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: Oct 31, 2023
At red light the auto stop start won't turn the car back on. The battery drains in less than 5 minutes and needs a jump. Or sometimes it won't "auto start" and I have to move the selector to Park and push the start button. This also happens when the engine is off, but the accessories are on. Just listening to the radio for 5 minutes seems to drain the battery and the car won't start and needs a ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
My name is [XXX] and I live in Plainsboro NJ. I own a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. I received a letter from General Motors letting me know about a recall in June (attached). The letter states that GM has a Safety Recall having to do with the driver side airbag which may contain a supplier manufacturing defect that may result in the inflator rupturing during deployment. It goes on to say that the ... Read more
SUBARU
OUTBACK
(2016) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Oct 31, 2023
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that an independent mechanic had performed a replacement of the inner and outer tie rods, the wheel bearings, and other unknown parts. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the ABS, traction control, Hill Assist, and instrument panel warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she was unable to drive uphill, and... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
After turning vehicle off, two incorrect warnings appeared on the dash monitor. 1) “Rear Seat Alert. Check Rear Seats….” 2) Warning image and sound regarding the rear bumper. However, there were no objects in the back seats (except for a light sunhat that had been there for weeks), and there was nothing near the left rear bumper. In fact no objects for probably 10 feet from the bumper. I... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2023
The 12 volt battery keeps failing. Every time I contact Hyundai AutoNation it takes forever for them to do anything about it and they don't seem to understand
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated and then decelerated. The contact also stated that the back over prevention camera was inoperable and displayed a black screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that she had previously experienced the failure with the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated and then decelerated. The contact also stated that the back over prevention camera was inoperable and displayed a black screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that she had previously experienced the failure with the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that during a cold engine start-up, an abnormally loud ticking sound was coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the failure was a common issue linked to the cam phasers. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
While driving our GMC Yukon XL, the vehicle will begin shuttering, losing power, slip gears, or unable to shift gears. On one occasion, the vehicle lost was unable to accelerate and maintain speed causing my wife to quickly respond by changing lanes and pulling off on the shoulder of a road, in a very dangerous situation, all while coasting without engine power. Two independent mechanic shops have... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
Oil pump failure causing entire motor to need to be replaced. Motor failed at 60,400 miles just outside of warranty while going down the interstate at 70 miles an hour. Ford has offered to do nothing with the repair and the engine is on back order for 6 months. This is a know issue already under investigation by the NHSTA and i want to add my case.
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
Power steering rack & pinion always leaks on these vehicles. It is possible to lose all pressure in system and for vehicle to lose control while on the road. Acura is aware of the issue on 04-08 TSX models but refuses to issue a recall. On my personal vehicle, the driver's side seal is leaking.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
At long rides in hot weather traveling over 65 miles a hour car slows down to a sto was in fast lane at time had to put hazards on to make to shoulder a message on dashboard lights up red circle with ! Inside of circle looked on manual its marked as transmission overheat when vehicle cools down can start driving again I've brought to dealer in NJ and fla for problem mechanics state can't duplicate... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2023
The contact owned a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while her friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. As a result, the vehicle left the roadway, hitting a stop sign before coming to a complete stop after colliding with a concrete wall. The driver and passenger side air bags did deplo... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and stalled. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while shifting into reverse(R) and into drive(D). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
ABS Module / HCU (Hydraulic Control Unit Failure) causing abs MIL on. Fault code C0020
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
I own a 2019 Subaru Forester. Approximately 5 months ago, I experienced a failure in the auto start-stop feature. My car intermittently shuts down when stopped at traffic lights or in the middle of an intersection. Subaru conducted a diagnostic assessment to address the issue, but they couldn't identify any problems. This has happened about six times within the last five months. They claim to have... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
ABS module is defective after 7 years, there have been many reports and very expensive to fix, why hasn’t Honda made this a recall?
Incident date: Oct 22, 2023
Automatic emergency braking appears to be getting falsely triggered. This happens when I am pulling out of parking spaces, even with nothing besides or behind me. This also happens when cars in lanes beside me pass me.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
Hit a deer the vehicle immediately was on fire and burnt to the ground. It had 3000 miles on it
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
The electrical burn up completely causing a fire
Fire
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
When going over 30mph, the steering wheel will freeze into a static position, requiring a few pounds of force to unstick it and steer again - similar to the force needed to interrupt lane assist. This happens consistently for several days, then will stop for a few days, then start for several days again. Because it sticks, it is impossible to smoothly make adjustments while driving. Instead, every... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
Bought car February 22 less than 5200 miles. Died on hwy October 6. Kia denied claim. Had no ideal of a software update. Never heard of that in my life. Almost lost my life with this car
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
WAITING IN LINE TO PICKUP PRESCRIPTION, STOPPED WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTO CAR APPROX 15 FT IN FRONT OF ME. EYE SIGHT BRAKING DID NOT STOP CAR, NOR DID IMMINENT COLLISION WARNING ENGAGE. CAR IS AT DEALERSHIP AND THEY CONDUCTED TEST; FOUND NOTHING. AWAITING SUBARU ENGINEER TO PULL AND CHECK "BLACK BOX".
Crash
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was hesitating with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was hesitating with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with coolant leaking into the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
Routinely the vehicle shifts erratically, can't seem to find the right gear, and loses power. I am surprised that I have not been rear-ended yet as the vehicle loses power on busy roads and freeways.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
I have attempted to notify multiple people numerous times that I no longer own the VIN attached and yet I continue to receive recall notices. A simple check of any standard vehicle history report will show where the vehicle was last known to have been serviced. Please discontinue sending these notices to me.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The high pressure fuel pump failed causing damage to cam and shavings in motor. The mechanic said engine needs to be replaced. I could have been driving on the interstate instead of a back road when this happened and I lost power. Lucky for me I wasn't. It could have been very bad. Ford has had a service bulletin out on this issue for some time. I had to go to 3 different Mechanics before one woul... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service brake warning light and the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys where it was diagnosed and produced code: P2402 indicating that the (EVAP) module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
Tie rod ball joint snapped and broke at 15mph causing vehichle to loose control and forced off-road into a fence post. No Collison warning or lane departure warning. I had the vehichle towed back to dealership Nissan Wesley chapel. I was in process of possibly purchasing vehichle. Couldn’t find financing for me so received a letter rescinding their transaction. My ins agency Esurance concluded i... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 11, 2023
I have Airbag failure. I had it diagnosed by a local mechanic. My Jeep had Airbag failure in the past and the repair was done by Jeep. Jeep refused to pay for it, although the same year of Wrangler was recalled for the Airbag failures. They returned my money almost 2 yrs later. The current Code is B1B02 (Clockspring). In addition to my Airbag light being on, due to failure (defect), my other ga... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2023
I have Airbag failure. I had it diagnosed by a local mechanic. My Jeep had Airbag failure in the past and the repair was done by Jeep. Jeep refused to pay for it, although the same year of Wrangler was recalled for the Airbag failures. They returned my money almost 2 yrs later. The current Code is B1B02 (Clockspring). In addition to my Airbag light being on, due to failure (defect), my other ga... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and independently shut off while on the freeway. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard during the failure. The contact pulled to the side of the road and was able to restart the vehicle after 45 minutes. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
I brought my 2022 Honda civic touring model to dealer for a defective steering wheel issue and they said everything was ok. There is a recall on car as well. I drive 100 miles a few times a week and I personally feel the sticky steering wheel which causes me to over steer, and I don’t feel safe driving vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
I bought the vehicle used and have had it for less than 2 months (to the date of the incident). I checked the oil before a long drive which was 2 weeks before the incident. Oil was topped off and looked and smelled fresh. I began to notice a knock followed by a check engine light for camshaft position sensor. I shut the car off immediately. When I checked the dipstick (2 weeks after our trip) ther... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The car suddenly showed a warning on the screen asking me to park and in a few seconds went completely dead. It won't start at all. I can't even unlock the car. I had to call roadside assistance and have them tow the car to Ideal Hyundai dealership in Frederick, MD. It's been 4 days and the dealership can't diagnose the problem or won't communicate what the issue is.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
Hello - I had my 2017 Ford Escape SE Ecoboost engine replaced by a Ford dealership in July of 2020 after a well-documented manufacturer defect (Ford Service Bulletin 222-2229) involving coolant intrusion into the engine occurred. This known defect can lead to engine failure, overheating, and combustion/fire. The automaker has failed to recall or address the inherent defect and safety risk. On Oct... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
Hello - I had my 2017 Ford Escape SE Ecoboost engine replaced by a Ford dealership in July of 2020 after a well-documented manufacturer defect (Ford Service Bulletin 222-2229) involving coolant intrusion into the engine occurred. This known defect can lead to engine failure, overheating, and combustion/fire. The automaker has failed to recall or address the inherent defect and safety risk. On Oct... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
While driving to town, going approximately 35-40 mph, I went to slow down and pressed the brakes and the brake pedal went to the floor. To stop, I had to engage the Emergency Brake. I was almost hit by another vehicle and had to jump the curb to avoid collision and potential injury to myself and my family. This incident was very traumatic and potentially fatal to me and my family. I started check... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
I was driving down the freeway when all the hazard lights came on, the rpms went all the way to 6000 rpms and then I had no acceleration when I pressed the gas pedal. I somehow made it over to the right lane and pulled over. The car would not restart so I had a tow truck take it to the dealership. Hyundai will not honor their warranty because I couldn't come up with the receipts for my oil and fi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
NHTSA Recall 23V378 Battery monitor sensor BMS Power Circuit in-line fuse installation. Everyone's safety in my family including myself is at risk. Received first recall notice June 2023. Second August 2023. After attempts via phone I went in person to dealer and they placed Work Order706429 on September 7, 2023. The recall was confirmed by Pines Lincoln Service, 8655 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
ABS light and traction control light are coming on. Causing excessive dinging and cruise control not working. Also experienced flat spotting on my tires.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
I was driving on express way 96W Left lane busy 5 o'clock traffic Car just died it was stop n go I could have been killed if it wasn't for a man that stopped behind me he couldn't help another person stopped and push the car in N To a grass area where at least I wouldn't be smashed in Called 911 state police inform help van He didn't look at it my friend was there to pick me up Called tow tr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms part... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2016
The 2021 and beyond Tesla Model S comes installed with camber arms that cause the wheel to be tilted in and thus wears the tire on the inside to the point of wearing out within 6 months. This is a flaw in the building and pertains to all the model S's 2021 and greater. This is a safety issue and is not addressed by Tesla. I think Tesla should be forced to provide a recall for this.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the steering column and the front-end of the vehicle started shuddering significantly. The contact depressed the brake pedal and slowed down significantly until the vehicle operated as needed. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure occurred a second time while driving over a bump ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
While traveling home to Louisiana from a vacation, I noticed the engine temperature what stuck on Cold. We also were experiencing loss of power steering, and loss of AC in the car. We stopped at AutoZone in Destin, FL where they completed their FixFinder which reported the thermostat needed to be replaced, being it was stuck in the open position and wasn't properly gauging the engine temperature. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
Electric power steering service causing safety issues due to no power steering! Lost power steering on highway during rush hour and dealer won't cover it. Out of warranty.
Incident date: Oct 22, 2023
Rear window exploded when using defective rear defroster.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
My car randomly turns off when reducing speed. It caused an accident a few days ago. I have had multiple mechanics try to figure out the problem but the only thing that comes up on the diagnostic tool is it needed 1 coil replaced. They have all been replaced and still won't go away. The Che k engine light is on. And the car uses about a quart or more of oil everytime I fill up but has no leaks. W... Read more
Crash