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 22, 2023
I have had several of the safety systems on the vehicle shut off suddenly. Twice, I have taken the vehicle into the dealership to get it looked at and now I will have to do so for the third time. It is pretty concerning because it has to do with all the safety features.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The man... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The contact owned a 2019 BMW 530E. The contact stated that while stopped due to traffic, the vehicle was rear-ended causing the contact to crash into the vehicle in front. During the impacts, the contact hit his head, and was unconscious. The contact does not remember if it was the steering wheel or the windshield where he hit his head. The only air bags deployed were the side air bags but no fron... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
My truck got hit in the front right, including the front right wheel that had a fairly high impact, alloy wheel is bent in one section (see attached photo). After that impact I was not able to steer or apply the breaks. The steering wheel would not move either direction no mater how much force I applied. On top of that, the brake pedal was rock solid and no matter how much force I applied, I could... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
Vehicle turned off while driving. Battery disconnected as the battery terminal connector got lose. after a quick clean-up of the terminal corrosion, it was obvious that the terminal has completely deteriorated (corroded) and has no more strength to hold a good contact to the battery terminal.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. 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 available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made awar... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
Vehicle randomly stalls out, engine shuts off, while driving. Check engine, service fuel cut-off, parking brake, air bag, ABS, coolant temperature high, service ESC system lights and messages. All of these warnings and messages occurred during the stall out, never before. It's currently in the shop for the third time to figure out the problem and to get it fixed. The vehicle has only been inspecte... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the brake pedal became firm, and it was difficult to depress the brake pedal. The engine oil pressure, engine, and the wrench warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty oil pump. The vehicle had not been repaired. The ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
While driving at about 40 mph the car suddenly started to pull toward the left. I pressed on the brake pedal as I steered to the right to try to bring the car back to my lane but I noticed the brake pedal was already very hard. In a second the car skidded out of control toward the right side of the road and it slammed its left side against some big rocks. The driver's door window broke and the sid... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle occasionally stalled, hesitated, or jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed reading "All Wheel Drive Malfunction”. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V0640... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
In June of 2022 (50,284 miles) we were experiencing hard shifting and noises upon starting. We took it to our local dealership in Virginia who did an upgrade on the powertrain control module and told me what I was experiencing was normal for this transmission and not a concern. In December of 2022 (57,715 miles), my husband was driving our expedition when it suddenly downshifted, would not acceler... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
While a mobile welder was repairing the cracked rear bracket holding the ASME propane tank (NHTSA complaint #11555667) he repaired another full-depth crack, this one on the actual ASME propane tank mounting flange itself. This flange is welded to the tank by the tank manufacturer. This cracked tank flange is bolted directly to the cracked rear angled mounting bracket reported on Nov. 17, 2023. T... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
Loud suspension clunks at low speeds of 5-25 mph. Dealership has found no visual representation of damage or evidence of part failure. Audibly it sounds like suspension is failing from road use from city driving. Extremely loud and rough ride over typical city streets.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
Dealership verified several months ago that vehicle engine is burning oil (was initially informed of this issue about 6 months prior from a quick oil change business). In spite of documented evidence of oil changes every 3,000--5,000 miles since purchasing the new vehicle, claim filed with Hyundai for a new engine was denied (engine is 1 year past warranty). On 11/11/23, engine catastrophically fa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2023
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ("ABS") MODULE remains a threat to my life. Hyundai should be required to fix this in a timely manner, yet has failed to do so. This recall has no remedy from the manufacturer STILL nor the appropriate replacement parts/services available. The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraul... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
Car is shaking when turned on. Will stall if car is not shifted to gear sometimes. When AC is on, car will jump rpm. car acceleration is weak and will jump to 5-6k rpm. car also smells burnt sometimes when driving. car also smells like gasoline sometimes. car does not hold proper amount of gasoline.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
Fuel pump failure- 71,000 miles
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I have already submitted a complaint but today I am submitting another one because I see the vw 2019 jetta recall for ignition switch does not yet have a remedy and today I experienced my engine stalled and the engine light is currently on. This recall increases the risk of crashing which can cause harm and poses a threat to overall safety. A solution needs to be made as I have work and school and... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
Just over 115,xxx miles and the transmission is shuddering, difficulty with taking off, RPMs are not steady, delayed acceleration due to sputtering. When at signal light it acts as if it is not going to take off, which could cause other vehicles to rear end my vehicle. While on highway going speed limit these same symptoms occur which could cause multiple vehicle crashes. No service engine ligh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
41k miles P26A3 P26A5 ****Eyesight disabled*** ***Forward collision disabled *** Failed TCV and dealer will not cover because warranty period is over.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
The contact owns a 1994 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V399000 (Vehicle Speed Control) 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. Parts distributio... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
I was driving down the road at 55mph when there started to become a loud knocking noise from the engine. After about a mile message came across the dash that said reduced engine power and 2 seconds later the entire engine shut off wouldn't turn back on or crank. There were about 20 different check engine codes at the time. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer where they did an inspection the foll... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
While driving, most of the dash errors lights lit up- alerting me that the Eyesight Warning, RAB ( Reverse Auto Braking) and other safety functions were disabled. The Check Engine light was on and a flashing S next to it. Cold Engine light was illuminated as well. Dealer diagnosed with a faulty Thermal Control Valve, which somehow disabled all safety features. This is a common failure of Subarus... Read more
SUBARU
FORESTER
(2020) — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS
Nov 16, 2023
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact's niece owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his niece was driving from a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch assembly had failed. The dealer determined that the clutch a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the transmission inadvertently downshifted to a lower gear. The contact stated that the gear shifter became inoperable. The check engine and electronic throttle control system warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the motor mounts and transmission bushing ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train) 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 confirms parts ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
On September 23rd our vehicles cruise control stopped working. We submitted a service request to Tesla and they scheduled a service appt for October 16th. They later cancelled this appt saying that it is a known firmware issue that would be corrected in a future, undetermined, firmware update. On November 16th we took the car to a Tesla service center and they confirmed it is a firmware issue, but... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. 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 parts... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2019
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty passenger’s side half-shaft axle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message "Service Trailer Brakes" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure occurred whether hauling a trailer or not. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring more frequently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown electronic trailer hitch part was replace... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
Per Subaru there is something wrong with the Cockpit Control Module (CCM) that is causing a constant / parasitic draw on the battery. This results in the battery being dead within 4 hours, leaving us constantly stranded. Because the CCM also controls the electrical system, many of the safety features (auto breaking, lane departure, etc) turn off randomly. This is the diagnosis from our local... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
I was driving to home, Nobody is traveling with me. Suddenly SRS System gave me a warning that "Restraint System Malfunction" .I went to the dealer he diagnosed and told that. Passenger Seat Occupancy sensor failure, that will prevent the deployment of Airbags. The vehicle mileage is less than 34k. They fixed and charged me for $1958.71.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
I was driving to home, Nobody is traveling with me. Suddenly SRS System gave me a warning that "Restraint System Malfunction" .I went to the dealer he diagnosed and told that. Passenger Seat Occupancy sensor failure, that will prevent the deployment of Airbags. The vehicle mileage is less than 34k. They fixed and charged me for $1958.71.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the message that the engine was overheating was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a repair was performed for an unrelated safety failure. The repairs were covered by the insurance company; however, during the inspection by the insurance company, it was discovered that there was coolant intrusion... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
I lose all steering assist while driving, have no power assist
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
This vehicle is two years old, has 70,000 miles on it now. It’s worth noting that this issue started when it had 15,000 mile on it several years ago. I took it to the dealer, but they told me they wouldn’t do anything about it since the light no longer indicated an issue. Randomly, the vehicle will suddenly say “collision mitigation system problem, see dealer” and “adaptive cruise cont... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
I have maintained my 2011 Outback well, and in August of 2023, while driving the vehicle, I lost the brakes. I had to fully depress the brake pedal to the floor in order to stop, fortunately not hitting the car in front of me . I brought the car to my local mechanic who advised me that the brake line rusted and failed as a result. As he was making the brake line repair, he advised me that ther... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
Occasional loss of power steering and or locking up of the steering wheel resulting in excessive force to overcome the locked or "catched" position. Dealer has inspected and says that the electric steering gear is faulty.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
Was serviced by Hyundai in March 2023 to for oil sensor light but was really the oil was being burnt inside the engine Hyundai ran 2 oil consumption test in May 2023 and June 2023 which the car failed both. Service manger sent paperwork to Hyundai letting them know that engine was faulty because paperwork was summited with the wrong mileage the replacement of the engine has not happen. So Servic... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
I have maintained my 2011 Outback well, and in August of 2023, while driving the vehicle, I lost the brakes. I had to fully depress the brake pedal to the floor in order to stop, fortunately not hitting the car in front of me . I brought the car to my local mechanic who advised me that the brake line rusted and failed as a result. As he was making the brake line repair, he advised me that ther... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
Front left tire control arm completely separated from suspension with no obvious warning. Fortunately happened while backing out of driveway otherwise could have been catastrophic on street/freeway.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
Break booster with leak noted requiring replacement. Turbo boost needing replacement. After turbo boost replacement, began having a shudder during acceleration between 40-48 mph. Now needing torque converter replaced.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2022
Seems I have read multiple complaints of emergency call system malfunction causing gps not to work/ malfunction due to leaking in the shark fin. This is a major safety concern due to poor design and build quality of the vehicle. This concern should be up most important that this area is recalled, replaced, and sealed to ensure safety for all.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
This is about Driver Seat making click noise under the seat whenever you break or start from a stop(accelerate from stopped position). The same click noise during driving if you break and accelerate. Its similar to noise if you click seat belt. Its something wrong going within the seat itself or seat assembly to the car's body. The seat railing itself looks good. When showed to dealer they saying ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
a rusted rear subframe is more prone to crack when a driver hits a pothole or wants to brake quickly, which can lead to instability in the vehicle's rear suspension.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
Passenger front door lock failed and we were unable to access passenger during, what was interpreted as a medical emergency. The only way to access passenger was to go through the rear passenger door.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
ABS control module is bad. Makes abs and traction control lights blink on and off erratically. Have had it replaced over a year ago under warranty for the same problem. Now it's doing it again and was told part wasn't going to be available tell February of 2024.