can be full one day and empty the next without any warning. I have read it is a defected piston however the special circumstances gm was granted rather than a recall has expired according to gm customer service. I was never sent anything in this exception either
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
Started the car, dash had multiple warning lights for "drive start control system", "ev system malfunction" and "systems not available" (all safety systems were off). Took car to dealer, they said the car stored no codes, reset the car, took it home. Two days later- same thing happened but also this time the car had NO HEAT. Luckily the heated seats worked but it was 20 degrees F and I had to driv... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
the second row seat belts come disengaged while driving. We will buckle in our child, double check it is locked by pulling on seat belt and a couple minutes later it will disengage from the buckle and come undone. This is happening on a regular basis with our Palisade and the dealer/corporate office has no notes on this issue. If you search online you will see numerous reports about others ex... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
- Infotainment center freezes making controls inaccessible. I live in the desert where temps reach 120+ in the car and not being able to turn on the AC is dangerous. - Windows will not roll up once they are rolled down, especially after it has rained or after washing the car. - Driver side Door Sensor Switch broke. This would keep the interior lights and infotainment center from turning off.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 repa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
This vehicle has had steering squeaks for a really long time. I've had ball joints sealed, control arms replaced and now lateral links replaced for damaged bushings. This has cost me a significant amount of money and the bushings show tears that could have resulted in loss of control.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
This vehicle has had steering squeaks for a really long time. I've had ball joints sealed, control arms replaced and now lateral links replaced for damaged bushings. This has cost me a significant amount of money and the bushings show tears that could have resulted in loss of control.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking system activated and applied the brakes. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where he smelled a burnt smell in the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking system activated and applied the brakes. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where he smelled a burnt smell in the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. Th... Read more
SUBARU
FORESTER
(2017) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PRESSURE/TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Jan 23, 2024
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine, and the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed, where belt fragments and metal shavings were fou... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine, and the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed, where belt fragments and metal shavings were fou... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
Car is consuming 1 quart of oil every 600 miles.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
While driving the vehicle will randomly, without warning or any dash notification icons alerted, turn off engine- radio, lights, a/c everything else is still on but engine is off. This occurred 4 times in less than a 2 mile distance without any check engine or notification lights on the dash before, during, or after the event. This issue originally started about a week ago, when the check engine a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
All tesla models have excessively bright headlamps, blinding oncoming traffic. There are many teslas where I live and commute. I had many instances where I could not see what was in front of me on a two lane road due to a tesla coming in the opposite direction at night. It is seriously dangerous to have these cars with such bright lights on the road. They create a hazard for every driver in the on... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
My engine randomly and failed one evening that we were driving. It made an Odd sound as we were driving 35 mph down a hill and it just shut off completely. After taking it to the dealership we bought it from we were told the engine needed replaced. We still owe $14,000 on this car and it only had 71,000 miles on it. There were no indications that this was going to happen, no warning signs or sign... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
When pressing brake during operation, a noise comes from underneath vehicle. The warning lights goes off but come back on while driving and stays on. Kia dealer stated it was the ABS module going bad. Kia dealer recently replaced engine block due to manufacturer defect and completed two recalls. Dealer advised this was a new problem.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
Since I’ve had my car both batteries continue to fail (I’ve had them both replaced multiple times now). Also my display screen glitched for quite some time and now does not work at all, causing me to be unable to use my back up camera as well as my radio.