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
SUBARU
OUTBACK
(2019) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
Apr 29, 2024
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contacted stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a malfunction with the g... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
My grill shutters are faulty and the problem has been persistent and the vehicle is only at 30,000 miles. This is the same part that was issued an extended service contract by BMW for various other models. I believe my model is rare enough to not be included but it should. The existing recall/warranty is “SIB 01 12 19 FRONT GRILLE UPPER/LOWER ACTIVE AIR FLAPS: LTD WTY EXT TO 15 YEARS/150,000 MIL... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
Unknown electric power steering shut down while traveling leaving me with no power steering
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
While driving on a highway at ~60 mph, the check engine light came on (plus other indicator lights) and the car immediately dropped to ~45 mph. ~20 seconds later, while trying to pull into a school parking lot, the hybrid system fault warning came on and the car dropped to ~5-10 mph and then became extremely difficult to control. The car was towed ~80 miles to my home dealership and it was diagn... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
Power steering stop work and takes extreme force to turn it. Almost drove off a t-intersection when came time to turn with no warning.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
While driving the vehicle will loose power unexpectedly. Then it will gain power again. It has happened several times and I have taken it to the dealer several times and they have not been able to recreate it. They say there is no error codes that they can find. This problem has occurred while going through intersections and on highways. We have had several miss-incidents because of this probl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2024
One day i turned on vehicle and all the warning lights turned on, the lkas system. Automatic emergency breaking, lane departure warning. Cruise control, brake system. More lights that i cant remember. I took it to the honda dealership and they found that it was an internal front multi purpose camera failure that caused all these features to not work which i was told is a safety issue because the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
Car caught fire, parked in driveway, partially damaged the house.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
Since the vehicle was new, I have had a problem with the air bag being off when a large person is in the passenger seat. I have reported this to Rivian. Rivian has sent a technician out to fix this. The technician indicated that he could not fix this as planned and would submit it to engineering as a safety issue. I have made multiple inquiries since then and received no information on when this w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2024
I was driving down a highway traveling 59 mph around 5:20AM when my infotainment system and lights inside all went dark. The speedometer stayed lit up but changed to an alternate color while I was traveling. I slowed down to make sure I could brake and that all was working. Within about 20-30 seconds the whole system restarted and came back online. This was not necessarily a safety hazard, howeve... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2024
My windshield mysteriously cracked there was not existing damage. When I research my car's make model and year I learned that there was a class action lawsuit that was settled that requires Subaru to cover the cost of the windshield. At the time of purchase this defect was not disclosed to me. I reached out to the dealership and they seem to have no knowledge of this. Additionally, they are n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2024
3/28/24 My 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid’s engine shut down and lost acceleration driving 70-80 miles an hour on a highway going through hills after 100 miles. Vehicle displayed a bunch of dashboard alerts as it soon lost all acceleration and would only drive slowly in Electric mode. I pulled over and tried again, but it was stuck in electric mode with barely any acceleration and displayed Check en... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
Vehicle windshield spontaneously cracked with large crack extending across most of passenger side. Vehicle has 10K miles. No offroad driving. No rock or foreign object struck vehicle. Driven on smooth roads. Weather was not issue. This is clearly a SAFETY issue. Crack will likely extend and I will need to replace windshield in vehicle less than 1 year old. I will take a picture of it. It needs ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
2nd time, I did not put auto brake on but it engaged itself and than was stuck and would not disengage. Luckily I was not in traffic, because that could have been a serious safety issue. The e brake engages on its own and than won’t dislodge. Multiple times this has happened now. Took it in once and paid almost $1500 to get it repaired, 3 days later same thing happened again!
Incident date: Mar 18, 2021
I was driving about 45 mph when the car just turned off the first time. I was able to put it in neutral and start it back up to get to the side of the road and it died on me again. I was about 30 feet from my destination at this point so I got it where I was going and turned it off. When I turned it back on it was making a terrible knocking/grinding noise. It didn’t have a drop of oil in it (abo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2022
The bed tailgate will come down on its own. There is no warning or message to indicate the tailgate is down. This has happened at least 6 times in the past 6 months. The dealer is aware and some models have had a recall but I have not gotten one yet. The danger is something coming out of the bed while driving down the road, which happened to me and lost a crate with trailer ball hitch and straps. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
My 2022 CRV has had an intermittent issue where the steering wheel will stick when driving on extended gradual turns such as freeway off-ramps. The sticking steering has caused me to over steer multiple times. I notice that when the issue is present that there is also a creaking noise when turning the wheel. I have brought the vehicle to two different honda dealers and neither has been able to re... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the dealer determined that the upper control arm pinch bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
Bought the car back in 2020 after less than a year electrical problems caused the car to malfunction got it fixed and constantly after that more electrical problems changed the sensors and the car still continued to lose power. While driving on the highway the car completely lost strength and would not let me drive more than 25mph check engine light started blinking as well as all the lights LKAS ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
Bought the car back in 2020 after less than a year electrical problems caused the car to malfunction got it fixed and constantly after that more electrical problems changed the sensors and the car still continued to lose power. While driving on the highway the car completely lost strength and would not let me drive more than 25mph check engine light started blinking as well as all the lights LKAS ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: May 5, 2023
My two kids and I was driving in the vehicle at 60 mph down [XXX] when the car started to make some noise and lost power. No warning lights came on, the vehicle began to slow just in the middle of the highway with a lot of traffic. Then the entire vehicle began to shake, no warning lights. I stopped 2 miles later in the next exit and the car did not respond any more. It was towed to the next repai... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Collision Mitigation System, Road Departure Mitigation system, and Auto High Beam system warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that multiple failures occurred soon after the windshield was replaced by an independent mechanic. The dealer was notified... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he had parked the vehicle. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, and the vehicle became undrivable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Cam... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he had parked the vehicle. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, and the vehicle became undrivable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Cam... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, and ascending a medium grade in the road, the contact heard a "pinging" sound and the "Stop Safely - Vehicle will Shut Off Soon" warning light and a turtle symbol and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power but was able to drive to the side of the road and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
"Service Electronic Braking System" and "Service Antilock Braking System" Braking system is failing and not safe to drive. When the CEL is active, my anti-lock brakes do not work, I've almost been involved in multiple crashes as the ABS will not engage and the brakes will lock and cause the vehicle to slide or become incontrollable. This has been reported by a large group of owners and no resolut... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. 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 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 manu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
My 2018 gmc 1500 transmission making noise grinding. It only has 75799 Miles on it. I just was told by Laura gmc that my transmission needs replacing. I think gm should cover that. Dealer charging 7800.00 to replace it. That's not right the truck doesn't have that many miles on it. Please help
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
It leaks or consumes excess amounts of coolant. I’ve had to refill it twice now. I know this is weird with a newer car with only 23,000 miles.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The vehicle has 4 coolant pumps to keep the batteries from overheating. One of my pumps stopped working and the company sent me the new pump a month ago but have yet to schedule a tech to come here to replace it as promised. The car has less than 500 miles on it and is dangerous to drive as it will shut down without warning on the highway. Fisker needs to send the tech out before they file for ba... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Airbags went off for no reason causing me to lose control of vehicle putting my life at risk. My insurance adjustor/investigator said they can't retrieve the info from airbag computer. I am being ticketed because the sheriff's department doesn't believe me.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
When using Auto Pilot/Traffic Aware Adaptive Cruise Control at highway speeds (55 to 75mph), vehicle will on occasion, slam on the brakes and steer to the right for no apparent reason. When this has happened in the past, we would press on accelerator peddle, to quickly recover from the braking to prevent a rear end collision and continue down the road. This last time (April 12, 2024) however, pre... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The drivers door check arm welds are breaking, the plate is flexing inside the door.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
Break Master Cylinder leaking.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
THE ENGINE STARTED TO SPUTTER AND THE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON, CAUSING THE CAR TO NOT ACCELERATE
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
Two of the cargo tie-down D-rings bent when traveling with my UTV (2015 Kawasaki TeryX4 LE) in this toy hauler trailer. Upon investigation it appears the D-rings are not rated sufficiently to safely secure the rated trailer cargo capacity. The trailer is rated for a cargo capacity of 2,750 lbs (GVWR and dry weight stickers attached). My UTV weighs 1,880 lbs as equipped. The D-rings have a work... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
To whom it may concern, I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding my recent experience with my 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. It has come to my attention that there is a known issue with the piston in the engine of this model, and unfortunately, I have fallen victim to it. This issue has caused significant inconvenience and expense for me. As a loyal Chevrolet customer, I e... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
To whom it may concern, I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding my recent experience with my 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. It has come to my attention that there is a known issue with the piston in the engine of this model, and unfortunately, I have fallen victim to it. This issue has caused significant inconvenience and expense for me. As a loyal Chevrolet customer, I e... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
To whom it may concern, I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding my recent experience with my 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. It has come to my attention that there is a known issue with the piston in the engine of this model, and unfortunately, I have fallen victim to it. This issue has caused significant inconvenience and expense for me. As a loyal Chevrolet customer, I e... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
While turning vehicle at slow speeds the trailer warning,no trailer on vehicle, stability control hill assist radio and steering stop working as well as vehicle will stall out. Depending on when it happens it may stall while turning into traffic. I have searched the issue and found there is a ground problem under dash near windshield. It has happened multiple times like 15 as of this date.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I began driving home from work with the vehicle at 75% charge. As I pulled onto the main road the vehicle experienced a regenerative braking error, then proceeded to lose power. The vehicle came to a halt and then displayed an error that the battery charge level was 0%. At this time every single error indicator on the dash became illuminated. The vehicle stopped in the travel lanes and was una... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
I've been having an issue with my car just out of the blue breaking while I'm going into it seems to be only a left turn I had let Kia know about this when I took it in for the other recalls just recently nobody seemed to have any idea of what was going on or look at me like I was crazy I guess and now I see this recall that explains everything to a tee of what my car is doing I need somebody to c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
Car suddenly, unexpectedly, and without warning lost power while driving putting us at risk for serious collision/injury with inability to drive the car and then gave "Hybrid System Malfunction" warning. This occurred AFTER performing the recall which was supposed to address this issue.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
Was slow rolling to stop light at intersection. Vehicle shut down and got an alert that said “auto start stop shift to P, then restart engine”
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was pulling to one side. There was an abnormal winding noise detected. The window failed to go up when the button was depressed. The engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an ind... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Transmission has parts that wear out fast causing transmission to completely go out.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Vehicle 1 (complaint vehicle) was traveling on interstate highway in moderate traffic in right lane while traveling around a slight curve traveling at 60 mph. Vehicle 2 traveling in left lane merged to right lane with approximately 2 car lanes of spacing in from of vehicle 1 (complaint vehicle). I lifted off accelerate in vehicle 1 (complaint vehicle) to slow down and Honda Sensing Collison Mitiga... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
Transmission problems. I’ve almost wrecked a few times from my car stalling in intersections. First it had a delay in shifting where it would stall out before jolting into gear. Now it will not switch gears at all and is not driveable. I’ve been told that it is probably the TCM malfunctioning, but Ford did not extend the warranty on my test vehicle. They stopped it at 2016 models, claiming tha... Read more