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: Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the passenger’s side door check spot welds had failed, and the door would not properly open or close. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
my new car with 3k miles has the steering lock while going straight at 40MPH plus . it must be over powered which at that time will dart left or right. this just started and has gotten worse in one week and my wife will no longer drive our new car
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS and the malfunction warning lights were illuminated. 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 local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stopped the vehicle. The contact had not turned the vehicle off however, the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle lost ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
Vehicle lost power on highway and on local streets. “Propulsion power reduced” warning. Car brought to dealer 7/2023. EGR valve ordered at that time. The EGR valve has not been available since that time. No time frame for availability has been given.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
Ford Escape’s Door Hinges are Defective: Our 2020 Ford Escape driver door hinges had to be repaired by a non-Ford dealer body shop as the car was out of warranty. The Columbus, Georgia Ford dealer diagnosed the problem as being defective door hinges but they do not do body work. The door's rivets popped out and the hinges made grinding and popping sounds when opened or closed. There were no wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2019
Vehicle just won’t start sometimes. Changed battery , alternator, starter, ETC system. And nothing has helped. No rhyme or reason some days it starts perfectly fine multiple times .. other days I’ll go out and it just won’t start. I can go to my destination turn it off and it won’t turn back on.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2024
On Jan 22,2024 while driving on the interstate the speed was unexpectedly instantly reduced, the car would not accelerate over 60 mph and the service engine light came on, the car was safely driven off the highway then towed to the dealership. My safety as well as the safety of other drivers on the highway was at risk when the car suddenly decreased to 60 mph from 75 mph which could have caused a ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 25–30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the check engine, 4-WD, ABS, traction control, and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The mechanic informed the contact that the failu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
I was driving the car in stop-and-go traffic on a city street. After another stop, the car in front of me started moving. I pressed on the accelerator with the usual force, but my car took off like crazy. I pressed on the breaks, but the car didn't seem to respond to the brake pedal and ran into a car in front of me. Automatic emergency breaking system didn't engage as well. Luckily, nobody was in... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
I was driving the car in stop-and-go traffic on a city street. After another stop, the car in front of me started moving. I pressed on the accelerator with the usual force, but my car took off like crazy. I pressed on the breaks, but the car didn't seem to respond to the brake pedal and ran into a car in front of me. Automatic emergency breaking system didn't engage as well. Luckily, nobody was in... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
[XXX] - Driving from San Diego to Ventura County (home), my dash flashed something to the effect of "Emergency Braking System Malfunction" as my brakes were engaged while driving 65-70 miles an hour (no vehicles close in front of me or on either side). This was VERY scary and could have caused an accident if there had been vehicles closer. Usually when this system j=kicks in you get a Collision al... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
[XXX] - Driving from San Diego to Ventura County (home), my dash flashed something to the effect of "Emergency Braking System Malfunction" as my brakes were engaged while driving 65-70 miles an hour (no vehicles close in front of me or on either side). This was VERY scary and could have caused an accident if there had been vehicles closer. Usually when this system j=kicks in you get a Collision al... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the high-beam headlights became inoperable. The contact stated while attempting to activate the high-beam headlights, the headlights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed headlight assembly. The contact was informed that the headlight assembly needed... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2020
I am noticing a large number of automobiles driving at night without taillights. I am presuming this is caused by the dashboard being illuminated upon starting the vehicle and daytime running lights being on. Is there any upcoming requirement for vehicle manufacturers to have headlights and tail lights coming on automatically when it is dark outside? I interpret no tail lights as being a hazar... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
When it first started, I would have to be going at minimum 55-60 mph. But it got so bad to the point that I would be going 15-20 mph and out of nowhere my vehicle would start violently shaking and my steering wheel would jerk side to side. The ONLY way to get it to stop would be to completely let off the pedals and let it come to a complete stop by itself. Hitting the brakes could cause it to flip... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
- Infotainment center freezes making controls inaccessible. I live in the desert where temps reach 120+ in the car and not being able to turn on the AC is dangerous. - Windows will not roll up once they are rolled down, especially after it has rained or after washing the car. - Driver side Door Sensor Switch broke. This would keep the interior lights and infotainment center from turning off.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
Two times while driving the car shuts completely down, No acceleration, no warning lights, hard to steer. Both times luckily I was on a low traffic road. After it completely stopped and I tried to restart the car it would sound like it wanted to turn over but never did. It sounded like when someone floods a car. Another time it was -20 outside and I was starting it from my key starter ( I don't ha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear door glass fastener installed between the V-shaped glass and the door glass had fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the passenger’s side rear door glass fastener needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair could not be covered under warranty. T... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
Our temperature recently dropped below zero temps. Our PCV system froze which caused an obstruction. This caused the crankcase to pressurize blowing out the seals, losing all oil, and catastrophic engine failure. Our safety could have been impacted as we live in a rural community with subzero temps. Being stranded without service on a phone or vehicle to stay warm could have catastrophic conse... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed spe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
Car is consuming 1 quart of oil every 600 miles.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
While driving the vehicle will randomly, without warning or any dash notification icons alerted, turn off engine- radio, lights, a/c everything else is still on but engine is off. This occurred 4 times in less than a 2 mile distance without any check engine or notification lights on the dash before, during, or after the event. This issue originally started about a week ago, when the check engine a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
This truck has an intermittent "service electronic brake system, service automatic brake system" caution message displaying on the vehicle dash. It has become more frequent and disables the cruise control, stability traction control, and ABS. The same issue happened in May 2021 and was addressed with the dealer at that time with code C0020-01. Under warranty the ABS module and HCU were replaced an... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Good Morning, I hope you are having an amazing day , I first financed this car in 2018 but the car was made in 2017. I searched my vin number to see if my car was a part of the recall list and was not. I have been getting a code P1450 since about 40,000 miles, my car has been stalling upon acceleration since I got it. and I had the part replaced, a year and a half later the code popped up again... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
While driving the vehicle will randomly, without warning or any dash notification icons alerted, turn off engine- radio, lights, a/c everything else is still on but engine is off. This occurred 4 times in less than a 2 mile distance without any check engine or notification lights on the dash before, during, or after the event. This issue originally started about a week ago, when the check engine a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
While driving the vehicle will randomly, without warning or any dash notification icons alerted, turn off engine- radio, lights, a/c everything else is still on but engine is off. This occurred 4 times in less than a 2 mile distance without any check engine or notification lights on the dash before, during, or after the event. This issue originally started about a week ago, when the check engine a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
The back windshield completely shattered. No object hit the car. This is not safe for driving. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a service center (Scott Robinson Honda in Torrance, CA). I am taking the vehicle to be inspected by a service center and will get insurance involved if needed. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms prior to the problem.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Issues with corrosion around door and hood hinges which risk weakening the structural strength of these panels. This issue is caused by the manufacturing process of using dissimilar metals and is a well documented issue with these vehicles
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked while accelerating before the vehicle lost motive power. The traction control and impact warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the warning lights had illuminated while stopped. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired. The contact stated the vehicle was not inclu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
I was driving on [XXX] in Virginia, speed limit is 70mph, a warning flashed in the screen: “Stop Safely, Vehicle will Shut Off Soon.” The car immediately began decelerating, I pulled off the highway and restarted the car, but it would only drive very slowly (approx 15mph). After restarting two more times, it was able to drive normally. This is the second such incident, the car is under warra... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the performance of the transmission in my Nissan 2018 Nissan Sentra. Recently, I have encountered my car stopped accelerating and only able to drive backwards. I had a few transmission,shifting problems, jerking which has raised concerns about the overall reliability and safety of the vehicle. I understand your concern about Nissan transmissions. If yo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle remained on the side of the roadway. Additionally, the contact observed condensation under the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear main seal and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired... Read more
SUBARU
B9 TRIBECA
(2006) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jan 23, 2024
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
Part number 17700-STX-A11 should be made of rubber or metal. The fuel line is made of an ABS plastic. It is cheap quality and brittle. The fuel line should additionally be segmented. When I spoke to the Honda dealership in Mckinney Tx the service supervisor stated this is a frequent and ongoing problem. I also spoke to a service supervisor at Honda in Frisco Tx who informed me when they order the ... Read more
6 injured
SUBARU
B9 TRIBECA
(2006) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 23, 2024
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
The rear window shattered spontaneously a few seconds after activated the rear window defrost.
SUBARU
B9 TRIBECA
(2006) - ENGINE
Jan 23, 2024
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
I changed out every cylinder, axel, within 6 months and now on March 22, 2023, they said I needed a new engine. P0300, P0303 MISFIRE. They said the car misfired. I thought that's why they changed all the cylinders. WHY DID THIS HAPPEN? My car has been parked in the garage. Why do I have to fix a problem that was just fixed? Still confused
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
This vehicle has had steering squeaks for a really long time. I've had ball joints sealed, control arms replaced and now lateral links replaced for damaged bushings. This has cost me a significant amount of money and the bushings show tears that could have resulted in loss of control.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2023
Feeling of significant shudder and shake, especially at highway speeds. This is caused by a defective torque converter manufactured by Chevrolet. Shuddering can be felt when apply light throttle between 20-80MPH. Chevrolet dealership is asking for $8000 to fix their defective Torque Converter (GM 6l80). From all the vehicles that i have owned in the past, I have never received a bill this high for... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
When driving at freeway speeds the car demonstrates sticky steering. Dangerous on lane changes and curves. Took into the Dealer(Tracy Honda) and they said they weren’t aware of the issue. After diagnosing it they determined that it needs a new steering rack. Back ordered until April.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
Was unable to open front passenger side window using driver's side controls, but was able to close. No problem opening and closing the passenger window from the passenger's side controls. Was fixed by replacing the driver's side master window switch at my expense (no longer under warranty).
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
My car just stopped working is related with the transmission
Incident date: May 1, 2023
During a snow storm, ABS and traction control lamps came on. The truck would not come to a controlled stop. After much sliding and skidding it came to a stop by hitting a snow abatement and curb line.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
I am experiencing delays in transmission shifting when the vehicle is cold. This behavior has recently started at about 85k miles. I have taken to dealer and had the transmission oil changed and Ford recommended cleaning the solenoids (at my cost). The dealer also resets the controller to relearn as well. I experienced the issues while driving away after the work, but I have been asked to drive... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
Driving at highway speeds--55-65 mph--the vehicle is all over the road. I am very concerned that there is a problem with the steering engineering making this vehicle dangerous on highways (as opposed to off-road).
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
Vehicle wanders on the highway and pulls hard to the left, which is a very concerning safety issue. I have already taken the vehicle to the dealer, did an alignment and took it back a month later because the issue persisted. The problem persist, specially when driving the vehicle on the highway. I am really concern about my family safety and the safety of others in the road.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
While I am driving, or stopping to turn or at the red light the engine turned off completely, and a warning signs will display telling me to restart my car again, it is very scary abd dangerous. It happens 3 times so far where I have to turn on my warning flash lights, so cars behind me could pass me or wait until I restart and drive again. It happens with no warning
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
I bought a 2023 Honda accord sport hybrid June of 2023 two weeks after purchasing the vehicle it starting giving me issues such as the dash board and infotainment screen would freeze up and completely erase itself I took it to the dealership 2 times they told me that if it didn’t do it at the dealership there was nothing they could do so they sent me home with the car. A week later I notice the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light and an additional unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven home. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
My 2016 Kia Sorento started about 2 months to peel, it was a quarter size spot and now is getting bigger every day !!