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: Apr 12, 2024
THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AN ALMOST DAILY BASIS SINCE 4/30/2024 stabilitrack warning on Ipc, security light, power steering goes out on freeway-while turning in an intersection-going 75 on the freeway while changing lanes, IPC displays ice warning when 90• outside, erratic shifting(being stuck in 2nd gear until it shifts to 4th), no start no crank condition ( I replaced the battery,had alternator... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
The contact's friend owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shut off without warning. Upon restart of the vehicle, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(H). Upon inspection, it was discovered that the coolant reservoir was almost empty. The contact stated that coolant was frequently added to the coolant reservoir due to t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
On a recent road trip my family and I experienced an issue with the Brake Assist on my 2016 GMC Sierra. When I returned back from our vacation I took the vehicle to a 3rd party mechanic that I trusted to perform diagnostics. He advised that I would need a new vacuum pump and stretch belt to correct the issue. Upon receiving this information I advised him to move forward with the repair. What I did... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
The contact owned a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the instrument panel began to behave erratically, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting her to attempt to quickly veer to the shoulder of the roadway. As a result, the contact was sideswiped by another vehicle on the driver's side. The air bags did not deploy. All warning lights we... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
The contact owned a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the instrument panel began to behave erratically, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting her to attempt to quickly veer to the shoulder of the roadway. As a result, the contact was sideswiped by another vehicle on the driver's side. The air bags did not deploy. All warning lights we... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Engine Problems Due to Excessive Oil Consumption, Rattling, and Failure. Then There Is The Electrical Issues Which Would Drive Anyone Insane causing certain functions not to work. The constant dimming of the screen it self.Im very upset cause im a single mom of a college student, I can’t afford these kind of issues.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I was driving down the freeway and my truck when into reduced power mode, displaying " Powertrain malfunction/Reduced power, engine service soon, and precollision assistance not available". This ended up slowing me rapidly from 65 down to under 20 miles. I almost had a semi slam into the back of me missing me by inches.
Incident date: May 8, 2024
The wipers keep stopping during use. I have to switch speeds to get it running again. Very dangerous when raining.
Incident date: May 8, 2024
I bought my 2014 Infiniti QX60 in 2016 that had a little over 68k miles on it. On May 3, 2024, I just hit over $100k & felt the car do a soft lurch then it started to do a small crawl inch by inch. No warning lights came on or messages. Before this happened, I heard what I thought was a flat tire, or a plane taxing sound. I got the car towed to a mechanic shop and was told that I need a new 't... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
After driving in a snow storm twice in the same day and one time in the winter of 2023 I was unable to put my truck into park. Each of the three time it occurred the gear indicator would flash and a message appeared to set parking brake to prevent rolling. While this was occurring I could not turn the truck off or put it into park as it would only go into accessory mode and see the parking brake.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
Vehicle has been shaking as it accelerates normally on the lower speeds; however, even in the 40-65 mph range the vehicle will shake/sputter as you try to accelerate. When accelerating from a stopped position vehicle at times will seem to loose power while accelerating and you will have to take your foot off the gas and try again or even have to shut the vehicle off and turn it back on.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
1. 2022 Outback windshield, on passenger side, has cracked twice in the same spot. We bought the vehicle brand new. It currently has 9300 miles on it. The vehicle is driven approx. 8 miles a day and sits in our garage 95% of the time. 2. Safety & visibility is affected as the crack spreads across the windshield. 3. Yes, I paid a Subaru service center $1600 to repair the windshield in January 2024.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
hi, i was driving on the free way to work hauling a small 10ft. trailer and my engine started knocking Badly! i get off free way start to head home and slowly take off and rpms take off and Boom. engine done.. so spun bearings/boken crank i havnt taken engine out to inspect yet because you cant buy a new engine and used engines are 10-12k. come to find out this engine has broken crank problems. no... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal grinding sound emanating from the front driver's side of the vehicle, after which he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring that the steering wheel be manually returned to center. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
While driving the cruise control shut off, all dash lights came on - ABS brakes, traction control, etc. We stopped at the next service center and called tech support. Tech support felt it was a bad sensor which would correct itself after engine shut off for a little while. The motorhome would be safe to get to a repair center. Shutting the engine off did not correct the issue - the lights continue... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
While driving the cruise control shut off, all dash lights came on - ABS brakes, traction control, etc. We stopped at the next service center and called tech support. Tech support felt it was a bad sensor which would correct itself after engine shut off for a little while. The motorhome would be safe to get to a repair center. Shutting the engine off did not correct the issue - the lights continue... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. 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 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 contact h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
The radio and head unit is glitching and automatically doing crazy things. The lighting is also affected on the head unit. The radio volume will turn up loud for no reason. It is intermittent. The dealership says it’s bubbling and head would have to be replaced..but back ordered parts and 3,000 dollars. I’ve googled and this is a well known issue with 2019 Subarus, but it’s a safety issue if... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
While driving the cruise control shut off, all dash lights came on - ABS brakes, traction control, etc. We stopped at the next service center and called tech support. Tech support felt it was a bad sensor which would correct itself after engine shut off for a little while. The motorhome would be safe to get to a repair center. Shutting the engine off did not correct the issue - the lights continue... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
The trunk lid is rusting/deteriorating along the rim that meets the back bumper. I just dropped it off my red Ford Focus to Scott's Auto Fixit in Webster, NY for repair. I couldn't afford the new truck lid that the dealership service department offered at the Ford Dealership in Webster. The trunk lid was inspected by my auto insurance representative in 2019 (I have photos from 2019 and today {2... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start. After finally starting the vehicle the check engine light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine gasket was faulty causing oil to leak from the engine. The engine gasket was replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was not no... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Flexible steering coupling was faulty and replaced on 02-22-23 under recall. The same part became faulty again on 02-22-24, but Ewald Kia of Oconomowoc refused to replace the defective part without charge. The HECU is under recall so I scheduled a service appointment for recall and when I arrived at Ewald Kia of Oconomowoc, I was advised by service manager that they did no have parts to fix reca... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2020 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was unmovable. The contact then purchased coolant and added coolant to the reservoir. The cont... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (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: Apr 2, 2024
Check Engine light is illuminated. VANOS exhaust warning codes are stored. Other vehicles with the same N52 engine are subject to recall 23V707. BMW indicates that this vehicle is not included but could be in the future. In the interim, we are faced with a $3500 - $4500 out-of-pocket expense (which will probably never be reimbursed) or the possibility of the events described in the recall, whic... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
Vehicle’s dash panel just started cracking three years ago for no apparent reason. By the day the cracks continue. My concern is over time the cracks will become so bad the air bag will deploy prematurely causing injury. This is a known issue in Hyundai Sonata from 2011-2014. This is not due to extreme heat. This is a defect and should be addressed before someone gets seriously hurt.
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the fuel appeared to be emptying quickly. The contact stated that while walking to the vehicle, the contact observed that the gas tank was hanging out of the truck and extremely close to the ground. The gas tank was tied in place with a tie-down strap and taken back to the contact's residence. The cont... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The battery and low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the canister purge valve. The vehic... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2015) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 6, 2024
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The dash air vent and rear vent motors are clicking when they are turned on. I have read numerous reports that this is an existing issue with 2016 Expeditions. Why are these vent motors not under recall?
Incident date: May 5, 2024
On Monday [XXX] I started my car and immediately a warning signal on the dashboard read ENGINE LOW Performance , and the dashboard went black and the engine cut off. The car was then towed to the Glen Cove Volvo. After a diagnostic I was informed the following needed to be replaced - FUEL FILLER PIPE 2) FUEL PRESSURE LOW FUEL indicator 3) the aforementioned replacements will require calibrated ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2021
I was driving behind someone when a suv came over from left lane into the right lane in front of the cars that were in Front of me and made a sudden turn into a business. I was already applying the brake and was the 3 second rule behind the car in front of me, however the car did not stop as I slammed on the brakes as hard as I could. There have been other times that the car will automatically sla... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes Benz GLA. The contact stated that the check engine light had appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic was performed. The dealer determined that the crankcase ventilation valve had malfunctioned which blocked the actuator. As a result, both the fuel and the oil had started to mix inside the engine which caused the venti... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The DEF header failed on this truck and it causes the vehicle to be disabled. The DEF header is an emissions part. PART NUMBER 04-31354-004 HEADER-SSI,CONC,6 BOLT,CMNS
Incident date: May 3, 2024
My electric power steering quits all of the sudden while I'm driving. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. This is a big concern for me considering I have a wife and child who drive with a lot.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
The bottom electrical panel for the fuse box went out a few months ago for the wipers we have fixed the wiper motor, wiper relay, wiper switch and still nothing was told by the jeep dealership that they had 4 other jeeps have the same issue and it was this part that went out
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the spark plugs. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 65 MPH, the front A-Pillar trim detached from the windshield almost causing a crash. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the contact noticed a gasoline odor coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed. The mechanic stated that it was a known failure associated with the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
While driving the front left wheel started to come off the axel. The stability control light came on prior to the incident. The vehicle was towed to a Chrysler dealership for a mechanic to inspect the vehicle. A mechanic at a Chrysler dealership inspected the vehicle and the following was repairs were needed- new axle shaft, new knuckle, and new arm control. The axle broke and knuckle broke which ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
While driving the front left wheel started to come off the axel. The stability control light came on prior to the incident. The vehicle was towed to a Chrysler dealership for a mechanic to inspect the vehicle. A mechanic at a Chrysler dealership inspected the vehicle and the following was repairs were needed- new axle shaft, new knuckle, and new arm control. The axle broke and knuckle broke which ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
Around 35k miles had an engine lifter fail and needed to be replaced, covered under warranty. 07/2023 - Had front pads/rotors replaced by Chevy dealer and had loud squeaking ever since. Contacted dealer and was told they are new pads so will just need time to break in. Contacted the dealer again in Sept.Oct. 2023 and brought vehicle in for service for noise concern. They informed me the noise is ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
The vehicle has started displaying an error message when parking stating to secure the vehicle against rolling. This is due to a very common issue with a spring in the shifter needing to be replaced. Based on what I have read, the spring issue is occurring in almost all 2016 and 2017 bmw x1's. This should be a recall and not a $3k repair bill.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
Vehicle not acting safely, speeding up to pass stopped school bus with stop sign out and yellow lights flashing. This is a generic VIN as it applies to the current software on all FSD cars.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power and was making an abnormal sound. The contact stated that numerous warning lights had been illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Vehicle drove into traffic cones at night when adaptive cruise engaged. Freeway was reduced to two lanes and car ignored them. Pulled to side of road and car did not go back into gear. Gave errors.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
My airbag light went on, without it having been deployed at all. I took it to the dealership and they said there was a problem with the circuitry in which they couldn't guarantee that it would deploy in a possible accident. I also noticed that there is a recall out for some vehicles of my same make/model/year with an airbag recall out that mentions this same exact problem, except that my vehicle V... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2023
1. car is unsafe starting from a stop and after slowing down to accelerate out of a turn. in both instances there is a significant lack of response w/ the accelerator where it won't actually respond until there's about 2-3k RPMs. this makes it extremely dangerous at intersections because you can't trust that it will accelerate in a responsive manner. many times, the car will respond as if you've d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2023
1. car is unsafe starting from a stop and after slowing down to accelerate out of a turn. in both instances there is a significant lack of response w/ the accelerator where it won't actually respond until there's about 2-3k RPMs. this makes it extremely dangerous at intersections because you can't trust that it will accelerate in a responsive manner. many times, the car will respond as if you've d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
Front windshield is loose and vibrates/flutters when driving. The car has not been in an accident and has no apparent rust. It has been garaged and is available for inspection. There are no warning indicators. My concern is that the windshield could unseat or break while driving. Self inspection shows the windshield is loose when gentle pressure is applied from both internal top sides of wind... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered, and the engine shut off. A message advising to shift to park(P) and restart the vehicle was displayed. The contact shifted into park(P) and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at 5 MPH and making a turn. The contact stated that the failure had been r... Read more