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 7, 2023
The torque converter failed at 62,050 miles. It is currently at the dealer and unable to be repaired to to the part being on national backorder. So it should be able to be inspected on demand as of the submission of this form until an unknown amount of time before the part is available. This failure put others on the road at risk as well as me and my family because of a sudden inability to accele... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
This vehicle has a very dangerous malfunction. There was no power when I tried to move out of the way of an out-of-control semi truck while driving on the highway by pressing the pedal. I made every effort to maneuver because I was terrified. But because of the power outage, I could have died. This is really worrying, and I hope you can address the issue raised by Chevy so that someone else might ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
I am writing to provide you with detailed information regarding the engine failure incident that occurred on November 15, 2023, involving my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The component that failed was the engine itself, which resulted in a sudden and complete loss of power while I was driving at highway speeds. This incident posed a significant safety risk to both myself and others on the road, a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
On May 26, 2023, I purchased my 2017 Acura TLX from Sterling McCall Acura Houston, TX. On July 16th, my son was driving the Acura TLX and the engine burst into a fire. After the engine fire, I had to replace the entire. On November 20, 2023, after reading an article and contacting American Honda ( [XXX] ) I became aware of a recall on my Acura TLX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
I own a 2023 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe, and after 4 months and roughly 5000 miles, a bolt in the rear suspension broke, causing significant damage to other parts. On the highway this was very disconcerting and there was a huge amount of lateral shifting over any bump. Definitely not safe. Thankfully, the first incident was covered under warranty, despite the repair team being clueless about the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
The available component that failed would be the liftgate hinge. My safety is put at risk because the powerlift gate is leaning toward the left side heavily and limiting away from the frame of the vehicle. Although this is latched down, others are a risk because if the liftgate detached from the vehicle, others could be seriously injured. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle h... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
When I use the windshield washer fluid some of the vapors gets in the cabin. The fluid contains methanol and it is highly toxic.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
Drivers door since purchasing the car in 2017 when it's cold out "winter time" by drivers door once open, will not latch back and close- takes it warming up before my drivers door will latch and shut . Temps 30 or under , the mechanism freezes and will not allow the door to latch shut
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
Steering is "sticky", with random resistance encountered, mainly from top center of wheel while making micro adjustments left or right and back to center. It happens almost every time it is driven at various speed. Williams Honda of Elmira, NY looked at my vehicle and determined it was not effected by the steering rack recall. So, I'm unsure what the problem is now.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
On November 30th around 5:30 PM on [XXX] my wife struck and killed a 6 point buck. Thankfully a SC Highway officer was coming in the opposite direction saw the accident and aided my wife in getting out of the car as he had seen a fire in the engine compartment area. Shortly thereafter the car exploded and was engulfed in flames and totally destroyed. Neither the patrol officer nor the tow oper... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle into an independent mechanic for service, the contact was made aware that the rear trailing arm had severe frame corrosion, potentially compromising the vehicle safety. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis and advised the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
Our 2017 Ford Edge experienced engine problems that are linked to a service recall Ford Motor Company issued on 2016 - 2018 Ford Edge vehicles related to coolant leaks & head gasket failures. Ford is refusing to fully cover costs to replace the engine which was inspected by an authorized Ford Dealership service department & determined to have coolant entering engine cylinder. Providing clear evide... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
When driving car, the car would reduce speed on curves, sensing cars o objets on the side as obstacles. November 2023 I rear ended a car, and the air bags fail to deploy, automatic emergency braking fail to engaged. No warning .
Crash
Incident date: May 16, 2023
I purchased a used 2017 Audi Q7 Premium on 11/16/2023 from a Volkswagen. Since it showed the message "Brake pads: wear limit reached. You can continue driving. Please contact Service", the agreed to repair it. I didn't receive my vehicle until 2 weeks later. They said that the work was done but after driving it for a couple of days the message is still showing. After driving it off the lot, minute... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speed limit restriction warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the speed odometer failed to exceed 50 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed diesel injector. The contact was informed that the diesel injecto... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
The eyesight system not functioning and at this point has not been repaired and is available for inspection. Warning notices were intermittent with warning sound’s coming on each time. Eventually the warnings came on nearly all the time. I was alone in the dark and very nervous. no other injury Yes the vehicle was taken to dealer, also I took photos as it continued to intermittently occur. Y... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that after plugging the electric air pump into the cigarette lighter socket, smoke was suddenly present coming from the lighter socket and the engine compartment. After opening the engine hood a small flame, smoke, and burning was present coming from the dashboard wire harness. The contact was able to extinguish the flame. The fire depa... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
When the car is coming to a stop the drivers floor mat slides on top of the gas pedal. Also when driving, general movement of your foot on the mat causes it to slide forward freely with and restriction. The velcro that attaches to the mat falls off and the mat is free moving. It is a common concern among other BMW X5 owners in online forums. The dealership refuses to assist. Thank you
Incident date: Nov 19, 2023
The contact owned a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 3 MPH, the contact stated that she was in a parking lot when she depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle unintentionally accelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle was moving at approximately 45 MPH and it continued to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle drove into a field, she turned ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
There is an has been an issue with my electrical system says I purchased this car in 2017. Myself believe that the issues have not been documented until 2020. When my racy begins to run out, my engine light has been coming on and I’ve been getting the same code P1101 I took my vehicle to GMC and they told me that the engine light came on because the tape came loose. I brought this vehicle and th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The contact stated that the "Service Power Steering" message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. The vehicle was not repair... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
There was no incident. I’m complaining because Hyundai has yet to do anything to address the recall Sep 22,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number251 NHTSA Recall Number23V651000. Why aren’t you insisting that Hyundai starts repairing vehicles affected by a recall issued last September. And the last time my car was recalled for a different recall I had to wait 2 months to get an appointment with my de... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and the steering wheel was vibrating. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring more frequently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electronic steering motor had failed an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
This recall has been open for months and we are now months past the promised repair date with no end in sight. Please press Ford to repair this dangerous issue promptly.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
Twice in the last 4 months, after turning into a parking place and accelerating gently to pull forward into the space, the car surged forward much more than it should have given my light acceleration. The first time this happened I slammed into a split rail fence which broke, damaging the vehicle. The fence parts went over a restraining wall and damaged a house. I was able to stop the car but it... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
November 2022, 2005 audi allroad 2.7T diagnosed fire/melting of lightbulb of the passenger side headlight due to electrical issues. Was unable to repair the headlight at that time. November 2023, owner of vehicle finds open recalls associated with this make/model. Since the recalls were dated back to 2006 or 08, so the VIN tools only show up to 15 years. I made an recall repair appointment wit... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
November 2022, 2005 audi allroad 2.7T diagnosed fire/melting of lightbulb of the passenger side headlight due to electrical issues. Was unable to repair the headlight at that time. November 2023, owner of vehicle finds open recalls associated with this make/model. Since the recalls were dated back to 2006 or 08, so the VIN tools only show up to 15 years. I made an recall repair appointment wit... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was driving rough. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating. The contact noticed white smoke coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the short block. The ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2023
The indicator light 'Service Safety Restraint System' beeps and comes on about every 5 minutes when driving. Sometimes it doesn't come on at all. There is no rhyme or reason for why it happens.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I had expressed transmission issues with the service center for over a year. Paid for transmission servicing, reprogramming, and kept all maintenance up to date. All regular maintenance has been performed, and the truck has about 80% highway miles, and been cared for and never abused. Now, Ford is telling me, the entire transmission needs to be replaced, at a high cost, and the truck has about 80k... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2023
Brake service message lights on. Many others with same problems
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Dashboard lights flashing, Brake lights Traction control Cruise Check engine
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Severe Oil dilution with gasoline and heavy gas smell.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
About three weeks after we bought the SUV, a small rock hit the windshield while we were driving on the freeway, causing a quarter-sized crack. We had it repaired. A week later, two more tiny chips appeared on the windshield. We didn't even notice anything hitting the windshield, and we only drove it on city roads with normal road conditions. The windshield seems to have very soft glass and gets c... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
2020 RAV4 hybrid. Vehicle doesn't start; requires a jump, which is inconvenient or unsafe, depending on where it happens. Intermittent occurrence, ~ 3 times/year. Toyota checked 12V battery, pronounced OK, of course the car was driven to the shop for the check, so was operating at the time. I've checked the battery when the car wouldn't start and found it to be a little low (11.5V) but by no m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
My vehicle is equipped with EYESIGHT. I was driving to my home after work at night and suddenly the infotainment system screen went blank; including Braking Assist, Adaptive Cruise control, Lane assist, Emergency Braking etc including Navigation, also the HVAC shut off and EYESIGHT that controls these as well, shut off. It was suffocating in the car due to no A/C and thusf I tried to pull over a... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
On Thursday 16NOV2024 I noticed the rear sliding window on my 20' Ram had shattered on the drivers side section. The sticker on the back was damaged and appeared burnt. The weather that morning had been 35 degrees and partly cloudy. When I remote started the vehicle at 0700HRS, the rear defrost came on automatically. I drove about 10-15 minutes to work and parked. I returned to my vehicle app... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
-- My 2017 Chevrolet Volt experienced a failure of the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) in the powertrain system. This failure prevented my vehicle from being driven. The BECM and related battery pack components were replaced under warranty by a Chevrolet dealership. Those parts, to my knowledge, are not available for inspection. -- From a safety perspective, my vehicle was luckily parked whe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
The frame on my vehicle is cracked and rotted through. It failed an inspection on 12/01/2023 at Memorial Highway Chevrolet 1 Chevy Dr, Winder,Pa 15963 tel. No. 814-467-2220. The service tech told me the frames on this model traps water. I was referred to another garage for a possible repair. This truck is ten years old with 120k miles on it. It has always been service at a Chevy dealership. I am ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
The error message for air bag/seat belt warning comes on and off. It turns the passenger side air bag to off. It seems to be activated by weight on the seat.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
There was about a handful of incidents in the almost 3 years that ive had this car where i am driving and suddenly the vehicle stops accelerating . the RPM shoots up and the speed stayed at 20mph. I took it to the Nissan dealership service center for a diagnostic and was told that there are no problems with my car.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
For the past 4,000 miles or so, steering wheel has experienced slight jerks or moments of "stickiness" when driving at highway speeds. Incidents occur during all types of temperature and weather conditions. Turning the Lake Keeping Assist system on or off has no impact on steering wheel issues.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
Check engine light came on, low temp light stays on, Eyesight disabled, lane departure, emergency breaking, etc have all been disabled due to the issue. I took it to the local autobody shop and they found code p0128 | Coolant Thermostat Issue. This has caused all safety features to become disabled as mentioned above. I was told by the local shop that I need to go to the dealership. I have not brou... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the 4-WD, ABS, Hill Assist, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the differential malfunctioned due to a tightening and then releasing that occurred while attempting to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that the re... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the 4-WD, ABS, Hill Assist, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the differential malfunctioned due to a tightening and then releasing that occurred while attempting to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that the re... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2023
While driving down the road at night the headlights and dash lights go off for about a couple of seconds and then come back on. When this started happening the radio also stopped working in the vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side headrest unintendedly deployed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that the headrest needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact had not received a callback. The approximate failure mileage was 64... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was 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 had not experienced a f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed smoke coming from the engine compartment, and the electronics started behaving erratically, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnos... Read more