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: Nov 29, 2023
Transmission Failed and needed to be replaced with less than 60,000 Miles. There is a known issue with other Transmissions in the same year for this vehicle and mine should not be included.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
I was headed back home for thanksgiving, traveling down I20 from Birmingham to Anniston AL, when the oil light suddenly came on, then 2 minutes later a "default Engine-service now" warning appeared. The car immediately started making a loud rattling noise, sputtered and stopped accelerating. I almost got rear-ended and was terrified! I managed to exit the interstate and pulled into a gas station. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
intermittent warning signal lights on on all three components: ABS, power steering, TPMS. It is being shown on the internet and youtube that the ABS module has faulty soldering inside that connections break easily. We need honda to recall this as this is a known problem if you search around on the internet.
Incident date: May 2, 2023
Subaru Eyesight will turn off randomly while driving or while parked (turn the vehicle off, unlock the door, sit for a minute or two and when restarting the vehicle, eyesight indicator is orange - off. Example - getting fuel at a full service gas station. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection. Our safety is put at risk. Once Eyesight is off it will not reset/restart, so you are driving w... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2023
The horn for this vehicle simply stopped working. The horn was used earlier in the day to prevent a different vehicle from changing lanes to avoid an accident. My wife has the same vehicle (year make and model) and her horn stopped working 2 weeks ago. The fuse is not the issue on either vehicle. My wife was informed by local Kia that this issue has been common. I researched this issue online and ... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2023
The horn for this vehicle simply stopped working. The horn was used earlier in the day to prevent a different vehicle from changing lanes to avoid an accident. My wife has the same vehicle (year make and model) and her horn stopped working 2 weeks ago. The fuse is not the issue on either vehicle. My wife was informed by local Kia that this issue has been common. I researched this issue online and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2020
1.5 ecoboost catastrophic engine failure. On hi-way lost power. Coolant went into engine cracked block. Known defect, but ford says my car is not covered. But won’t explain why, it checks all the boxes, mfg in Mexico during defective years under mileage and date. Never received notice. Stuck with $7,800 repair. Ford executives will not engage to help.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact's brother-in-law owned a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her brother-in-law was driving 60-62 MPH, her husband was sitting in the front passenger's side seat, the contact was sitting in the rear passenger's side seat and her sister was sitting in the rear driver's side seat. The contact stated that the front passenger's side end of the vehicle collapsed and hit the gr... Read more
Crash
4 injured
1 deaths
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
I have experienced premature rear brake wear and excessive tire wear. Issues with infotainment system and pre-collision braking system. (1) Regarding Tires: Performed all dealer recommended tire rotations and aligned vehicle when recommended. Needed new tires at 31,169 miles. Tires showed excessive inside wear. Bought new tires from a 3rd party shop and had alignment done with hunter alignment sys... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving with the Adaptive Cruise Control engaged and set to 70 MPH, the engine was misfiring and made abnormally loud sounds. Additionally, the vehicle started losing motive power. The message "Service DEF System - See Dealer" was displayed. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon opening the hood... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
Vehicle was using the self driving feature of the Subaru Eyesight system. With the system engaged, the vehicle is supposed to accelerate and apply brakes accordingly as to keep a distance from the vehicle in front. Today, that system failed. The vehicle, with the Eyesight system engaged, accelerated right into the vehicle in front. There was no warning. The vehicle will be go for repair on 12/5/23... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
the abs light stays on no matter what ive tried resetting it and everything and it wont work, the electrical system in the car sometimes doesnt work properly this regarding the headlights and interior buttons, the transmission on the car since i have bought it has a really dangerous kick back on it in the transmission jolts the car really hard to the point its dangerous to drive on dry and rainy d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
the abs light stays on no matter what ive tried resetting it and everything and it wont work, the electrical system in the car sometimes doesnt work properly this regarding the headlights and interior buttons, the transmission on the car since i have bought it has a really dangerous kick back on it in the transmission jolts the car really hard to the point its dangerous to drive on dry and rainy d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
The car engine shuts off several times a day, all the dash lights comes on and say that I am driving with the emergency transmission mode. The break is making a noise like metal against metal. My wife and kids are in risk because this is happening in the middle of a busy California freeway. I set up 2 service appointments that takes almost a month to find availability and when you finally find, t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
I have experienced premature rear brake wear and excessive tire wear. Issues with infotainment system and pre-collision braking system. (1) Regarding Tires: Performed all dealer recommended tire rotations and aligned vehicle when recommended. Needed new tires at 31,169 miles. Tires showed excessive inside wear. Bought new tires from a 3rd party shop and had alignment done with hunter alignment sys... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the Auto Idle feature on the vehicle intermittently failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel during the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on severa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the Auto Idle feature on the vehicle intermittently failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel during the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on severa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2023
Had brake module replaced under warranty at the dealer and less than 10k miles later it’s doing the exact same thing again. Abs is not working, alarm constantly chiming while driving and abs and electronic brake malfunction lights coming on in the dash. Truck still has less than 48,000 miles on it cause I’m scared for my family’s safety so we just don’t drive it anymore. Is a shame we have... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
Infotainment system blacked out while driving and then began showing rear camera intermittently while driving. SB issued suggests this issue requires AIN software update. Dealer says SYNC module, TCU and rear camera need to be replaced. Seems to be discrepancy in whether or not this is a covered recall. Please advise.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
Infotainment system blacked out while driving and then began showing rear camera intermittently while driving. SB issued suggests this issue requires AIN software update. Dealer says SYNC module, TCU and rear camera need to be replaced. Seems to be discrepancy in whether or not this is a covered recall. Please advise.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
El vehículo desde las 500 millas comenzó a encender el aviso de problema en sistema eléctrico , como era intermitente no pudieron arreglarlo , luego el sistema de entretenimiento se apagaba solo , la batería se sobrecalentaba mucho estando apagado y estacionado , por último dejó de recargar la batería , me dejó tirado en medio de la autopista , casi me accidento , lleva dos meses en el con... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
Rear glass shattered while vehicle was parked and defrosting.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. 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 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: Nov 26, 2023
When I start my 2019 Highlander there is a loud screech that startles you and makes you jump out of your seat. It’s a very loud feedback noise through the speakers, and the red and green lights near the SOS button flash multiple times. This happens very often but intermittently, and when it doesn't happen the SOS button only flashes red/green once. This happened after the SOS trial service ha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of the vehicle, he observed an excessive amount of oil leaking from an unknown location. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine mount insulator. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failur... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
Chevrolet dealer was unable to install software during 2 hour N212345944 recall service. Stated that due to error codes and were unable to contact technical support for assistance with errors. I was told to reschedule and leave the vehicle for another attempt. My concern is that GM/Chevrolet repeatedly lead me to believe they had a Final software remedy and they are not delivering on it. They ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2023
While driving southbound on I-95 from Washington, DC to toward Richmond, on a stretch of the highway with three lanes and a constant flow of traffic across all lanes, the driver ahead of me swerved to avoid two cars ahead of her who had stopped for unknown reasons. I saw her tail lights light up and then almost immediately watched her swerve only to see the practically parked cars in my lane (left... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
Cranks but don’t start at times. After doing lots of research I think the tipm is going out and will leave me stranded. Repair shop cannot find a problem
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool conf... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he observed smoke coming from the passenger’s side of the engine compartment, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illumin... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
Service abs system immediately popped up on information screen, also abs and traction control lights all at the same time. This disengages cruise control and removes digital speed reading. Almost got tailgated.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
The hood popped open at 35 mph causing loss of sight. I was in traffic and luckily was able to pull the car off the road. I am taking it to the dealer as soon as I can get an appointment. There were no warning lights or messages prior. I will secure the hood with something before I drive it to the dealer. If I had been driving on the Interstate I am sure the hood would have smashed into windshield... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
The driver side sliding door will not open all the way and gets stuck even when the power door is not engaged. The passenger side sliding door often gets stuck and will not release when the power door button is pushed.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
After waiting in car, dash board went crazy with all warning lights scrolling. Two dealers refused to take car because the dash stopped. This happened 3 times. Third time, Autozone x2 and Firestone, independent of one another said computer issue and that a code for rich fuel was coming up. On sixth check, mechanic private used code reader after check engine light came on. Dash went berserk twice. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2023
Small pebble hit winshield and in no time I have about a 3 inch crack. Car purchased a few months ago, used I have about 4000 miles on it. Read about winshield problems in newer cars with eyesight happening frequently and bam, it happens to me. This needs to be corrected!
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
The automatic braking system detection the RB system as it’s identified on the Subaru Dash heater, failure airbag deployment, all disabled repeatedly removal of the battery connections for a period of 30 minutes reset it but failure has repeated
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
Auto-wiper settings does not work. They are required to be turned on, while on Autopilot/cruise control, but they actively wipe the windshield, even when no rain (clear blue skies). When there is rain - they do not turn on frequently enough. It's a danger in the first scenario, because it's a huge distraction to the driver (wipers intermittently turning on when not raining). In the second scenario... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
1) Drivers seat moves while driving. 2) Seat positioning failure. Failure causes seat to move back increasing length from pedals. Made it harder to reach the gas and brake pedal. Unsafe to drive while seat in motion. 3) Problem was reproduced by dealer. 4) No warning or error messages prior to failure. 5) Dealership and Tech support unable to fix problem with multiple attempts.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
My car randomly brakes while using autopilot/cruise control on the highway. It will brake and move the car toward one side of the line. This happens sometimes every 20 minutes on a roadtrip. On one occasion, it threw the car to the far left side of the line and then reacted to the on the left. It threw the car back to the right side of the lane, near the car on the right side. There were cars on e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
In line at a restaurant drive through around 2pm, raining, wipers on. engine cut off and power steering low message displayed. Car would not restart for several (30 minutes) Cause unknown. All battery, starter, alternator test came back fine.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2023
Transmission sticks in 3rd gear then hard thump and jumps to 6th. Getting on highway trying to merge truck revs but doesnt accelerate then eventually locks up speed. Took to dealer several times and problem still is not fixed. They said that’s how it’s supposed to drive.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. 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 contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
I own a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro S. Which has significant distortion in the windshield which I noticed almost immediately after picking up the vehicle. There is significant distortion about halfway up the windshield. When it is raining it makes it very difficult to see out the window. It seems worse on the driver's side. I brought it to my VW dealer for its 10,000-mile check-up. Service told m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
About a year and a half ago the vehicles warning lights started show thing like check engine, coolant low, battery low, engine overheating and the fan would start running very loudly and thw start stop feature stoped workong even though it indicated it was working. I took it to the dealership and they said they had fix whatever was wrong. A few months later it started up again but this time while ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
Received error code P2682, a faulty Thermo Control Valve. This happened on 11/17/2023. Car potentially could have quit running in traffic. Subaru has identified the issue with TSB 09-80-21R. They have changed the design of the valve due to the many failures. My car has 74,000 miles. My brother in law has the same vehicle with 57,000, and his car is in the shop today for the same issue. The servi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structurer) 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 m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structurer) 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 m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The engine has failed. This problem is known by Chevrolet Corporation. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk when my vehicle just shut down. This problem with the 2.4 Engine, is a known problem by GM.. About 2 years ago I noticed some oil spots. I then took it to a certified mechanic and had it inspected. They told me that the gaskets and seals of the engine were... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH a deer had jumped in front of his vehicle. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal with force, however, the pedal did not respond and depressed to the floorboard with no resistance. The contact stated that he was pumping the brake pedal when he crashed into the deer. The contact stated that the ve... Read more
Crash