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: Sep 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the engine oil pan was faulty causing engine oil to leak from the vehicle. The... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while shifting from second to third gear, the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective torque converter. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
2019 subaru forester failed thermo control valve. There are literally 1000s of complaints on this issue and SOA refuses to issue a recall. Subaru has issued a bulletin to replace the faulty design with redesigned part. When this fails the car goes into limp mode and all lights come on. Very dangerous and quote frankly completely irresponsible that subaru refuses to recall this failure. I am out o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The power steering failed while I was backing out of a parking space. I was unable to turn the wheel and almost ran into another car. I was able to use all my strength to turn the wheel and took it to the dealership Tesla said "there was a fault within the steering rack that caused the power steering to go out, therefore we had to replace this part" There was no warning messages about the prob... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Doors lock and unlock by themselves all the time
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Acura RDX. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking spot at approximately 3 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that several attempts were made to restart the vehicle however, eventually the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and retriev... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 22V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time fo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel lines and filter. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed an additional failure with the fuel injectors... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
This 2016 Subaru Forester PCV Valve does not regulate the combustion system properly, this allows oil to enter this chamber. It causes loss of power and acceleration when driving. Hazardous driving conditions can cause accidents. crankcase ventilation issues engine oil system issues
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Pull Over Safely” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of coolant intrusion into the engine and that the cylinder block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that there was an unknown r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
VCM causing overflow of oil in cylinders 3 and 6 ruining internal components. Vehicle would not accelerate on expressway had to idle to gas station. Lawsuit and extended warranty place on 07-13 odysseys for same issue .
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
The thermo control valve malfunctioned causing the check engine light to come on which shut down all the safety features in the vehicle including the front eye sight camera, blind spot warning, the rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assistance. The check engine computer readout diagnostic trouble code was P26A5 "Engine Coolant Bypass Valve "A"... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
As I am accelerating to merge onto the highway from an on-ramp, while the gas pedal is depressed, I will get a series of sensor alerts simultaneously (city brake malfunction, park assist malfunction, lane assist malfunction, etc.) and my gas pedal becomes non-functional at 60-70mph. It is terrifying especially when there is other traffic around my vehicle. This exact issue has happened 6 times w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
As I am accelerating to merge onto the highway from an on-ramp, while the gas pedal is depressed, I will get a series of sensor alerts simultaneously (city brake malfunction, park assist malfunction, lane assist malfunction, etc.) and my gas pedal becomes non-functional at 60-70mph. It is terrifying especially when there is other traffic around my vehicle. This exact issue has happened 6 times w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle made an abnormally loud grinding sound while turning the steering wheel. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while driving 25 MPH, and the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side door was making abnormal loud banging sounds while opening and closing. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver's side window could only roll down half-way. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the front driver's side doorstop was internally fractured and was hitting the... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front passenger's side wheel was wobbling excessively. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the tie rods needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the inner ti... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
I have had a catalytic convert failure 3 times in 4 years. The first was repaired with the recall on may of 2019. It was replaced at a Kia dealership, with Kia parts. I had my vehicle at the dealership a month prior due to it not running correctly. The second replacement of the catalytic converter was on November of 2020. I was driving on the interstate very early in the morning when my vehicle s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
Check engine light came on while driving. All Advanced Driver Assistance Systems were disabled. Code is P26A3: Thermo Control Valve is faulty. This is a known problem and Subaru has addressed it by redesigning the Thermo Control Valve in 2021. Unfortunately there is no recall on the models fitted with the prior design that have a high rate of failure.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
Today again shift to park message came on
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
Today again shift to park message came on
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
I went to start the vehicle and it failed to start. I found the fuel pump relay to be badly burned 🔥. On the 30 pin. The board was melted at the 30 pin spot for the fuel pump relay. I purchased a new relay from NAPA. I questioned whether they had a new replacement fuel pump. They told me it was not available only through the dealership. My concern was that where the relay was located at the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
TCM failed. Vehicle is at the dealership awaiting new part for over three months now. Continue to get extended ETA on the part, latest communication was maybe November before it ships. Last vehicle dealership had took a year for the replacement TCM Vehicle immediately went into ‘limp mode’ on highway, was very unsafe because could only go 20-25mph. Confirmed by dealer upon them working on pic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 BMW M340I. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the power steering failure message was displayed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. After approximately one hour, the vehicle was restarted, the failure was self-corrected, and the steering wheel operated as normal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on two separate occasio... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
The vehicles horn randomly decides not to work. The horn has been replaced once, but the same wiring was kept the same. The vehicle is going back after a few months due to horn malfunction again.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
The vehicles horn randomly decides not to work. The horn has been replaced once, but the same wiring was kept the same. The vehicle is going back after a few months due to horn malfunction again.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
I was driving and car accelerated without warning. Hit partially open garage door, only stopped after hitting and damaging back wall of garage. Significant damage to car, items in the garage and garage wall. There was no warning whatsoever. As of yet the car has not been assessed as to the cause of the malfunction.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
My check engine light was on and my car would shake and vibrate upon staring the engine. I was running low on coolant when I shouldn’t be despite no signs of leaking on the ground. I took it to an authorized shop by Carfax, it’s Autotech in O Fallon, MO. They ran diagnostic tests and the codes were P0302 and P0316, which apparently are common issues with Ford Edges between 2015-2018. The shop ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
My check engine light was on and my car would shake and vibrate upon staring the engine. I was running low on coolant when I shouldn’t be despite no signs of leaking on the ground. I took it to an authorized shop by Carfax, it’s Autotech in O Fallon, MO. They ran diagnostic tests and the codes were P0302 and P0316, which apparently are common issues with Ford Edges between 2015-2018. The shop ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
Emergency brake sets itself. Car won't start. Takes many attempts to get brake to release and be able to drive car.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
My 2017 Toyota Prius Prime has experienced a second windshield crack perhaps hit by a small object, which I didn't notice at all. The crack is a "L" shape, about 15 in at each direction. The firs Windshield crack was happened about a year ago. Toyota dealer replaced it with an original Toyota Windshield. I believe this particular Windshield type isn't strong enough to withstand a small stone hitt... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
High beams stopped working, although the dash light indicates they are on. No change in light intensity from low to high beam.
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 15, 2023
Incident date: May 15, 2023
Last July I felt jerking after accelerating on highway and decided to go in for service and found fuel injectors were the issues which these were replaced. Then again after 3 months now feeling jerking again and shaking after accelerating. There is no warning light appearing as I feel it. After reviewing with others 2023 pathfinders, afraid my vehicle may stall and not be repaired. I’m still on... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. Additionally, the contact stated while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, a message indicating that the vehicle was overheating was displayed. The contact's son pulled to the side of the road, added a gallon of coolant to the vehicle a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while the vehicle was being charged, the battery intermittently failed to charge. As a result, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that unknown warning lights were illuminated but turned off after the battery was on charge mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the cause of the failure co... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for an oil change, the contact was informed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 65,28... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated there was a clunking sound coming from the front suspension location and the vehicle started feeling unstable while driving approximately 30 MPH. The steering wheel began to sway towards the left causing the contact to use excessive force to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the deal... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle randomly accelerated. The RPM had increased to a high level. The 4WD service message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, there was an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle randomly accelerated. The RPM had increased to a high level. The 4WD service message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, there was an... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
Moonroof stuck open. Motor will not work. Cannot close moonroof or shade. I had to use a tarp to cover the hole in the roof until I could get it to the dealer to close the roof. They charged me $114.40 plus tax. They advised I not try to open it again because it may never close. Sea Breeze Ford mechanic told me the repair would be between $2K and $7K. This is outrageous. My personal mechanic said ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
i have been noticing a hissing sound coming from the brake paddle for almost 3 weeks. upon some online research i found out it could be a brake booster and there was a recall for the same car brand due to issues with brake booster in past but not included year 2016. vehicle not inspected yet.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
On my 2023 Outback my Subaru Eyesight is intermittently inoperable, which causes my cruise control and automatic braking to not work.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while her son was driving at low speeds in a parking area, he was involved in a collision with the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed, but no injuries were reported. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
High beam headlights completely stopped working while driving at night on an unfamiliar road during a road trip. They both stopped at the same time and have not worked since and they are not burnt out.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2023
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed then the vehicle overheated. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that his granddaughter stopped the vehicle and then turned off and parked the vehicle t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Harley-Davidson FXLRS. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V591000 (Suspension) 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. Parts distrib... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at high speeds the vehicle shut off, restarted, and shut off again. The contact was able to drive, but the vehicle shut off. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
lost all power steering today on model Y 2023 tesla.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
At first, and only on cold/rainy/snowy weather, while driving the radio would randomly turn off and turn itself back on (i have videos of this). Sometimes it would last a few seconds, sometimes a few minutes. While this was happening, the blinker sounds wouldn't work. I brought it to Chevy in Geneva, NY for diagnostics. No check engine codes ever. They told me that the radio computer needed to be ... Read more
Crash