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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints
140,173 Reported Crashes
56,794 Reported Fires
8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›
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Showing 35,035 complaints for SUBARU

SUBARU OUTBACK (2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 18, 2024
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle turned off and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle independently automatically restarted; however, the failure recurred. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train) however, neither the year, make, model nor the VIN was included. Th... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2022) - ENGINE Apr 18, 2024
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
check engine light comes on & simultaneously the A/C will not work. when I first researched there was information stating that the grease GM used in the drive train was too thick resulting in the thermostat not working properly. even though GM first acknowledged they caused the problem they are not issuing a recall to fix the problem. instead they want me to take my car to a dealership & pay appro... Read more
SUBARU ASCENT (2019) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Apr 18, 2024
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
Our BMW iX was in B mode at a complete stop behind another parked car at the car wash. After about five minutes, the car took off at full acceleration and rear ended the car in front of us The BMW iX continued another 15 - 20 feet despite my attempts to repeatedly stepping on the breaks.
Crash
SUBARU OUTBACK (2006) - CHILD SEAT Apr 18, 2024
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
See attached document for complaint
SUBARU LEGACY (2013) - ENGINE Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Jan 1, 2012
GDI MOTOR CONSUMES A LOT OF OIL
SUBARU OUTBACK (2022) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
The lane departure warning activated when centered in a lane with clearly marked lines on the road and the steering wheel started pulling me out of the lane on a major highway. Within 5 seconds of the initial warning a follow up warning saying "Road Departure" appears and the car initiated automatic breaking in the middle of a highway. There are not other cars around me at the time of the incide... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
I noticed the door opening hard and making noise. Car parked at home, no accidents or dents. The Door Hinge weld has come disconnected. Tech confirmed on 4/10/2024. Car is still under factory warranty with 33,719 miles. Tech picked up car and brought back with no fix. Tech verified concern, returned vehicle with note Ford Advance Notice for the concern. And when consumer gets the recall not... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2024) - ENGINE Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
I had 2 recalls fixed about 3 weeks ago. Today I was driving & my Maverick malfunctioned. (Maybe it's what they call Limp mode.) Many alerts & icons started flashing, I was prompted to pull over & call a dealer. I pulled over, was able to take some pics but some icons were no longer showing. I tried restarting the vehicle after a couple mins = same thing. I shut if off waited a few minutes & it ... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
I had 2 recalls fixed about 3 weeks ago. Today I was driving & my Maverick malfunctioned. (Maybe it's what they call Limp mode.) Many alerts & icons started flashing, I was prompted to pull over & call a dealer. I pulled over, was able to take some pics but some icons were no longer showing. I tried restarting the vehicle after a couple mins = same thing. I shut if off waited a few minutes & it ... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2017) - ENGINE Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, his girlfriend who was occupying the front passenger's side seat, informed him that there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. Additionally, the contact sustained severe headaches while driving. The contact drove to the hospital, where he was informed that there was an elevated level of carbon monoxid... Read more
1 injured
SUBARU OUTBACK (2017) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, his girlfriend who was occupying the front passenger's side seat, informed him that there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. Additionally, the contact sustained severe headaches while driving. The contact drove to the hospital, where he was informed that there was an elevated level of carbon monoxid... Read more
1 injured
SUBARU OUTBACK (2019) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver became aware that the coolant level was low. The contact stated that the engine was making an abnormal rattling sound. The front wheel was making an abnormal sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The service engine error message was sent to the Ford pass. The vehicle was taken t... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2019) - VISIBILITY/WIPER Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
Windshield wipers suddenly just stopped working without warning while I was driving my 2022 Honda HRV (36,603 miles) during a rainfall. Thankfully I was not on the interstate and I was able to pull over into a parking lot. I took my car to the Napleton Honda Morton Grove Illinois where they inspected my vehicle. They said I need to replace the windshield wiper motor and linkage ($1100!). The car g... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2019) - LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front door failed to unlock and lock with the key fob. The lock also failed to lock with the inside lock button intermittently. The contact stated that the alarm indicated that the doors had been unlocked with an audible sound; however, over time, the alarm failed to activate. The failure had become more persisten... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac XT6. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument panel went black. The vehicle was restarted, and the instrument panel lights illuminated but the vehicle began shaking from the driver's side. The check oil warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she felt heat coming from where her feet were located under the das... Read more
SUBARU ASCENT (2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
Front seat passenger headrest has deployed. Vehicle was not in an accident. Don’t know when it happened. I noticed it when a friend was getting in the car. Who is responsible for this one? And I am afraid the driver headrest will deploy when I am driving.
SUBARU ASCENT (2019) - ENGINE Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
Twice while driving my Rogue it has gone into a limp mode. First time car was towed to Ted Russell Nissan and they found no code for problem ,an update was installed. Second time I drove car to same dealership and again no code was found. The have now had my car for 8 days and can’t get car to duplicate problem. I have to take grandchildren to daycare and pick them up. Both times the proble... Read more
SUBARU ASCENT (2019) - POWER TRAIN Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
Twice while driving my Rogue it has gone into a limp mode. First time car was towed to Ted Russell Nissan and they found no code for problem ,an update was installed. Second time I drove car to same dealership and again no code was found. The have now had my car for 8 days and can’t get car to duplicate problem. I have to take grandchildren to daycare and pick them up. Both times the proble... Read more
SUBARU ASCENT (2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
Twice while driving my Rogue it has gone into a limp mode. First time car was towed to Ted Russell Nissan and they found no code for problem ,an update was installed. Second time I drove car to same dealership and again no code was found. The have now had my car for 8 days and can’t get car to duplicate problem. I have to take grandchildren to daycare and pick them up. Both times the proble... Read more
SUBARU ASCENT (2024) - POWER TRAIN Apr 16, 2024
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
My trucks transmission experienced a complete failure, it is currently at the dealership awaiting parts and repair The failure renders the truck without any forward power almost immediately with only reverse left functioning, we were fortunate that it broke down in a residential neighborhood and not the freeway. The truck was towed to the local dealership, they tore down the transmission and con... Read more
SUBARU FORESTER (2021) - ENGINE Apr 16, 2024
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
Ncfjj HD el n m a de no jabón
SUBARU OUTBACK (2020) - SUSPENSION Apr 15, 2024
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED IN JULY OF 2023. THERE HAD BEEN A PERSISTANT CLUNKING NOISE IN THE REAR WHEN THE ROAD IS BUMPY ALONG WITH SOME STABILTY OR SWAYING FEELING. I HAD IT INSPECTED BY INDEPENDANT MECHANICAL SHOPS. I WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE SHOCK ABSORBERS AND THE STABILIZER LINKS WHICH I DID. THE RT REAR SHOCK ABOSBORBER WAS BAD. MARCH OF 2024 I TOOK A ROAD TRIP TO FLORIDA. FIRST LONG T... Read more
SUBARU LEGACY (2015) - ENGINE Apr 15, 2024
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted and was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced and a tune-up needed to be performed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent me... Read more
SUBARU LEGACY (2015) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Apr 15, 2024
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted and was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced and a tune-up needed to be performed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent me... Read more
SUBARU LEGACY (2015) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 15, 2024
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
While driving, check engine light went on, stabilitrack and traction control went off (information from Driver Information Center) and power was reduced. This occurred several times a week and vehicle slowed down dramatically and had to be driven slowly from the roadway. This was a dangerous situation. After safely stopping, I was able to resume travel after turning off engine and restarting, alth... Read more
SUBARU ASCENT (2019) - ENGINE Apr 14, 2024
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
I have the 2.5 liter engine in my 2017 ford fusion but it’s also experiencing the same coolant leak symptoms of other engine models of this year of vehicle. Car has no visible leaks but coolant levels keep dropping. Temp gauge goes up and down back and forth. Car seems to be sputtering while driving. Currently just passed 100,000 miles this week. I’ve had the vehicle for 7 years and it seems l... Read more
SUBARU FORESTER (2018) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING Apr 14, 2024
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Left headlamp seal is bad. Condensation on inside has diminished brightness. The right lamp also leaked but was replaced under warranty. My warranty has expired but, as a safety issue, I believe the faulty lamp should be replaced at no charge. I'd be happy to have the bad headlamp inspected by a dealer or whoever.
SUBARU FORESTER (2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 14, 2024
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Exhaust fumes fill cabin when car is slowed or stopped. I've had it to dealer once, but hasn't been fixed.
SUBARU FORESTER (2019) - SERVICE BRAKES Apr 14, 2024
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Brakes squeal when backing up.
SUBARU FORESTER (2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 14, 2024
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Brakes squeal when backing up.
SUBARU OUTBACK (2019) - POWER TRAIN Apr 14, 2024
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
My 22 Lariat Hybrid lost power last Wednesday while I was driving it. I believe the engine was still running, but I couldn't accelerate. I parked, turned the truck off, then back on, and drove home. I was able to drive it to the dealership the next day, no problem, It's at the dealership right now. I haven't heard anything yet.
SUBARU OUTBACK (2019) - ENGINE Apr 14, 2024
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
My 22 Lariat Hybrid lost power last Wednesday while I was driving it. I believe the engine was still running, but I couldn't accelerate. I parked, turned the truck off, then back on, and drove home. I was able to drive it to the dealership the next day, no problem, It's at the dealership right now. I haven't heard anything yet.
SUBARU FORESTER (2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 14, 2024
Incident date: Dec 10, 2021
The coolant bypass vavle is going bad and needs to be replaced. If it goes bad then it could cause significant damage to my engine. The car Toyota car dealership stated that it is an a common issue with this year, make, and model.
SUBARU ASCENT (2020) - ENGINE Apr 11, 2024
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
UNKNOWN. I have received recall notice 23V380 in February 2024 after buying the car from a certified Ford dealer on October 24, 2023. The defect has not been remedied, and I need to sell the car now due to a job change outside of the country. This unaddressed recall and threat that the "engine could fail prematurely" has made it nearly impossible to sell the car at anywhere near the price paid. I ... Read more
SUBARU ASCENT (2020) - ENGINE Apr 11, 2024
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
The coolant is leaking into the engine. I understand Ford is aware of this issue but refuse to fix it, Customers have to pay out of their pockets for a new engine after the engine blew from the coolant leak. My issue is the coolant is leaking into the engine and Bill Currie Ford is telling me the coolant is not leaking into the engine even though the car has no leaks. Bill currie ford was not able... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2020) - WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS Apr 11, 2024
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while pulled over on the shoulder and attempting to change a tire, the contact was unable to remove the lug nuts to change the tire. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed with faulty lug nuts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately ... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 11, 2024
Incident date: Dec 22, 2020
U connect screen delaminating, and screen has gone blank.
SUBARU OUTBACK (2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 11, 2024
Incident date: Dec 22, 2020
U connect screen delaminating, and screen has gone blank.
SUBARU OUTBACK (2021) - STRUCTURE Apr 11, 2024
Incident date: Dec 22, 2020
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side air conditioning tube was leaking fluid, causing the carpet on the front passenger’s side floor to become wet. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but the results were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The fail... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2016) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Apr 11, 2024
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
My subframe and back of my truck frame rusted so bad gas tank is close to falling off have a strap holding under it but it’s probably not going to help with a rust hole in the frame
SUBARU OUTBACK (2019) - ENGINE Apr 11, 2024
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, there was oil leaking from underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the oil was changed; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,008.
SUBARU OUTBACK (2019) - STEERING Apr 11, 2024
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
The steering wheel starts sticking when going highway speed around causing me to overcompensate to adjust it to keep following the road, when done so, the car jerks along with the overcompensation. This is causing alot of strain on my arms due to me having to constantly force the wheels to turn to follow the road, took it to the dealership, quoted $4000+ for a steering rack replacement. I hope som... Read more
SUBARU FORESTER (2015) - ENGINE Apr 11, 2024
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
Vehicle stalled while driving with both front and rear wind shield wipers on. It was raining when this occurred. We were in heavy traffic and vehicle would not move, putting us at risk. The dealer states that they are unaware of this failure occurring in the 2023 corolla cross model. The failure happened suddenly without any type of warning.
SUBARU FORESTER (2021) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Apr 10, 2024
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
The brakes automatically engage without cause. The problem occurs at both city and highway speeds, from 20-75 mph. It is particularly bad when passing underneath a bridge. The car will abruptly stop. This has been ongoing for monthes. Sometimes, the vehicle will act inappropriately when the brake is applied by the driver. The car will attempt to accelerate. Other times the car will hard brake as ... Read more
SUBARU LEGACY (2014) - ENGINE Apr 10, 2024
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
2 Issues: Transmission shifts hard between 35-50mph and 50-60mph. Dealership accused me of utilizing improper gas which is not factual; this car has only received the recommended premium octane gas since I purchased it as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. Recall: vehicle is currently under crank shaft recall. In the original notification, Acura stated parts would be available in April. Per the Acura ... Read more
SUBARU LEGACY (2014) - ENGINE Apr 10, 2024
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and the vehicle started shuddering. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway to restart the vehicle, but the failure reoccurred. The messages "Mobilizer Malfunction" and "Engine Service" were displayed on the... Read more
SUBARU LEGACY (2014) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 10, 2024
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. 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 manufa... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2015) - AIR BAGS Apr 10, 2024
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra. The contact proceeded through the intersection when a vehicle crashed into the contact's driver's side door and wheel at unknown speeds. The contact stated that the other vehicle crashed into two vehicles, then crashed into the contact's vehicle and stopped. The contact stated that the police report stated that the vehicle that crashed into the contact was const... Read more
Crash 1 injured
SUBARU OUTBACK (2016) - ENGINE Apr 9, 2024
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
This is 3rd one Ford escape all three ran boiling hot stalled quit running would not crank up coolant leak my car is like brand new I love it but this has to be a recall for it to do three just alike .afraid it will catch on fire and it stalls in traffic I'm [XXX] and it scares me to death of getting hit run over are burning up in car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC... Read more
SUBARU OUTBACK (2016) - SERVICE BRAKES Apr 9, 2024
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
See attached document for complaint
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