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: Jan 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. 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 contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
There is a current recall on my 2020 camry. I was notified by email in December 2023. It is for the passenger side air bag. I do not feel safe driving the car since being made aware of the recall. The Toyota dealership I go to has said there is nothing they can do as there is no remedy for this recall. I also have had multiple issues over the years with the sensors and battery. I bought the car br... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
There is a current recall on my 2020 camry. I was notified by email in December 2023. It is for the passenger side air bag. I do not feel safe driving the car since being made aware of the recall. The Toyota dealership I go to has said there is nothing they can do as there is no remedy for this recall. I also have had multiple issues over the years with the sensors and battery. I bought the car br... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving 30-35 MPH, the Lane Keep Assist was oversensing and attempted to steer the vehicle into traffic. The vehicle failed to recognize the lane markings and continued to steer over the highway lanes. While driving, the brake assist was engaged when a shadow was detected. The contact turned the features off. There were no wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to surge forward. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions while at a stop light. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Insight. The contact stated that the release button for the front driver’s side seat belt had remained stuck in the release position. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to securely latch the seat belt. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the seat belt could not be repaired since to the seat belt warning light was not illum... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
INCIDENT: [XXX] Driving from [XXX] to [XXX] Notice a slight gasoline smell in the car. I figured it was traffic smog. [XXX] I noticed the inside of the car still smelled of gasoline. Looked up on Google to see if this was an underlying issue. My quick search led me to believe that it was severe. Firestone Complete Auto Care [XXX]: After a quick lookup on Google, I called my local Firestone... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The car was parked and when we went out to it, the stereo was crackling very loud static and popping. This continued when the stereo is off. When we reset the stereo, it stopped momentarily and then resumed. Eventually the speakers stopped and just crackled intermittently. After finding a slew of similar incidents online, I opened the rear to find it totally filled with water (see picture, where i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
The car was parked and when we went out to it, the stereo was crackling very loud static and popping. This continued when the stereo is off. When we reset the stereo, it stopped momentarily and then resumed. Eventually the speakers stopped and just crackled intermittently. After finding a slew of similar incidents online, I opened the rear to find it totally filled with water (see picture, where i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2019
The failing component is the ESC/power steering. It is available for inspection. It is currently at Bayway Chevrolet in Pearland, Texas. My safety and the safety of others is at risk when the power steering fails not allowing me to turn out of the way from road hazards or even make legal turns. This could result in an auto accident causing bodily injury or death to me or other drivers. Yes, a se... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2020
ABS and Traction Control light and alarms activated inside cab on dash. Vehicle taken to dealership and they stated the HCU (hydraulic control unit) needed to be replaced. At that time no parts were available and a time frame was not given because no one had the parts not even after market. After several months of driving vehicle with out ABS or Traction Control vehicle has been fixed.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while the contact's wife was driving and parking the vehicle, the contact's wife depressed the brake pedal and the service brakes were inoperable. In addition, the contact stated that the anti collision braking system was inoperable and did not function as intended. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle crashed in... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
ABS and Traction Control light and alarms activated inside cab on dash. Vehicle taken to dealership and they stated the HCU (hydraulic control unit) needed to be replaced. At that time no parts were available and a time frame was not given because no one had the parts not even after market. After several months of driving vehicle with out ABS or Traction Control vehicle has been fixed.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
We have been waiting over 6 months for an airbag repair due to the recall but no remedy is available. We have been warned that this could cause injury or death but nothing seems to be happening. I am concerned that GM will issue a statement telling us not to drive the vehicle. I know this has been done just recently on other auto makes. What will it take to get it fixed before another injury or... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
FSD Beta 11.4.9 and past versions. A possible explanation for some degree of phantom braking on controlled access roadways. FSD Beta reacts to a stop light at the end of an offramp when the direction of travel is inline with the ramp. This reaction does not occur in daylight, only in darkness. It occurs across multiple versions of FSD Beta and is consistent and repeatable at night under similar co... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
The system belt sensor kept beeping even though I have on seat belt
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
The 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe was manufactured by Toyota and is for all intent and purposes is a 2003 Toyota Matrix. The 2003-04 Pontiac Vibe should be included in the "Do not drive" advisory issued by Toyota 20 Jan 30th 2024. Only the body is different than the Toyota Matrix and everything internal is the same. Please do not let this model fall through the cracks. January 30, 2024, Toyota issued ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the failure was related to a Customer Satisfaction Program under NHTSA ID Number: 10201090 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was referred to NHTSA Hotline ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I am encountering a serious problem with FSD 2023.44.30.8 06f534d46010. When navigating to a destination the vehicle will drive in a clearly identified bus turn off stop on the right side of the right driving lane. It then abruptly stops and is unsure what to do. The vehicle should not navigate to a bus turnoff stop. The vehicle repeatedly does this at not one but numerous bus turnoff stops in my ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
My car computer touchscreen has been rebooting with every entry since/start since software update 2023.44.30.5.1. in mid December, 2023. Software update 2023.44.30.8 did not resolve the issue. During the reboot process I am able to move my vehicle but the safety systems (parking sensors, back-up camera, wipers, etc) are inoperable for up 3 minutes during the reboot process. I have reported the iss... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
2018 Honda Odyssey motorized tailgate has completely stopped working. Will not open. Numerous accounts say this is due to water getting into the rear tailgate control module and have had tremendous amount of rain this week. Have not had it looked at by dealer yet but must be fixed. Warning message appeared twice on dash 10 minutes before the failure.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
Warning messages for the following appeared: brake system lane keeping/assist system collision mitigation system problem road departure mitigation system problem auto-high beam problem adaptive cruise control problem None of these safety features now work. Our local dealership told us it was a failure of the multipurpose camera unit. The fix we are told is a $1400 part. The rear camera was just ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
Very scary and I was only going about 25 mph. Had I been in a freeway it could’ve been much worse. Transmission display started glitching in and out. Truck started shifting on its own violently, even screeching its tires at one point. It could not decide what gear it was supposed to be in. I pulled over and turned truck off. Attempted to restart but truck would not start because it apparently di... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Vehicle was taken to dealer with frame rust, crack and holes. Toyota refused to fix , repair or offer parts to repair.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
There is a RECALL #23V687 about the high voltage battery main contacts that FORD has been unable to remedy. I'd like to make this complaint so it can get fixed ASAP. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
Warning messages for the following appeared: brake system lane keeping/assist system collision mitigation system problem road departure mitigation system problem auto-high beam problem adaptive cruise control problem None of these safety features now work. Our local dealership told us it was a failure of the multipurpose camera unit. The fix we are told is a $1400 part. The rear camera was just ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
2016 Dodge Grand Caravan, sliding passenger door on driver side will not unlock or open. Per local mechanic the lock actuator has failed. Should I end up in an accident someone could be trapped in the vehicle. I also transport a mobile wheelchair and can only load it from side doors. Should the other latch fail it will be impossible to load or remove wheelchair. This should be a safety issue.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
My vehicle started announcing service trailer brake system when i purchased my vehicle about 5k miles in i took it to the dealer they couldn't find anything wrong now that message started to get worse not only is it a safety concern due to the annoying beeping. Sound on the dashboard indicating something is wrong. It makes me take my eyes off the road it Constantly distracts me every time it goes ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
Muffler pipe fell off while car was sitting in my driveway
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
My vehicle was stolen by theives using some kind of device to gain access because I have both key fobs that came with the vehicle but somehow they were able to gain access and start it and drive off. I believe this is a security and safety concern for Infiniti vehicles. it should not be easy to steal a locked, secured vehicle.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
We bought a 2022 black Atlas Volkswagen in April 23, 2022. In December 2023 we noticed persistent braking system issues, loud horrible grinding squeling noises and squeaking brakes at different speeds. It felt like a metallic scraping/grinding sound when in reverse and forward when coming to a stop at low speed. Also random emergency braking approaching traffic light intersections. We brought the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
THE VEHICLE HAS A CONSTANT VIBRATION. IT WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER WITH 312 MILES. I HAVE COPIES OF EACH TRIP TO THE DEALER. THE DRIVE SHAFT SHOWED NOT ALIGNED PROPERLY, THE BRAKES SHUDDER UNDER DECELERATION, NOISE WAS FOUND IN THE MOTOR MOUNTS. IT VIBRATES AT ALL SPEEDS BUT AT 65 MPH THERE IS A ROARING SOUND INSIDE THE CAB WITH ENOUGH VIBRATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO PUT YOUR HAND TO SLEEP. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
I have a leak in my trunk from water leaking from my pressure valve in the rear of my car. Found that this is a common issue with my car. The seal around the pressure valve doesn't prevent water from entering into the trunk of my car. I got a flat tire on the highway and opened the hatch to get my spare and there was water flooded there and it rusted my spare tools. I could not put on my spare ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
I started having issues with my car when I could not turn it off -- the key was stuck in the ignition and I was unable to turn the car fully off. This continued to happen and the only fix I found to get the car off was to turn the car back on, shift the gear into drive, then try to turn it off again. Sometimes it would take repeated tries of turning the car on and trying to turn it off. The prob... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - STEERING
Jan 28, 2024
Incident date: Dec 3, 2023
Steering wheel sticks when trying to turn. Major safety concern.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The wheel speed sensor has malfunctioned. Warning lights, messages, and alarms displayed that multiple safety features were not working and that the dealer needed to be contacted. Some of the messages included: Parking Brake System Failure, Cruise Control System Failure, Vehicle Stability Failure, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Auto High-Beam Problem, etc... The ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
Drivers side rear control arm mount is almost none distant from rust. The subframe is almost gone and there is tons of rust on the drivers side frame as well. I have seen this with a lot of people laments. Canada even had a recall on this exact problem.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Due to the nature of the manufacturer's recall; (Hyundai Elantra 2013- Manufacturer Recall Number 251 "URGENT: FIRE RISK WHEN PARKED" & NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000) that has been issued to my car, I am now at risk and in danger, both physically and financially. This recall notice has made me aware that I can no longer park my car safely in my garage, nor in my driveway, without putting myself, ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2023
intermittent issue, but steering becomes sticky;maintaining car in between lanes can become difficult and overcorrection becomes frequent. stickiness can occur at highway or city speeds. Took car for routine maintenance to dealer and they confirmed problem with steering gear.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
While driving the car at freeway speeds it died and quit running, and the engine compartment began smoking, and a fire ensued under the hood. Gasoline could be smelled before it started fire.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
I am reporting defective windshield. I’ve had windshield replaced 3 times when just the tiniest pebble tinged. My daughter also has a Subaru Outback and 3 windshields replaced. There must be a defect. Now that we have replaced the windshield several times, State Farm insurance has dropped us because of the number of claims. Most definitely a danger when a tiny people shatters the glass and pie... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
On 7/1/2023 my vehicle began to malfunction while driving - power was flickering with EMC drive error flashing. When this happened, I was at a complete stop in traffic, so I put it in park, then restarted. Everything seemed to be fine, but I was cautious. The same thing happened again, so I pulled into a parking lot and went inside a store for a few minutes. I got back in the car, started the veh... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
On 7/1/2023 my vehicle began to malfunction while driving - power was flickering with EMC drive error flashing. When this happened, I was at a complete stop in traffic, so I put it in park, then restarted. Everything seemed to be fine, but I was cautious. The same thing happened again, so I pulled into a parking lot and went inside a store for a few minutes. I got back in the car, started the veh... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Used the remote start feature to warm up my truck (automatically turns on rear defrost). Upon entering the vehicle I could smell smoke. While driving I turned around and noticed smoke pouring from rear window. I turned off the rear defrost and the window exploded! I contacted the dealer and they claimed the recall had already been completed and they could not assist me.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
The vehicle drivetrain failed and would not allow the driver to change gear, either to drive forward or backward. The vehicle engine was still on. The vehicle computer system generated the following message on the dashboard: "Drive carefully. Drivetrain fault. Have the problem checked by the nearest service center. Contact service center." There was an option to "Close message" at the bottom of th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unintendedly lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
I had just purchased this well-used 2012 F150XL [XXX] ) because well into retirement at [XXX] and officially handicapped, it was all I could afford and had to get a personal loan for it anyway. First thing was a Lake Keowee Ford (REFLASH RECALL) which was performed and within a few days, everything electrical stopped and the battery started draining overnight over and over. The truck would not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
On [XXX] as I was going in reverse the car started to accelerate out of control, I pumped the breaks and it increased speed, I then tried to power down truck and that did not work. My vehicle ended up going in ditch backwards and I hit a mailbox and ditch. Earlier in the week when I went to go from reverse to forward it felt like it was locked and then it would engage. I do not feel this is sa... Read more
Crash