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: Jul 11, 2026
I have 36400 miles on my vehicle. It has been to dealer for service as per maintenance manual On Monday the water pump blew. The oil covers blew. They are not even scheduled to be inspected until 60000 Miles I now have a 1800 bill. Service man said these things happen. They don’t make them like they used to. WHAT In 2022 the whole radiator system had to be replaced at 26000 miles Tuesday while t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
I am filing a safety defect complaint regarding my Tesla Cybertruck. Water entered the truck bed outlet area and caused corrosion to the mounting bolts and surrounding components, resulting in Tesla determining that the entire bed wall panel requires replacement. The bed outlet is designed for outdoor use and exposure to weather conditions. In my opinion, water intrusion into this area represents... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
Service air bag light came on. Code read Passenger Seat belt Retractor Pretensioner Deployment Control - Circuit Open
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
Service air bag light came on. Code read Passenger Seat belt Retractor Pretensioner Deployment Control - Circuit Open
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
Incident involving my 2026 Tesla Model 3 equipped with HW4 hardware and the latest FSD (Supervised) software. During a garage reverse maneuver performed under FSD supervision, the vehicle had sufficient time to assess the surrounding environment before initiating the maneuver. There were no pedestrians or moving obstacles nearby. An adjacent parked vehicle was present next to the intended reversi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 8, 2026
Safety features disabled after battery change. Warning lights not cleared after driving the car as they should. Front mounted safety camera does not function properly and this is critical for safety. Multiple people have reported the same thing [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: May 24, 2026
On XXX I picked up my vehicle from Sames Bastrop Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram ([XXX]) after a six-week repair visit (XXX). The dealer's paperwork states two open NHTSA recalls were completed on this visit: 26V-141 (liftgate hinge cover) and 26V-262 (instrument panel cluster software). The same day, when I started the vehicle, the instrument panel cluster did not illuminate. While driving in my neighbor... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2026
On XXX I picked up my vehicle from Sames Bastrop Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram ([XXX]) after a six-week repair visit (XXX). The dealer's paperwork states two open NHTSA recalls were completed on this visit: 26V-141 (liftgate hinge cover) and 26V-262 (instrument panel cluster software). The same day, when I started the vehicle, the instrument panel cluster did not illuminate. While driving in my neighbor... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Engine misfires when driving. The cause is coolant intrusion. Loss of power when driving. Rough idling. Very dangerous to drive. Diagnosed by a ford certified dealership. No symptoms prior to the problem. Vehicle is available for inspection.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Vehicle has 75,000 miles. The knuckle on the steering column and the rack and pinion became worn out causing the steering wheel to be loose and jump at high speeds. Mirrors would stop opening randomly. Rear camera stopped working making it very difficult to view when backing up. Replacing the camera did not work, the harness was tested to be ok. The only other option is the software in the head... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Vehicle has 75,000 miles. The knuckle on the steering column and the rack and pinion became worn out causing the steering wheel to be loose and jump at high speeds. Mirrors would stop opening randomly. Rear camera stopped working making it very difficult to view when backing up. Replacing the camera did not work, the harness was tested to be ok. The only other option is the software in the head... Read more
SUBARU
TRAILSEEKER
(2026) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 10, 2026
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
I purchased this 2021 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label used on March 22, 2024 with approximately 42,726mi. Beginning around Sept. 2025 (approximately 70,000-75,000 miles), the vehicle developed intermittent transmission failures that have progressively worsened. This is our primary family vehicle and routinely transports our three young children. The transmission hesitates, slips, skips gears, ban... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Ever since, I purchase my certified 2019 Toyota Avalon in around June 2022, my car has left me stranded on highways, city areas, and broke down coming out of my garage. I even purchase extended warranty, because of the high mileage it had 77,000 miles. On [XXX] car broke down Drive Belt had to be replaced, [XXX] [XXX] warning lights, dealership service technician couldn't figured out why engine wa... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced by a dealer under an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number related to the airbags. After the recall repair, the passenger airbag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. A dealer was contacted regarding the failure but informed the contact that no assistance could be provided. The manufacturer was not notified... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
I locked myself in the cargo area of a Ford Transit Cargo van. This is a safety issue as one should always be able to exit any part of the van. I had the key fob with me at the time. This is to recreate the problem: 1) Slam the door shut between the driver compartment and the cargo area. This locks the door, and it cannot be opened without a physical key. 2) Close the back doors, but not quite a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
Electrical system (Hy-bird System). Yes it's available for inspection. Yes my safety was at risk. Yes Yes No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. After the first recall was completed.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
The one I put down are affected items the water pump could be bad the alternator the computer I’m not a mechanic so of the thing in the car on display don’t always work the cruise control is effected the front left tire wheel and axle feel bad and a times I think the steering wheel could fail and leave me going in that direction..!! The web says it may need an asymmetric rebuild I was... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
The one I put down are affected items the water pump could be bad the alternator the computer I’m not a mechanic so of the thing in the car on display don’t always work the cruise control is effected the front left tire wheel and axle feel bad and a times I think the steering wheel could fail and leave me going in that direction..!! The web says it may need an asymmetric rebuild I was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
I am the owner of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 50,000 miles. I am experiencing an active engine oil leak accompanied by a burning smell and visible smoke from the engine compartment. This is consistent with a cracked cylinder head assembly — a known manufacturing defect in 2018–2021 Mazda CX-5 vehicles documented in Mazda's own Service Alert SA-031/21, which Mazda characterizes as a ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the front windshield wipers were inoperable. The failure occurred intermittently prior to the complete failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the windshield wiper module needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were n... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
The car stayed for 4 weeks at the dealership and he didn’t able to do the recall
Incident date: Feb 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the airbag warning light illuminated, and the horn failed to engage as intended. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump was not operating correctly and needed to be replaced. The... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the airbag warning light illuminated, and the horn failed to engage as intended. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump was not operating correctly and needed to be replaced. The... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2026
A motor mount bolt sheared causing the engine to shift violently making the vehicle undrivable. The car was driving in a residential area traveling at a low rate of speed, making a right turn when it occurred. Had it happened on a highway, the result could have been catastrophic. The car was towed to the dealer where it was purchased. The dealer stated that since the vehicle was out of warranty, t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V322000 (Exterior Lighting) and 25V767000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to complete the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 35-40 MPH on the interstate and towing a loaded trailer, the vehicle experienced reduced braking performance. No warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and informed that the brakes performed differently. Additionally, the dealer stated that the transmission was not downshifting. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 50-60 MPH on a parkway, an unknown B-pillar trim detached. Additionally, the contact had received a notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). The local dealer was contacted and sent two mobile mechanics, who inspected the vehicle at the contact's residence and confirmed the part was not available... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
Engine reached high temperature on July 2 2016 the results of which required the replacement of the radiator. Apparently there is a class action regarding coolant system issues for my vehicles 2.0L engine. The radiator failure may be the result of this issue. Engine overheated
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
While driving my 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete failure of the power braking assist system. The failure was accompanied by a rapid cascade of three sequential dashboard warning messages in immediate succession: First Warning: "Service ESC" illuminated alongside the "Brake Park" warning light. Second Warning: "Brake Assist Failure. Press Hard to Brake. Speed Limit... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
The transmission can suddenly fail even at very early mileages. This is almost certainly related to T-SB-0008-21 that has defined a narrow number of transmissions though it appears to affect many more than outlined. This could cause sudden failure while operating the vehicle at any point in time and potentially lead to a crash without much if any warning. Toyota Brand Engagement is denying any ass... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, a tapping sound was heard, which gradually grew louder. The next day, the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a piston 5 failure, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
2026 SILVERADO ENGINE BLOWED UP AT 6,413 MILES. THIS IS THE 6.2 L87 ENGINE..
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
The vehicle had been parked and unused for approximately 24 hours. We drove it home after staying elsewhere overnight and arrived home about one hour before the incident. About an hour after parking, I asked my fiancé to retrieve our belongings from inside the vehicle. He immediately noticed smoke filling the interior of the vehicle. I opened the hood to try to determine where the smoke was comin... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
The rear window shattered all of sudden.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
No sound at different times. No way to reset issue. TSB issued May 14, 2026 for known issue. As of July 6, no estimate on repair. Blinkers make no sounds, Onstar can call but you cannot hear them. In event of accident, no communication.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
The local authorized Honda service center has failed to resolve this threat. Below is the mandatory timeline and documentation regarding this defect: [Date of Incident #1 – XXX]: While driving at approximately 35 MPH on a open road with no obstructions, the vehicle abruptly engaged heavy emergency braking without warning. This nearly caused myself to get into a severe rear-end collision. [In-pe... Read more
Crash
7 injured
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
The local authorized Honda service center has failed to resolve this threat. Below is the mandatory timeline and documentation regarding this defect: [Date of Incident #1 – XXX]: While driving at approximately 35 MPH on a open road with no obstructions, the vehicle abruptly engaged heavy emergency braking without warning. This nearly caused myself to get into a severe rear-end collision. [In-pe... Read more
Crash
7 injured
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
I lost my low beams about a year ago and also one high beam. Just one month ago that headlight went out also. I have read that there are wiring problems r/t the Pontiac G6. I am unable to drive my car at night without headlights. The fuses, bulbs and relay switches are intact and working. My mechanic says it’s a wiring problem. Is the manufacturing company responsible for this kind of prob... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
While driving my car it will randomly go into limp mode, the dashboard lights up, and rotates through a list of issues wrong including brake systems, AWD, cameras, lane assist, etc. the dealership had me pay $450 for a system update, 10 hours after picking it up the problem occurred again and my car broke down in an intersection on a country road. I had it towed to the dealership and paid $270 for... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
Rear steering knuckle and control arm knuckle.my car moves side to side. I have replaced everything in the rear end. I just recently bought this car.
Incident date: May 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera persistently flickered and displayed a black screen. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the parts were unavailable. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
I was in a car accident on the front/side of the drivers side of our ford Bronco sport. The steering wheel airbag did not deploy. But all other side airbags did.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2025
On XXX, the oil warning light was illuminated in our 2017 Kia Sorento SXL and that the vehicle was leaking oil. We brought the vehicle to an independent repair facility (Tire Kingdom, Cairo, NY) for diagnosis on XXX. The repair facility provided an oral assessment with photographs indicating a suspected rear main seal leak. The engine was dry on the top but excessively wet between the engine and ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
Electrical issues: Media screen blacks out/glitches including speakers. Gear switch "Dial" will move on its own and park itself. Switching from "Drive to Park". "Transmission not in park" on dash , Lights on dash for engine 4x
SUBARU
TRAILSEEKER
(2026) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
While driving on the parkway, the engine revved, and then the brakes became hard as a brick. The truck was unable to be stopped. There were no warning lamps or indications there was a problem, it happened suddenly and immediately. Other drivers' and my own safety was at risk because I could not stop the truck. Here is the diagnosis from the GM service center where it was towed to: "After the remov... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
While sitting in the passenger seat of the car, the sunroof spontaneously exploded, causing shards of glass to go everywhere and putting my and the driver’s safety at risk while traveling at 70 mph. No one has inspected it yet and there were no warning messages prior to this issue. This happened on July 3rd, 2026 at 2pm.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
Leading up to a windshield replacement, my eyesight cameras that help with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist kept failing. This feature would turn on and off repeatedly. When I got my windshield replaced, it took longer than expected because of the camera calibration. The microchip(s) inside one of the three cameras was fried and they had to put in a new camera. This failed camera wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
Hello, I recently purchased this vehicle used. Within the past two weeks I’ve had some concerns. The hood latching mechanism is not reliable. If you try to open the hood it has been not opening completely and gets stuck. If you keep pulling the opening lever it barely works to open and or close the hood. Today the hood would not close completely and the whole lever stopped working, becoming jamm... Read more