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: Mar 8, 2024
In March 2023, my vehicle was in a major front end collision on the passenger side and the airbag did not deploy. In January 2024, a warning light appeared on my car’s screen that reads “Safety Restraint System Fault” I then took the vehicle to a Tesla service center who determined that the front passenger airbag and OCS needed to be replaced to maintain compatibility….
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
Travel assist warning alarm rings all the time. It has been inspected and the VW dealership said that I need a new steering wheel. Vehicle is available to be inspected at any time. The alarm is completely distracting while driving and that alone is a hazard. Also, with the alarm ringing so sporadically, there's no way to tell if there is a true hazard or not. Inspected by dealership in December ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
Travel assist warning alarm rings all the time. It has been inspected and the VW dealership said that I need a new steering wheel. Vehicle is available to be inspected at any time. The alarm is completely distracting while driving and that alone is a hazard. Also, with the alarm ringing so sporadically, there's no way to tell if there is a true hazard or not. Inspected by dealership in December ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
Travel assist warning alarm rings all the time. It has been inspected and the VW dealership said that I need a new steering wheel. Vehicle is available to be inspected at any time. The alarm is completely distracting while driving and that alone is a hazard. Also, with the alarm ringing so sporadically, there's no way to tell if there is a true hazard or not. Inspected by dealership in December ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
While driving, the auto spontaneously without warning has a near catastrophic failure of all systems (e.g. anti-lock brakes, emissions, control, automatic windows etc.) All warning icon lights are on the driver’s front video are displayed while a central scrolling message reports all the major systems malfunctioning (as mentioned above). The auto immediately decelerates and now can no longer go ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I took delivery of a Tesla Model X Plaid in December. The turn signal and horn buttons on the steering wheel vs. stalks is a major safety concern to me. Finding the buttons, espcially in an emergency situation is next to impossible without looking down to find them. Obviously looking down is the last thing any driver should have to do during an emergency. Please pressure Tesla to do somet... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Was driving down the road car completely loose power check engine light started blinking pulled over turn the car off. Turn it back on check engine light disappeared. Vehicle did fine feels like vehicles constantly losing power runs fine acceleration and it starts to cut out hook the check engine light system up and as most 2018 through 2019 Honda Accord error pops up Fuel rail/system pressure-too... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
Sudden catastrophic engine failure with no explanation from the service department at the dealership. Service was well maintained, no oil leak, all service done via the dealership but at 102K miles, engine failed suddenly. This is the V6 3.3L engine. Hyundai has agreed to replace it but it is on back order with no ETA.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
The horn in the Tesla Model X is very hard to operate in real world driving environments because it is a haptic button that’s is placed amount other haptic buttons. Several times over the past few months I have been unable to safely operate the horn in situations where another driver was coming into my lane or otherwise I required the use of the horn in an emergency situation. I had to take my e... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
For over a year and a half I have been without my ABS system due to FCA installing faulty ABS modules and hydraulic units in the 2017-2018 Ram 2500's and 3500's. The same units were installed in the 2019-2021 Ram 2500, 3500 but FCA recalled those models. I am also without cruise control as well. FCA has even put out a technical service bulletin about this and still has not resolved this issue.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sportage. 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. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
Left front head light will turn off while turning left, more than 10deg. This is part of the Steering Responsive System where the headlights will move with the steering. This is a sealed unit and not a user replaceable component such as a head lamp. Replacement costs are excessive for this manufacture failure. This left front headlight turning off while turning left is a common problem found o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
Steering wheel "Clock Spring" has failed at 76,000 miles. Heard an clicking sound when turning leading up to issue, then a POP sound. Airbags, horn, cruise control, and other wheel controls all dead. I see this is a common problem, obviously a bad part from VW, and a MOJOR safety risk since Airbag will not deploy. This should be a recall, or free repair when it breaks at least, no reason this part... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning odor detected inside the vehicle. There was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact pulled over and checked the oil, antifreeze, and other fluids. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who cleaned and changed the 02 s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 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 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. T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
The catalytic converter got pluged up from the oil consumption. The car would no longer accelerate. Yes I still have the catalytic converter.yes the safety was I went to excelrate and I almost got rear ended. It just happened out of nowhere.I took it to the Meineke's shop and they said the cat was pluged but wasn't 100% sure so I had it towed to a kia dealer and they said it was 100% the catalytic... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
The catalytic converter got pluged up from the oil consumption. The car would no longer accelerate. Yes I still have the catalytic converter.yes the safety was I went to excelrate and I almost got rear ended. It just happened out of nowhere.I took it to the Meineke's shop and they said the cat was pluged but wasn't 100% sure so I had it towed to a kia dealer and they said it was 100% the catalytic... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
All MB GLA and CLA 2015 cars have a common issue "CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVE" which should be replaced a few times for the cars. Each service will cost at least $2000.00. Please ask MB to recall their cars and fix this issue.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
So theirs issues with window ,shaking while in red light, tick sound, was a banging under the hood sound like metal, also an electric sound not sure how to describe it
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had noticed that the trim on both A-pillars wer... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
Transmission went out at 167,000 miles. I bought the car used 3 years ago and have kept up the maintenance on the vehicle. About 6 months ago, I was driving home and the vehicle wouldn't accelerate above 20 mph. I kept cutting it on and off and trying to let it sit for a bit then trying to drive again. It wouldn't go above 20 mph. I had it checked out by a mechanic and was told I need a whole new ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jayco Pinnacle. The contact stated that the frame where the pin box connects to the 5th wheel hitch was built in a way that caused damage to the side wall of the fiberglass. The side wall area began to fracture. The RV was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the frame nearby the pin box was built in a way that caused additional damages and was a known issue. The... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
There is a design defect in my 2024 Kia Telluride. There is no protection for the condenser/radiator. My air conditioner did not work. Brought it to dealer, dealer said a foreign object penetrated the condenser. I asked how it happened, dealer said there is no protection for the radiator or condenser so this problem may happen again and again. Kia does not offer a screen to be installed in fr... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2018
My first recall was on my windshield when I took it to a dealer they told me that was my problem it got so bad I had my insurance company have a windshield put in there was no glue on top or sides only on the bottom you could put your arm out the top of the windshield my dash was swollen and split open they replaced it but now my computer is acting crazy as is the car I got under the driver seat a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2022
Back up lights and Tail light problems My Back up lights turn on when the headlights are turned on and do not shut off unless the headlights are off. Also, recently, the rear tail lights were burning out early and would last only two weeks. The source of the problem seems to be in the fuse box. There is no short in the system. It appears to be in the fuse box of the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. Bulbs w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2020
Summary: Some 2015-2018 Edge equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost due to coolant intrusion into engine which could cause the potential for engine fires and failure, misfires, collision risk, and costly repairs. Vehicle did not exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke did not run rough. Automaker knew about the Ford EcoBoost engine defect since 2010 based on pre-production testing and complain... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2020
The contact’s son owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle at the gas station, the contact had to wait for approximately 2-30 minutes before the vehicle would start-up. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the RPM revved and fluctuated from high to low. The contact also stated that while driving from a stop light, the vehicle stalled. The chec... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2020
My 2016 Lincoln MKC has a recall. Recall was mailed to me and I called closest Lincoln dealership to begin process. Dealership stated part was on back order and I would get a call when it comes in. I called a few weeks later and still no luck. I attempted calling several times with no luck. Fast forward 2-3 months after calling, I’m driving with my son and out of nowhere the car begins to stal... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
Please see attached documents
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
Please see attached documents
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 23TE08. The initial notice went out, I need to know a remedy or at least a timeline of events. I'm attempting to trade my vehicle and this paint issue is affecting my trade-in value. In addition to the paint peeling, I've also encountered several random circular areas of dull paint in different areas of the truck. the paint issue needs addressed.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
Auto Emergency Breaking & Forward Collision Warning: Yes it available for inspection ASAP My safety was risk, while driving on the freeway I was staying in my lane driving and all of a sudden it said Forward Collision: warning when passing a vehicle that was driving in the next lane to the right , then immediately the auto emergency brakes turned on and once it did that I had trouble with ste... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Transmission drags. When stopping the car jerks bad and sometimes proceeds to accelerate. When at a stop auto start has a hard jerk I reported this problem to Cadillac dealership when I first got the car. They claim they couldn't find an issue. The touch pad goes out frequently.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Transmission drags. When stopping the car jerks bad and sometimes proceeds to accelerate. When at a stop auto start has a hard jerk I reported this problem to Cadillac dealership when I first got the car. They claim they couldn't find an issue. The touch pad goes out frequently.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Driving at approximately 60 mph, suddenly - a lot of vibration and an incredibly loud bang. We were able to continue driving. On investigation, confirmed that there had been a catastrophic failure of the front drive-shaft. On further investigation, this is a known issue with this make & model and there was a recall [XXX]: Replace Front Driveshaft in 2017. This recall literature describes everythin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I was on the highway with my family, when we started to smell smoke,and the car began to slow down I proceeded to get off the highway to pull over to the side the of the road oil light came on and some more signal came on .so my son told me to open the hood it was dark so I could not find the latch so he bent his head down and that’s when he seen fire he told everyone to get out the car.!,,,and ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
While driving on the highway late at night, at approximately 60 mph my 2012 Sonic began to lose power and slowed to a dangerously low speed when there was nowhere for me to pull over! I literally had to coast to a spot that I could barely squeeze off the road! Then would not shift into any workable gear but 1st and after that just revved up loudly. Long story short…had to be towed 35 miles home... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Thursday, 2/29/23 I was driving through a busy intersection. The car in front of me was slowing and I too slowed by gently easing the brake. This slow down was not unusual for steadily moving traffic. As my foot was resting on the brake, I felt the car pull the brake down below my foot hard, forcing my vehicle to abruptly stop and due to the force, my body was pushed into the steering wheel. No in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the delay in the repair of a recall affecting my 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL. The recall (Manufacturer Recall Number 69FB, NHTSA Recall Number 23V215) was issued on March 29th, 2023, due to a fault in the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS), which may result in the passenger airbag being switched off erroneously. This poses an increased risk of in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
My Tiguan was towed on [XXX] to Beyer Volkswagen [4017 Valley Pike, Winchester, VA 22602] for service to repair a sudden and unexpected vehicle failure. On [XXX], I started the Tiguan and noticed a hard start. I drove the vehicle about 4 miles down the road and noticed a smell of gasoline when I stopped and opened the door. I immediately drove the car home at which point I noticed gasoline ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
The Steering wheel is making a lot of clicking noise when turning or going over bumpy roads. I have takin my car to several independent car shops only for them to tell me that this has been a common problem for this specific model as they have seen similar Kia optima’s and Hyundai’s with this issue. I was advised that if left alone, the problem can make the steering go bad and become a dangero... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated there was an unknown part loosened at the front of the vehicle. While driving at unknown speeds, there was an abnormal rattling noise detected from the strut that had become louder over time. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the front-end bolts were tightened. The vehicle was repaire... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Service Engine" and "Service Electronic Throttle" lights came on. The car/engine started shaking/stuttering pretty violently, so I quickly turned off the car. I waited about 2 minutes and started the car again, and same thing. I waited another 10-15 minutes to start the car again. This time, the car started fine without "Service Electronic Throttle" light, but "Service Engine" light was still on a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
My ABS module has gone out, giving me an UNSAFE Jeep Patriot, now with ZERO ABS or Traction control, major issue in Tampa driving! Apparently, according to the dealer here, they're on "galactic back order" for a few years now; I couldn't even find one at a used parts store in the area...had to resort to Ebay, having it installed at the dealership this week, who says they'll install it (Janet) but... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
The 2023 Nissan Rogue we have as a lease with 9,000 miles on it. 10 minutes after driving it and going on the highway with in 1 minutes the engine abruptly started knocking and stuttering and immediate loss of motive power. Fortunately the car was in the left most lane and an exist was able to enter the exit ramp but the vehicle started sputtering and stalled and would not restart. Restart attempt... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked and stalled. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The check engine warning light and the low oil pressure warning light were illuminated. The contact shifted into park(P) and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. The contact then pulled to the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
I walked from my garage to the back of my truck to the driver door a drove away. At my destination the tailgate was open and my chainsaw was sitting there. Absolutely no way I could walk past my tailgate and not see the Stihl chainsaw looking at me and drive off without closing it first. I’ve owned the truck 1 week at this point.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
The driver's seat has something protruding (seat heater?) into your tailbone which causes pain and discomfort. The constant adjusting to get comfortable (grabbing the steering wheel to pull myself forward) and slower reaction due to pain and numbness is a hazard waiting to happen. I have not addressed this with my local dealership as they had my car for 7 weeks and only fixed the recall issue (... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
2/29/2024 driver side tire was flat 3/1/24: I wanted to put the spare so that I could take the fire for repair. But the factory issue lug nut wrench does not fit. How can you do this to people? This is ridiculous 3/2/24 I went to the store to buy a nut remover This should not be allowed to happen and you get away without giving the customer a proper tool