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: Dec 30, 2023
When I brushes a car, the dealer said Car has a recall for safety issue for airbags and will fix someone hit the front light with a low speed 20 mph on the street the old airbag open in the car for no reason to do this
Crash
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
The ABS module is defective on my truck which controls the antilock brakes, Anti slip function, and the cruise control. Dealer ship has diagnosed problem and ordered parts but the parts have been on back order for quite sometime with no ETA from RAM when parts will be available. My dealer ship says they currently are wating on 25 parts for different vehicles with same problem.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
The ABS module is defective on my truck which controls the antilock brakes, Anti slip function, and the cruise control. Dealer ship has diagnosed problem and ordered parts but the parts have been on back order for quite sometime with no ETA from RAM when parts will be available. My dealer ship says they currently are wating on 25 parts for different vehicles with same problem.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
Service park brake and service ESC lights are on, check engine on and motor making a knocking noise
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
Service park brake and service ESC lights are on, check engine on and motor making a knocking noise
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
On January 30th 2023 we made an appointment to take our 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport to our local dealership in Newmarket Ontario Canada due to a clunking in the front end of the vehicle. On inspection our 2018 Santa Fe Sport was identified as having a BROKEN COIL SPRING on the driver side. Along with this inspection it was also noted the passenger strut/shock had been leaking and was out of fluid.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
Lost ability to steer vehicle. It was impossible to steer the car. The car was running on and in one instance moving at low sped in my own driveway. There have been 3 instances when this happens. The problem went away after turning the car off and restarting the vehicle. 2) the starter won’t start on occasion as it takes multiple attempts to start vehicle. 3) I had to replace the starter and al... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
I have 50,000 miles I’m the original owner, bought it new in 2020, I was leaving work, started my car, blue smoke came out my exhaust, when i drove home from work, on inclines, the car sputters & stalls like it’s about to lose power, accompanied by thick blue smoke, and engine noise. I suspect it’s the piston rings in the cylinder head or valve seals are bad. My car has been parked for month... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
I have 50,000 miles I’m the original owner, bought it new in 2020, I was leaving work, started my car, blue smoke came out my exhaust, when i drove home from work, on inclines, the car sputters & stalls like it’s about to lose power, accompanied by thick blue smoke, and engine noise. I suspect it’s the piston rings in the cylinder head or valve seals are bad. My car has been parked for month... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
Burn oil more then usual smokes when accelerating hard . premature spark plug failure, cylinder 1, 2 , 3 have alot of oil build on them causing failure.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not expe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
Tesla replaced the upper control arm assembly in February 2021 after I complained that there was a squeaking noise when moving the steering wheel. My car and components are available for inspection. I was concerned that the front suspension would break leading to an accident. Tesla inspected and confirmed the issue. No warnings or message were displayed by the car.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The gas tank bands are rusting out, they are about to break causing the gas tank to fall and probably catch fire. The gas tank protector and gas tank guard are also rusted out to the point of falling off and crumbling rust.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was not obtaining the correct fuel mileage. The contact stated that, while tracking the mpg, the vehicle was averaging 15.7 mpg. The difference was approximately twenty percent less than the sticker mpg. The contact stated that the mpg sticker stated that the mpg would be 20 mpg. The contact stated that when the vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
I was on the 15 freeway going home and bent down to pick up something I dropped and hit the car that was stopped in front of me. What I remember is my glasses flying off and I hit my chest and head on the steering wheel and also broke my foot. At that time I realized that the air bag did not deploy and the seat belt did not hold me and I hit the steering wheel with full force. I spent three day... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
The brake systems have failed repeatedly on this vehicle, and have been replaced by the manufacturer TWICE since purchase (April 28, 2023). Brakes continued to intermittently freeze or lose pressure, so car is now classified as a lemon. However, as we have waited months and months for the lemon process to complete, the transmission began to fail. At first, we had incidents of the car seeming to ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
Shifting gears is very hard with it often skipping over gears. When driving the vehicle will jerk or buckle when trying to shift. Transmission is the biggest issue with this vehicle and I seem to have a hard time getting Ford to recognize that.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60–65 MPH, the moon roof glass exploded without warning or impact. The contact pulled off the interstate, inspected the vehicle, and noticed an object emerging from the roof. The contact's wife detected an abnormal popping noise before the failure. There were no reported injuries. The contact called the local d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
My transmission started making a whine sound upon acceleration, and at times hesitation of acceleration (inconsistent). Toyota Service identified the issue in 2018 as a defective part from manufacturing and related in the repair notice to Toyota Service Bulletin TSB-160-18 which states certain Highlanders (my year and model) have an issue with a defective part in the transaxle/transmission. Toyota... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The footwell module that controls the lights, brake lights windows and dashboard is faulty on all mini cooper of this module. Every time I change my battery or disconnect it the module brakes and the dealership knows this problem and still want to charge 1300 dollars to fix it it is a safety and hazard issue.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
Brake light stays due to brake pedal stays stuck.. on while driving causing the motorcycle to be activate the ABS Also handlebar tends to become loose
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
I just hit 30k miles on my civic. And I started noticing the sticky steering. It feels like the steering wheel gets stuck. This is a headache for all 11th gen civic owners. REPLACING THE STEERING RACK DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. WE NEED A LAWSUIT AGAINST HONDA!!!!!!!!
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
At speed limit cruising down I66. I was all alone. No birds in area at all. Open road. I was in middle lanes. Car attempted to come to a complete stop by itself. “Phantom Braking”? All my friends with Honda’s and Acura’s mentioned similar issues. If anyone was behind me, I could have caused a pile up or even worse. It’s happened a few times. Took to Capitol Heights Honda and Landmark Hon... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the High Voltage Battery and Service Engine Soon messages were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The contact relate... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
Our company has purchased 8- 2018-2022 Ford EcoSports similar to the VIN on this complaint. 5 of the 8 purchased have required engine replacement due to oil pressure related issues. One had just 20k miles, one had mid 40K miles, one had 52K miles and another 68k miles. And we had another today with just 58K miles. This seems to be a chronic issue with these engines.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the High Voltage Battery and Service Engine Soon messages were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The contact relate... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2015) - STEERING
Dec 27, 2023
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Have 30k on 2022 Civic and steering is sticking making for an uncomfortable driving experience. Steering sticks and forces me to apply pressure to adjust making for an overcorrection and is a safety issue.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
Lack of action on an existing NHTSA recall. FCAUS has failed to act on NHTSA recall 22V-406 for the high pressure fuel pump. Today I contacted the local Ram dealership service department and was told that they do not have a waitlist to fix the issue, or any idea when repair parts will become available. This is 566 days after the recall was announced in June 2022. The inaction of FCAUS/Stella... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27th 2023 at approx 6pm. While enroute on Interstate 81 South at Hagerstown VA in heavy rain, darkness and heavy traffic at highway speed the windshield wiper arm on the passenger side (right) suddenly collided with the drivers side arm - the wiper blade flew off and was lost the wiper arms then became entangled and ceased to operate. I believe I was quite fortunate to find an op... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
Delay or rough shifting betwee 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear. Sudden deccelerations Sudden loss of power twice happened on the free while accelerating.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound while reversing. Additionally, the contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to drive the vehicle, the steering wheel was firm. The contact turned around and drove back to the residence. The dealer was ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Received a warning on vehicle. However when diagnostics were run through the Ford's onboard system everything came back as normal. Went to find out what code was appearing. The code stated that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. Had all four replaced, but noticed that the coolant level had dropped off suddenly without warning, no notification notice in car, and the only reason I found out ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
Received a warning on vehicle. However when diagnostics were run through the Ford's onboard system everything came back as normal. Went to find out what code was appearing. The code stated that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. Had all four replaced, but noticed that the coolant level had dropped off suddenly without warning, no notification notice in car, and the only reason I found out ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
Vehicle had been driving off center even after alignment was completed. Took for another one after wife almost lost control of vehicle in highway. Been at dealer since Nov 24,2023 and estimated time for completion is not until April 2024.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) 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 made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2023
Vehicle would not start. 48v battery light came on. Waited 15 minutes, vehicle started, drove to dealership who did diagnosis. Battery replacement required $1800 + $1200 labor. 2020 vehicle with 61K miles. Bought certified vehicle from MBZ dealership, added a MBZ 3 year or 100K mile extended warranty but this battery is considered a wear and tear item not covered. That would be fine except for the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Car jerks/bucks violently when accelerating, to the point of being unable to control steering and slamming me into steering wheel. This has happened numerous, numerous times. Was towed to dealership, who claimed it was a loose battery cable, charged me, and said it was good to go. The very same day I picked it up, it continues to do this, every time I drive it. It also will die completely and not ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
At 40/50 mph if you hit a bump the front end shakes violently and is hard to control the vehicle
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
Our 2018 CRV Touring modelm has had the dashboard light up like a christmas tree with all codes flashing. We have had the vehicle to the local honda dealer numerous times and also to a private garage. The battery has been changerd out, The Honda dealer performed a sparkplug recall and the car continues to do this with the dashboard lighting up showing all kinds of codes. Last evening for the secon... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
Due to NHTSA Recall Number 23V-838, the car has become more dangerous than before. Often making me apply more force on the wheel when constantly alerting me which has inadvertently made me swerve into oncoming lanes. Not only has this mandatory recall made the autopilot experience much worse, but it seems highly politicized by the previous leader of nhsta and should be reinvestigated. This is such... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
i own a 2011 chevy impala 4 door that has a very serious engine issue. I was on my way home and suddenly the service stability trac, and check engine light came on, then the message center displayed reduced engine power and low oil pressure then the engine shut off. I tried to restart the vehicle and it would not restart. I got it towed to a parking lot where it sat over night then it would restar... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
i own a 2011 chevy impala 4 door that has a very serious engine issue. I was on my way home and suddenly the service stability trac, and check engine light came on, then the message center displayed reduced engine power and low oil pressure then the engine shut off. I tried to restart the vehicle and it would not restart. I got it towed to a parking lot where it sat over night then it would restar... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
CAR IS LEAKING OIL AND BURNING OIL ..HAD OIL CHANGED RECENTLY AND IT IS BELOW THE FULL MARK
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
I have tried multiple times to get AutoNaton Ford in Union City Georgia to rectify these issues. They have claimed they don't have an autobody shop to complete the required repairs. At one point, they had my vehicle for almost 2 weeks and they still did not complete the repairs.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
When driving at night the illumination from the headlights is very poor. I can only see about 1/3 of the way up on the windshield and only a short distance in front of the car. Everything else is black. I am leasing the car for three years but I can't drive it at night it's too dangerous. Even if I use highbeams it is difficult to see. Both of my adult children have driven the car and come to the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
When rotating tires 12/22/2023, upon removal of the right front tire, it was discovered that the inner sidewall had split open about midway between the tread and the wheel rim, for a distance of about one foot. There was no advance warning of this, and no warnings or messages displayed on the vehicle prior. As this was the first wheel removed, I am not sure what the condition of the other tires ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
brake warning light flashes warning alarm sounds. . disables the trailer brake. this one safety concern and makes my vehicle unavailable for towing abs disabled as well. Dealers says HCU is suspected . Parts are not readily available.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
There was a recall on the fuel injectors system and now this problem is causing the computer system to send false codes to the car and then the warning “fuel emissions problem signs turns on showing false code problems and then they go off and back on” In April I had fuel injections done and now in December I got the emissions system problem signal and was told at a honda service location th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
There was a recall on the fuel injectors system and now this problem is causing the computer system to send false codes to the car and then the warning “fuel emissions problem signs turns on showing false code problems and then they go off and back on” In April I had fuel injections done and now in December I got the emissions system problem signal and was told at a honda service location th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
The Transmission Oil Cooler line separated at the crimp joint from the rubber hose to metal pipe. This sprayed trans fluid all over my hot exhaust(fire risk) and caused and immediate loss of propulsion as I was accelerating to merge onto the highway. I was lucky enough to have multiple vehicles swerve to avoid hitting me. This defect left me on the side of the expressway.