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 12, 2023
Engine blinking and smell burnt while driving, ABS button turn on automatically
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
Had trans and transfer case PTO unit replaced, cause was transfer case and trans slines stripped. there is a recall for for this issue but not for my model year. 2020 jeep Cherokee trail hawk. recalls are for 2016-17 however because of the year of my jeep it isn't part of the recall but had the same issue regarding the same part # need reimbursement still 4 work. (In 2020, Fiat Chrysler America... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
Airbag light comes on indicating that the airbags are not functioning properly per the instrument panel. A recall item on this particular model not listed under my VIN number, however, it is, I didn’t quote the complaints from other VW Tiguan who have experienced the same thing. Apparently this was a recall item that happened in November 2019. The first time my instrument Dental started indicati... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2023
The check engine light has come on multiple times in the past 6 months. I have taken it 3 times to be repaired and finally the found out what was wrong. The first time that I brought it in, May 2023, the Bank 1 Lean Code was coming up on the diagnostic. They replaced a sensor for $300. 2 weeks later the check engine light came on again. They got the same codes and didn't know what exactly was caus... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2023
The check engine light has come on multiple times in the past 6 months. I have taken it 3 times to be repaired and finally the found out what was wrong. The first time that I brought it in, May 2023, the Bank 1 Lean Code was coming up on the diagnostic. They replaced a sensor for $300. 2 weeks later the check engine light came on again. They got the same codes and didn't know what exactly was caus... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
Oil light went on in May, 2023, at approximately 15K miles, then again in August 2023, at approximately 17,500 miles. Both times the oil was down 1 quart. We have been seeing smoke come out of the exhaust, intermittently. VW service department did a oil consumption test which resulted in the car burning just under a quart of oil after 600 miles. They said the car is functioning normally, but... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
I have been to two dealerships and there is no remedy for this recall. I asked to have the airbag on the driver side deactivated but was told that this was not possible " legally" because it would put the dealership at risk for liability. Well, GM is at risk for liability if I'm in a crash where this airbag might deploy. Can I have this airbag deactivated while I wait for a remedy? What are my... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
As I was driving on the highway at 65MPH, a sudden warning appeared on the dashboard that read, "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM/TURN OFF ENGINE". Immediately after that, I noticed that my vehicle started behaving erratically, making it difficult to control. I stepped on the gas pedal expecting the car to pick up speed and move forward. Despite the pressure I applied, the car failed to accelerate, leaving ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
The relatively new car (2022) stalls out randomly at intersections and red lights. This is a major safety issue as we have had the car totally shut down in the middle of 2 busy intersections. We had to dial 911 and have the police come to assist. We brought the car to the dealer and they did not find a problem but it continued to happen. There were no warning lights or messages - stalling happened... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
Engine failure. The vehicle was towed to Crenshaw Hyundai in Burlington, NC. Crenshaw Hyundai advised me the engine needed to be replaced due to rod failure. I cannot confirm if the parts are available for inspection. Engine failure while driving causing a stall. The problem has been verbally confirmed to me by Crenshaw Hyundai. The problem has not been inspected by police, insurance represen... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
Every time it rains, water comes down im assuming from my sunroof, ive cleaned the drains multiple times, it doesnt make a differenc, the water goes through my fuse box on the driver side fuse box inside the car like a white water rapid and collects in the floorboard. It blows all of my fuses, it also blows out my headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Not to mention the mold that must be gro... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
My grandmothers vehicle has had an intermittent loss of power steering while driving at slow speeds and is a serious safety concern, the safety recall I had found "14S05" is exactly what's goin on with her vehicle and it matches up exactly to the recall down to the assembly plant other than her vehicle was assembled a year after the recall, but yet these symptoms of this recall is exactly what she... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
My grandmothers vehicle has had an intermittent loss of power steering while driving at slow speeds and is a serious safety concern, the safety recall I had found "14S05" is exactly what's goin on with her vehicle and it matches up exactly to the recall down to the assembly plant other than her vehicle was assembled a year after the recall, but yet these symptoms of this recall is exactly what she... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
"What component or system failed or malfunctioned? Is it available for inspection upon request? Vehicle turned off in the middle of the road, warning it was hot How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle was driving on the highway and suddenly turned off without warning Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by an independent dealer or service center? Yeah H... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
Starlink screen has failed - the screen will either only show the initial agreement screen and freeze or it will freeze with the back up camera activated. I can’t access Bluetooth capabilities, camera function, etc
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Sept 9th, 2023 while driving on the interstate the vehicle lost all propulsion power, red lights shown in "gear, P N D" indicator area. I was in left lane and had to get to the side of the road, 4 lanes over, where putting the car in park and back in drive allowed for it to move forward again. I proceeded to a charging station to inspect the car and during this I hear a thump in the trunk area whe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
2012 Chevy Silverado rotted frame. The contact stated that the sway bar was so rusted that it broke in half and was replaced. The front struts were also super rusted. The contact does not feel comfortable driving the vehicle until the issues are addressed.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the engine shut off inadvertently. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The power train warning light was illuminated. There was no further information provided. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at 2 MPH, the engine started backfiring, and the vehicle was shuddering. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at 2 MPH, the engine started backfiring, and the vehicle was shuddering. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
See attached document from complainant
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
Car was parked in residential parking lot overnight. This morning I noticed my vehicle had rolled forward and hit a pole and the curb, cause front left damage to the fender, wheel and wheel hub assembly, and the brakes. Call is currently under recall due to a problem with the transmission slipping out of gear
Crash
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The contact's wife pulled to the side of the roadway, turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the pistons, which... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
Went in to the mechanic to get a regular oil change and noticed a liquid slushing sound after starting the car up. Was informed that there is a major coolant leak somewhere in the car. Took it to Mazda dealership right away who confirmed that it is a cracked cylinder head. I got lucky that the car did not overheat on the road and happened to catch it in the nick of time. No check engine lights o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
This is known issue with the electrical system that is associated with the touch screen controls. Without any driver input, the EyeSight driver assist system was shutoff. That system controls adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, and lane departure features. Rebooting the Starlink touch screen restored those functions. The safety issue is that no audible warning gave indication that the sa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle steering wheel had become firm. The power steering lock warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
I believe the recalls for the ‘Engine’ and the ‘Engine and engine cooling: Exhaust system: Emission control: Catalytic convertor’ apply to the continuouse issue I’ve been having with my car. I was told it’s not affected but I believe it is. I have an oil leak somehow but its not leaking outside the car, there are no oil stains in the driveway. When the oil starts to get just a little l... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
In accordance with Kia recall SC212, client had HECU/ABS module & multi fuse kit replaced/installed on September 10, 2021. The ABS warning light began to show on 10/6/2023. Client was told by licensed Kia dealer that the HECU needed to be replaced again due to fire risk. Dealer stated since there aren’t any active recall campaigns on vehicle, repairs would need to be paid by client. Client is se... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
Engine shut off while doing 70 mph on interstate. There was no warning signs or nothing.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2021
My headlights will turn off when using the blinker. It has done this more then a dozen times it is extremely dangerous. They will stay off untill I cycle the on and of headlight switch
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Daughter was driving vehicle on the morning of September 15, 2023, when smoke came from under hood. Immediately pulled over and engine was engulfed in flames. Got out of vehicle and moved a safe distance away as glass started to break and fire department arrived on scene. Picked up vehicle on September 12, 2023, after having the thermal control valve replaced (warranty) but after doing research th... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Vehicle heat pump system has had multiple failures leading to windshield fog leading to low/no visibility. Service center unable to get vehicle in in timely manner stating 3-4 weeks before it can be serviced.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Safety recall N232404980 was issued on my vehicle on May 10, 2023. As of today, October 9, 2023, GMC is still not able to make the repair for the safety recall, which as stated, can result in serious injury or death if the airbag deploys. It has also rendered my vehicle almost worthless. I feel like 5 months is way too long to wait for a safety recall such as this. This is not timely.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
There is a strong odor of gasoline inside the passenger compartment and around the outside of the vehicle when the gas tank is filled. A previous maintenance code of 0456 was triggered. Several repairs have been done to try and solve this problem, but the issue still remains. There is currently no recall for this specific VIN model but Mercedes Benz have issued the recall for other models with ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
Drivers door one day made a popping noise and then was unable to close. Door hinge issues and ford will not repair without cost although the door has not had any impact, collision or trauma, it just stopped working one day.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
While driving down an interstate at approximately 58 miles per hour, I turned on the cruise control and went to adjust it to 65 miles per hour. The car rapidly accelerated and it appeared on the dash that the cruise control defaulted to 110 miles per hour, which appears to be the maximum on the system. I tried to turn the speed down, but the cruise control would not go below 110 miles per hour. I ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
There is a loud humming/tumbling sound when decelerating at lower roms. It is very loud, obnoxious, and distracting. It was so loud that I couldn’t hear an emergency vehicle coming up behind me to get over. I have found 100’s of complaints on forums with the same issue with the 5th gen rams. Regional mechanic said it is normal operating for the vehicle, dealership mechanic said this is not nor... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Bolt broke on passenger side rear axle shaft. Bolt retains drive axle shaft into drive wheel. Dealer replaced passenger axle on Nov. 9, 2022 but not driver side. No warning lamp. There was a squeak from axle. This truck has a "Max trailer tow package". I was towing a 6,000 lbs trailer which is within specs. for this truck.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
1st problem happened when I was at a complete stop, at a traffic light, in rush hour traffic. All the sudden steam started coming out from underneath my hood. I instantly looked at my temperature gauge and it did not show anything however I knew something was wrong when the light turned green I immediately pulled over, out of the street as far as I can get without being hit by other cars. I put on... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
Ul_a022_ApeFusesEtc Audience [service-fix, factory) Description Driver Assistance ECU (APE) is not fused or not locked or missing credentials Set Condition Driver Assistance ECU is not fused or not locked or missing credentials Clear Condition Driver Assistance ECU is fused, locked and has proper credentials Potential Impact Driver Assistance ECU is in an unsecured state (unfused)
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
transmission lines popping off popped off at 60 miles per hour tensed me up it stared smoking pushed the safety hazzard lights on and was able to limp it off the highway its happened 3 times after i repaired them afraid to even drive it now.no no no
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
While driving my vehicle on my daily trip to work, I experience sudden power loss. My interior lights began to blink erratically, as my vehicle loss power and caused me to panic, as I was entering the highway. Some highways have no shoulders, so as quickly as I entered the highway, I pulled off took the next exit. I went into a shopping center, to see what the issue was. I noticed that my radio ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
Winnebego Revel BMB44E 15B443122871; The Lithionics battery installation allows movement which has caused fraying of insulation on a wire and resulting in a spark and activation of the 250A circuit breaker. This is part of the Winnebego aftermarket build of the Mercedes Sprinter based camper van.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
I am writing to inquire about a issue I have with my 2016 Toyota RAV 4. It only has 120800 miles on it and the transmission has malfunctioned and had to be replaced, costing me $6000 to replace. I believe their transmissions are defective and Toyota should take responsibility for the defects of their transmissions in the RAV 4. I have researched and found that many others have the same issue with ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
4 days ago my Check Engine light came on. In my car, when this happens, it disables all Eyesight features - collision warning, lane departure warning, etc. Work hours being what they are, I drove home that night and back to work the next day with it on. I managed to get it scanned when it popped a code for the Coolant Bypass Valve. Searching that code online lead me to DOZENS AND DOZENS of forums,... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
The sunroof spontaneously exploded outward while my wife was driving on the interstate. She was not near other vehicles or under an overpass for flying debris. We have had the vehicle for only 9 months and she works from home so it is kept in a garage for the majority of its life. It has not encountered any hail damage either. The sun shade was closed thankfully so my wife was fine but the anxiety... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the message "Coolant Overheating" was displayed, and the vehicle started to overheat. The contact drove to an independent mechanic, where she was informed that there was no coolant in the vehicle, and that coolant had leaked due to the water pump failure. The mechanic added coolant to the vehicle and referred the conta... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
Random no starts, engine turns on at random, won’t charge, car jerks, hesitation while driving, hard to climb mountain roads, Battery Energy Control Module Lost Communication With Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module 1-12
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle needed four new rotors and brake pads. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that there was a le... Read more