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: Dec 15, 2023
On Friday, December 15, 2023 I started my car, Subaru Forester Touring 2019. After starting these lights came on the dashboard: check engine, flashing S drive, no eyesight, RAB off. I was reading online that there have been complaints to NHTSA similar to my problem ( NHTSA ID # 11490232, 12479843, 11511658, 11490977, 11479843, 11499756, 11480952, 11491752, 11474804) to name a few reports.This has ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Cracked fuel tank. Smells of gasoline when the tank is full but the odor goes away once the fuel level gets below 3/4-1/2 a tank. Here is a walk around video of when my car was in for this issue [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The original battery does not support the CAN system and replacing the battery does resolve the issue. The system will shut off while stopped at a light to save fuel, and turn back on when you press on the brake or the gas. There is an error where the vehicle will try to start itself when you’re not even cranking it. This can be dangerous if the car shuts off at a light and won’t turn back on ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
While this Recal has been announced since August, the Manufacturer and Dealerships have not fixed this issue nor do they have a projected date for a fix. In the mean time, they have stated that the vehicle could catch fire and should be parked outside away from structures. This has placed our family at risk, devalued our vehicle and has us considering purchasing another safer vehile putting our fa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Braking system engaged while driving at ~40mph. Emergency brake also appeared to engage. Once completely stopped, vehicle brakes were locked up and vehicle had to be hauled for service.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
At 102,000 miles I have a cracked cylinder head
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
Crack Cylinder Head less than 50,000 miles
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
I recently (11/9/23) took my 2022 MDX (22,00 miles) to the local Acura dealer for an issue with my windshield washers not working. They diagnosed the problem as the washer jets were clogged and said the replacement parts were on back order and they were not given a time when they would arrive. I am concerned that currently my vehicle is unsafe to drive during inclement weather conditions-- i.e... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. 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 contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
My touchscreen is delaminating. I can't use the radio, the Navigation system or interior climate control system. If the radio is turned on, it jumps from station to station, the phone system has called 911 several times, and dials random numbers from my contact list. This is a safety hazard because of the random dialing and distraction it causes. This condition is only happening on this model ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
Loud buzzing noise when locking door. Seat position control buttons and mirror positioning control buttons stopped working. Had fixed and within a month, they stopped working again. The buzzing issue has been going on for years now. The issues with the seat/mirror controls started about three months ago.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
I have noticed a number of times that when I push the stalk on the Fisker, which is supposed to move it from Drive to Park, that it has gone from Drive to Neutral. I have caught this happening probably 6 or so times in the 150 drives I have taken in the last two months. The solution has normally been that I take my foot off the brake and notice the car rolling backwards before getting out, put my ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
When starting the car in cold weather, the driver assistance system, to include rear camera display, navigation, hands-free voice commands and calling, continuously restarts for close to 15 minutes rendering safe navigation unavailable. Without a backup navigation system, drivers cannot get turn prompts and safely plan for the next exit or turn. This has happened repeatedly and could be related to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V33400 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
ECM safety recall air injection pump failure
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the engine / it stopped while I was driving / dealer charged me $2000 for a replacement engine, then after that my Power steering gave out , My ESC turns off and on / car jumps while driving my whole dashboard goes crazy How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the car stopped whi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
I would like to know if the vehicle was in the flood of 2020 1st of all. I've had this vehicle in Many times before I was told there was no maintenance work done prior to me buying it from a dealer. Been addressing a bad odder upon starting the vehicle for over a year. The smell is in the cab also. Now being told it could be the catalytic converter @ 51,000 miles on the vehicle. I've already spent... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
A well-known failure of the Thermal Control Valve (TCV) occurred, which disabled many or most of the safety features on the car in addition to crippling the heat output in the cabin. Additionally, depending on which way the valve sticks, it could overheat the car and ruin the engine, or worse. Car is under 4 years old and repair estimate is nearly $1900. There is a technical safety bulletin [XXX] ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
Coolant leaking due to overheating, seems to be common problem
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
Parking brake automatically engaged while sitting at traffic light. First time it has done it. Just had an inspection on car a few months back and nothing was wrong with car at that time.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
Thermo Control Valve assembly has failed resulting in loss of use for the following: Rear Automatic Brake, Eye Sight lane keeping, loss of heat in cabin and failure of coolant to circulate within engine possibly leading to engine failure, loss of cruise control and check engine light coming on. Reference TSB [XXX] . Without cabin heat vehicle is not useable in current cold temperatures (Currently ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The contact's wife owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (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 not made aware of the issue... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the transmission shifted inadvertently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
In Summer 2023 driving on uneven country road in Upstate New York hit a pothole and my airbag warning light came on. Then started to flash. Truck is still drivable BUT now The seatbelts no longer lock in place during a sudden stop Did research online Nissan has a Voluntary Service Campaign for this exact issue. Campaign ID P7318 I made appointment with Koeppel Nissan. Had to wait weeks then ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
Frame failure due to rust. Suspension is detached with springs hitting frame. NOTE: fuel tank partially detached previously due to rusted brackets 3-4 years ago and all components were replaced. Filed NHTSA report at that time however had technical issues completing… Still have photos.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The Eyesight feature went out and the heater went out and I took the car to a mechanic and he said it had a faulty thermo control valve that needs replacement.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
While driving to work, the vehicle shook a bit and entered into "reduced propulsion mode". The vehicle had a significant reduction in engine power on the road (the propulsion became very jerky), which became dangerous on the highway. There were no previous indicators of any type of issue. After brining the vehicle to the dealership, I was told it would be okay to drive until my appointment (which ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I have purchased this vehicle in June 2019 and the engine went out while I was driving out of town on 07/02/2021; I have had to replace the engine and the turbo, I had to pay a tow of $340 to the nearest Ford dealership (Marietta, Ga-Gary Service Advisor.) They told me the belt jumped the internal valve timing in the engine. I had to call FORD CORPORATE to beg someone to help me replace the engine... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that after remotely starting the vehicle and activating the rear window defroster, moments later the rear glass hatchback window exploded outward from the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,057.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
Recieved letter in mail to schedule to airbag recall. I scheduled to have recall replaced. The dealership told me it was available. After leaving vehicle. Dealership advised they don't have the part. They don't know when the part will be available. They part hasnt been available for a year. I advised them. This a an accident waiting to happen. I'm driving a vehicle and the airbag is defected. M... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse. The service now warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was informed that the failure was due to the TCM. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contac... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms ... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 11, 2023
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
This vehicle has the new "signature" Honda headlights. The low beam has two illuminated lights which oncoming drivers mistake as high beams. They flash their high beams at me to inform me that I am driving with high beams turned on when I am not temporarily blinding me and creating an unsafe situation. I live in a rural area with mostly single carriageway roads and this happens almost every time ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
Found wheel with 8000 miles with no damage form potholes or anything of the shorts to have a crack.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
I was driving my car when no warning lights came on the car started stalling and turning off and then sparks started to come out from the hood. I was able to get the car in a parking lot and when the hood was opened the battery clamp part came off and welded itself to the hood of the car. I had it towed to Price Toyota where they said the battery was fine and that the bolt was missing. They put... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
There is a long-outstanding recall on the external charging system of this vehicle. Toyota delayed the original date of parts availability to 4th quarter 2023. There are no updates to the status of this recall or availability of the repair. I contacted Toyota corporate and they do not have the parts or an expected date and could not offer a loaner vehicle of the same model. Worse yet, if they ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
Car was thought to be placed in park, key was easily removed, and then the car became mobile and rolled downhill and could not be shifted back into park.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
Dear NHTSA, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of significant concern regarding water leakage in my vehicle, which I believe has the potential to compromise the safety and functionality of the car's electronic systems. I would like to submit this report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure that appropriate measure... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
My Subaru Key is Stuck in Ignition. Two to three times a week the key can not be removed from the key switch . The vehicle will shut off, but the key remains.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
The 2018 GMC Terrain has the AutoStop feature but does not incorporate a switch to defeat AutoStop. In heavy stop and go traffic or when fast acceleration from stop is required, the response of the engine in having to restart creates not only a nuisance condition but a severe accident hazard. It not only hesitates from stopped, it lurches forward after hesitating, which could cause a collision ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
NHTSA safety recall 23V652000 addresses this defect with my vehicle, but the manufacturer has provided no credible or valid solution that positively remedies the vehicle defect. I am horrified of driving my vehicle since reading about the fire hazard that exists. Preliminary findings provided by Kia confirm the HECU/ABS module may leak brake fluid due to a faulty seal. Leaking fluid can come in co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The truck intermittently shows an alarm for failure of the abs braking system. This suddenly shuts off the cruse control and disables the abs. The loss of cruse control caused the truck to suddenly drop in speed in a highway traffic situation, which nearly caused a car behind me to hit me. The loss of abs leaves the truck vulnerable to brake related accidents in slippery or wet weather. I contacte... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The truck intermittently shows an alarm for failure of the abs braking system. This suddenly shuts off the cruse control and disables the abs. The loss of cruse control caused the truck to suddenly drop in speed in a highway traffic situation, which nearly caused a car behind me to hit me. The loss of abs leaves the truck vulnerable to brake related accidents in slippery or wet weather. I contacte... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
FCW did not provide any audible alert, instrument panel alert, nor braking. I was forced to swerve around stopped vehicles that had stopped abruptly for a problem ahead, narrowly missing the stopped vehicles. Speed under 35 mph. Another instance was at freeway speeds vehicles preforming the " swoop and squat" maneuver to enter my traffic lane. Another instance was when a vehicle was parked (disab... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the system was independently disabled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the fuel injectors were defective. The mechanic informed the contact that if the vehicle had been driving at the time of the failure, the vehicle would not be able to excee... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2020
I parked my MachE at home on Sunday evening and I had "lock the car when i walk away" setting turned ON. I also had alarm system turned ON. Car keys were more than 20-25ft away in my home. So, technically no one should be able to break into my car without sounding an alarm. Yet, theft happened on Monday morning without any physical damage to the car and no alarm was sounded. Ford said take the car... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
Concerned driver stopped me and said I had no brake lights , only the lights atop the hatch showed breaking. After returning home I checked all settings on light controls and none made lower break lights work when pedal depressed. This could cause someone not watching top of vehicle crash into my vehicle. If light on top malfunctions I will not have any brake lights. Running lights work fine but d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the high-pressure fuel pump system was clogged and required a fuel system flush. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failu... Read more