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 1, 2024
The transmission began slipping causing poor control at higher speeds using the cruise control or passing gear. Only about 42,000 miles on the vehicle and no financial help from Ford. Service for a new transmission was $7667.11at Dave Sinclair Ford, 7466 South Lindbergh, St. Louis Missouri, 63125. 314-892-2600
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
Received multiple error messages while driving including: -Pre-collision assist not available -Service engine soon -Powertrain malfunction/reduced power -Drive mode selection disabled. The “D” on the gear shift was also flashing. I slowed down and the parking brake automatically engaged while still driving, which caused the truck to stop hard. I was able to drive it to a parking lot, but it fe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2018
engine failed while driving in 2020. Engine replaced. Engine unable to be repaired without another replacement Aug 2022-Jan 2023. Sold car back to dealer at a loss.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2018
Tie rods have no remedy, I have my car parked because its unsafe to drive and have called dealer hundreds of time and all they say is they're working on it. How long do I have to wait on a car I am making payments, this is awful
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Purchased this car new from Crain Hyundai, Conway AR, on 4/1/2024. On 4/3 we called dealer because Bluelink reported 13 maintenance critical issues needed immediate service. Took the vehicle to dealer on 4/4. They worked on vehicle, said they fixed issue and notices would disappear over night. Issues did not, so 4/5 dealer had vehicle picked up, loaner left, and they would fix in 2 days. Issues st... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made an abnormal roaring sound. The check engine and low engine oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not dia... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
The contact leased a 2023 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 contact stated that the steering wheel was loose and was shuddering intermittently while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
7-21-23 Unit stalled 3 times today. The last time was while driving. Check engine light on. 1-29-24 Today I was responding to an emergency backup for an officer that was fighting two subjects. The subjects were fleeing from a stolen vehicle and it was dispatched that these subjects were armed. I never made it to this call because my vehicle #10688 would not accelerate past 23mph and then shu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
At March 23rd, 2024, we have oil change on the car. The service sales came back to tell us that the front lower control arms' bushing is torn and needed repair immediately. Without repairing them, the wheels may disengage from the car. So we have them replaced, since losing the wheels during driving will cost our lives. This is for our safety. What can we do???!!! On conversation with the sales, h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
For as long as I've had my car - 2017 till now - it's had what I term a "hiccup" after receiving gas. The engine would slightly shudder for the first 5-10 minutes after I filled the car with gas. This was not from overfilling the tank as I never max out the tank. I didn't think much about this until a few months ago. A few minutes after filling my car with gas, the engine shuddered severely and th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The vehicle pre collision automatically stops the car completely five times with no car or any objects in the front. I took the car to Mercedes dealership to see if they can find the issues, but they can’t. On 04/07/2024 I had my wife record while I’m driving and we got video of the car just completely hard breaking on its own with no cars in the front. I am worry that another vehicle will ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The vehicle pre collision automatically stops the car completely five times with no car or any objects in the front. I took the car to Mercedes dealership to see if they can find the issues, but they can’t. On 04/07/2024 I had my wife record while I’m driving and we got video of the car just completely hard breaking on its own with no cars in the front. I am worry that another vehicle will ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
the truck is constantly running a shift to park message. It takes continuous attempts by pressing the brake and wiggling or changing gears to reverse, to drive back to park in order to shut off. Sometimes, it takes up to 10 minutes to stop erroring before I can exit the vehicle. this has started a couple years ago there has been no resolution by Chevrolet as to the reason or an option to fix it t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
When driving in a rainstorm, there was a loud pop, and the driver side windshield wiper stopped moving. After I finally got home I checked the pivot point of the wiper arm and the nut was still tight. I ordered a new wiper motor module, and replaced it. On the old module I discovered one of the arms had disconnected at a pivot point. I understand NOW that GM has an extended warranty for the part ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
My vehicle is Ford Explorer 2015. 106,000 on it. All the sealer for the door and windows are coming apart. I've never had a vehicle ever to do that less 10 years old. I've had cars, trucks and SUVs older than that and the seals stay intacted. Water comes in the front passenger side door. Drivers door disclose solidly it rattling as you drive. The sealer around the windsheild and under the A-Pilar... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
Vehicle lost power while driving and has many warning notices. Pulled over but when I tried to drive again it accelerated on its own. Pulled over again and turned the vehicle off a few times and then it drive normally but with the check engine light on. Had happened 3 times. Took to Ford dealer 2 times and dealer could not reproduce the issue and gave it back to me.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
I was driving in the street at 10 miles, I turned to the right and I push the break but the car didn't break and I crashed with the car in front of me.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Engine started to tick. Took it to Dodge after the check engine light came on, it started running rough, and truck started to throw random codes. Dodge tells me its the cam and lifters, which is a known problem for the 5.7 Hemi V8 motors of this era. Chrysler knows of the issue, and there's even a service bulletin regarding it, however Chrysler refuses to repair any of them that are out of warrant... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
On [XXX] my windshield wiper motor died during a rainstorm. The car gave no warning lights and I get my vehicle serviced regularly. I have had ongoing electrical issues with this car such as a faulty radio and inability to run the GPS settings. I took the car back to Princeton Acura ( In New Jersey) and was told the Windshield Wiper Motor has to be replaced at it would cost me $ 600.00. The car wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
On [XXX] my windshield wiper motor died during a rainstorm. The car gave no warning lights and I get my vehicle serviced regularly. I have had ongoing electrical issues with this car such as a faulty radio and inability to run the GPS settings. I took the car back to Princeton Acura ( In New Jersey) and was told the Windshield Wiper Motor has to be replaced at it would cost me $ 600.00. The car wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated on one occasion while driving approximately 35 MPH, the second-row passenger’s seat folded onto the contact's nine-year-old son. The child sustained neck soreness. Medical attention was not provided. On another occasion, while the vehicle was turned off, the second-row passenger seat folded inadvertently. The vehicle was not diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
There is a load knocking noise coming from the front suspension. I have taken the vehicle in 3 times to Ford and after I drive off the lot the issue is gone. But after driving for a few days the issue returns. There is a loud clicking noise as well when you back up the vehicle coming from the front suspension.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
I slowed down to approximately 5 MPH to pull into a parking space in front of a building. Without warning, the car suddenly accelerated toward the building. The car jumped over the parking block and onto the sidewalk in front of the building. I attempted to stop the car but the brakes did not function at that point. The car stopped when it hit a pole. There was damage to the front of the car and... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
Rear window is leaking into truck came home from vacation and it rained while vehicle parked outside found both my key fob could not be detected and UCONNECT would not respond to commands thru phone. Vehicle totally inoperable could not start. Had towed to Shivley Motors where it currently sits. Found out that water leak could ruin the rf module and electrical componets behind rear seat to include... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
The vehicle just turned off and locked up while driving and the check engine light was on that presented Code P2635 and P018B
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota RAV4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
While driving on a city street at about 25 to 30 MPH with no cars or people in front of me and on a clear day, my Civic's Collision Mitigation Braking System flashed "Brakes" on my heads up display and at the same time, it forcefully applied the brakes without me touching the brake pedal. This has happened to me at least twice in six weeks. In both instances, I tried to press on the gas pedal, but... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
Passenger seat missing left side weld. Uploaded two pics, right side is good, left side is missing.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
The warning light comes on and then the traction control goes off and the cruise control will disengage all at once. There is also no trailer brake assist. This has been verified by a dealer in Columbus, GA. It is constantly going off and on. The warning light and the warning bell are a constant distraction to the driver. The truck was bought and within 50K miles it started. No warning.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
The warning light comes on and then the traction control goes off and the cruise control will disengage all at once. There is also no trailer brake assist. This has been verified by a dealer in Columbus, GA. It is constantly going off and on. The warning light and the warning bell are a constant distraction to the driver. The truck was bought and within 50K miles it started. No warning.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle in a parking lot at approximately 10 MPH, the engine shut off and the vehicle shifted into park(P) independently. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle shuddered while in motion. The contact turned the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Seatbelt Malfunctions Warning when driving, break malfunction warning while driving, doors wont open, Vehicle stopped accelerating on the freeway, and vehicle plagued with bugs that prevent charging.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and flashed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking form the engine. The contact was unaware of what part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The Scanning System will track this Mold. It can degrade and split. The gas tank is moldy and looks damp. It Can Cause Fire The Fuel Filler Tube Clamp This Mold Can Cause Fire
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the driver's side tire rolled over the curb and the vehicle began to vibrate and shake. The contact stopped the vehicle and confirmed that there was nothing underneath the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a tra... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling in a drive-thru line, the engine temperature gauge increased to the "high" position and the engine overheated causing engine coolant to leak from the engine compartment with white smoke coming from the exhaust system. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the head gasket was blown... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
My radio is hooked up with my reverse camera, it has been malfunctioning for about a year now. When I place my truck in reverse and the reverse camera comes on it only displays it for 3 seconds than turns immediately off. This is causing a safety issue. I depend on this radio and camera to work properly. They dealer have to assume responsibility over this matter.i took my truck the dealership righ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I took it to the dealer for a recall with a PCM programming. After that, I drove it for a few days and the car came to a sudden halt on the freeway. Luckily the cars behind me did not hit me but it is a safety concern and the dealerships are not able to find the problem
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I took it to the dealer for a recall with a PCM programming. After that, I drove it for a few days and the car came to a sudden halt on the freeway. Luckily the cars behind me did not hit me but it is a safety concern and the dealerships are not able to find the problem
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The headlights are very dim. Provides limited viewing at night. I see this is a well known issue with similar models, but not this one. I did call for repair and it is extremely expensive for what I feel should be a safety recall. This unfortunately will impact but future decisions and thoughts about the Acura. I love everything else about my experience with this car, but this major safety issue n... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
The truck had 8 glow plugs replaced.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
I have been experiencing random and harsh shifting. Starting from a stop, the truck would struggle to find a gear. Kind of scary when you are pulling out into traffic. Driving on the highway, the truck would randomly come out of gear for a few seconds and then back into gear. It would harshly downshift from 8th gear down to 2nd and back up again. All while driving 70mph. I took the truck to th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
Car will lose power and quit suddenly on the highway with no warning lights. It has happened twice in the last month on a trip both times. Light’s low beam randomly won’t turn on either but high beams work. Had it into the Hyundai dealership and another mechanic shop but cannot find the problem.
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - STEERING
Apr 1, 2024
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
When going straight for a period of time down the road at speeds above 40mph or so, and the needing to make a slight right or left adjustment to the steering, it feels as though steering sticks momentarily and requires more effort to make a steering adjustment. This is scary and not right. So far, the Honda dealership where I purchased the vehicle as a certified pre-owned car has said there is ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
Steering is sticky causing over corrections when driving
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
Car has bad battery sensors. When checking the battery status, it always says the battery is in good condition but it is actually dead. The car also consistently puts out a code "P219A." Dealership suggest that fuel injectors are going bad but the fuel injectors shouldn't go bad this early.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
Car has bad battery sensors. When checking the battery status, it always says the battery is in good condition but it is actually dead. The car also consistently puts out a code "P219A." Dealership suggest that fuel injectors are going bad but the fuel injectors shouldn't go bad this early.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
Vehicle showing check engine light, connected a reader to the vehicle and it shows a code of P052E .. ( Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator)