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: Feb 1, 2023
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
Driving on Interstate in Illinois. Tire made noise, felt the instability while driving, pulled to shoulder. Very dangerous, fast speeding cars past us, not moving over a lane. Tire had rip in sidewall. LT285/75R18 129/126R
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
BRAKE BOOSTER AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLIES. making a buzzing noise. cost to repair is estimated to be 2500 or more. Toyota even has a bulletin for it, but they did not inform the public, because the part is very expensive and difficult to fix on a prius. since it has expired, we are out of luck.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and shuddered. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact released the accelerator pedal until the vehicle stopped shuddering. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The v... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
So essentially I stopped for a charge about 30 minutes before, I charged it, then hopped back on the turnpike as I was heading to Outer Banks NC, while I was on the turn pike where I believe at the time I started to go around a curve not a sharp one but a curve right after coming off this bridge. Every 1 minute and 30 seconds you have to put your hands on the wheel and give it a jerk to keep it en... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cam adjuster was replaced; however, the failure persisted. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
After filling my tank of gas (not overfilling), and parking the car overnight in the cold. I have gas that leaks out of my gas tank onto my garage floor. I reported this to the Dealership where I purchased on Feb 20, 2023 with photos. I have the car at Toyota Muscatine today 12/12/23 and they have been unable to replicate and are not sure what to fix since there is no current recall notice. I'... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
On Wed., Dec. 6 around 3:15 pm during heavy traffic on FWY [XXX], cars slowed down to a brief complete stop. When I went to start slowly as traffic began to move, engine completely shut down. I could not open windows or my door to get out of vehicle. Immediately called 911 and was transferred to DPS. It took approximately 65 minutes before I had help and was finally towed from the dangerous fre... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving downhill at night with the headlights illuminated, the windshield darkened, and the contact lost visibility of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the windshield was compliant to safety standards. The contact stated that he had contacted an unknown dealer, who informed him that the failu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
On 12/4/23, I parked the vehicle in my garage after driving approximately 40 miles. A strong burning plastic smell was present upon exiting my vehicle. Smell was not apparent in my vehicle. Contacted Fisker that day and told to not drive it except to move it out of my garage away from home and told tech will be contact me that day or next. Created online service ticket on 12/6/23 after no contact ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
My moonroof spontaneously exploded while driving to work on the interstate. There was a very loud boom that sounded like a bomb or tire exploding and then glass started raining down on me while driving. Luckily, my children were not with, as there were small pieces of glass throughout the interior cabin including the back seat where they sit. I was driving alongside a semi when it happened and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
Cold weather. Warmed up the car for 10 minutes . all defoger for rear glass and winshield were used . There is accessive condenced water all over inside front and back window. started driving and used the wiper to clean the windshield and found out water is on the inside made the visability hard. Another issue with the Camera Visibility issue is daily in cold weather where the glass in front of t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
We were in a parking lot. When my husband (driver) put the car into reverse, it accelerated wildly, and the brakes would not work. We almost struck a pedestrian. We were able to put the car into park to stop it. We waited, checked to see if something was stuck under the pedal. Then my husband put the car into drive. It accelerated wildly again. Brakes did not work. We nearly struck a car. We waite... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while he, his wife, and his son were in the vehicle he had begun veering right pulling into the driveway, at approximately 5 MPH, he had begun slightly releasing the brakes when the vehicle suddenly accelerated at accelerated high speeds. The contact immediately depressed the brake pedal however the vehicle speed continued to accelerat... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
We were in a parking lot. When my husband (driver) put the car into reverse, it accelerated wildly, and the brakes would not work. We almost struck a pedestrian. We were able to put the car into park to stop it. We waited, checked to see if something was stuck under the pedal. Then my husband put the car into drive. It accelerated wildly again. Brakes did not work. We nearly struck a car. We waite... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - ENGINE
Dec 11, 2023
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
Hyundai has had numerous engine failures and fires, due to piston slap. Multiple lawsuits and recalls in other countries. Hyundai has a T6G service campaign to replace these engines and they even extended it to unlimited mileage for the first owner. The problem is that they will not honor this unless you are the first owner and you did all of your oil changes at the dealership. They have an 85% ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
Steering doesn't want to return the center. This is a safety issue. Had steering rack replaced at 24k miles and now at 49k miles it's having the same issue. These parts are defective.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
I was driving approximately 30 mph. As I continued to accelerate the fuel system light came on and the car shut off in the road. I had to have it towed to the dealership as it would not start. Gas fumes could also be smelled coming from the car. Once looked at by BMW service center I was told “ EKPS and the fuel pump are intermittently failing. I was able to able to verify the concern briefly. V... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
Car was thought to be placed in park, key was easily removed, and then the car became mobile and rolled downhill and could not be shifted back into park.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
My Subaru Key is Stuck in Ignition. Two to three times a week the key can not be removed from the key switch . The vehicle will shut off, but the key remains.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
First took the vehicle for unscheduled service around 2,000 miles relating to engine noises, primarily rattling while driving. It's sporadic, but it sounds as if something was rattling underneath the car, primarily when accelerating, most noticeable when ramping up from slower speeds/lower gears. Also, when switching from drive into park, the engine makes unusual rumbling/rattling noises before se... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The truck intermittently shows an alarm for failure of the abs braking system. This suddenly shuts off the cruse control and disables the abs. The loss of cruse control caused the truck to suddenly drop in speed in a highway traffic situation, which nearly caused a car behind me to hit me. The loss of abs leaves the truck vulnerable to brake related accidents in slippery or wet weather. I contacte... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
My car only has 77398 miles and the entire car lost power while I was driving I had to safely coast into a parking space. The engine is making a knocking sound and the battery light and oil light came on. The car has had every oil change on time and documented since it left the dealership in 2014 with 150 miles. Every service has been performed on time as my mother who is a retired veteran of the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
I was driving my car when no warning lights came on the car started stalling and turning off and then sparks started to come out from the hood. I was able to get the car in a parking lot and when the hood was opened the battery clamp part came off and welded itself to the hood of the car. I had it towed to Price Toyota where they said the battery was fine and that the bolt was missing. They put... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
I was driving approximately 30 mph. As I continued to accelerate the fuel system light came on and the car shut off in the road. I had to have it towed to the dealership as it would not start. Gas fumes could also be smelled coming from the car. Once looked at by BMW service center I was told “ EKPS and the fuel pump are intermittently failing. I was able to able to verify the concern briefly. V... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
I have had multiple engine problems with my trax. For starters, shortly after I bought it in 2021 I had to have the radiator replaced, then in Aug or Sept 2022 I had to have the coil pack replaced, the in Oct 2022 the turbo needed to be replaced. Exactly 1 year after replacing the turbo, I had to replace it again in Oct 2023. Now I'm being told that these cars are having problems with Piston rings... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, he observed a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the knocking lasted for approximately three to four seconds and then disappeared. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while shifting to park(P), the message “Shift to Park” was displayed. The contact had to park and turn off and restart the vehicle and press the button on the gear shifter several times before the message would cease to appear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the gear shifter had failed and needed to be replaced.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2020
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from under the floorboards. The contact slowed the vehicle to listen for the sound, when the contact depressed the accelerator pedal to move forward, he heard the abnormal sound and described it as the sound of a motorcycle exhaust. The contact stated that he dro... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
When reversing this huge SUV, there is no visibility. Currently, I have to keep pressing my brakes to get the red light to see little however it is not enough. I have taken it to the 2 different Cadillac Escalade dealership and they keep giving it back to me that it is working properly. This has been a problem since I bought this car, unfortunately when we went to test drive it was in a very brigh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The 6.6L V8 LML turbodiesel Duramax engine Bosch CP4 fuel pump failed. U.S. diesel fuel does not provide adequate lubrication for the CP4 fuel pump. The lack of lubrication led to internal fuel pump damage and resulted in metal shavings that damaged the pump, the fuel system, and the GM Duramax engine as well. There was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the fa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
The torque converter failed at 62,050 miles. It is currently at the dealer and unable to be repaired to to the part being on national backorder. So it should be able to be inspected on demand as of the submission of this form until an unknown amount of time before the part is available. This failure put others on the road at risk as well as me and my family because of a sudden inability to accele... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission and the engine had failed, and both needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in N... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission and the engine had failed, and both needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in N... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Vehicle has 101k miles on it, just over the 100k Hyundai warranty. Vehicle began shaking and sputtering while driving, and check engine light illuminated, I was able to get it to a local mechanic. Mechanic said it had multiple codes (P300, P302, and P304). They did a compression test and said the engine has internal failure and should be replaced; quoted 13k to replace. I had it towed to the H... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
My ford van has vibrations between 20-40 miles. Many other ford transits has recalls for this. The issues is with the drive shaft and the drive shaft yoke.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and failed to respond. The contact stated that she continued to depress the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle accelerated significantly. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that she was able to continue driv... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
The vehicle is equipped with an Auto Start/stop that turns the vehicle off when in the Drive position if the vehicle is sitting still for a period of time. This kicks on at every stoplight and every time the vehicle is sitting still with my foot on the break for longer than about 10 seconds. The vehicle will turn off but will not restart. It will try until the battery is drained to the point the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2023
The airbags did not deploy during a side impact accident. A state state trooper investigated the accident.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side door made an abnormal popping sound while opening and closing. Additionally, the door failed to close properly. The contact also stated that the front driver's side window could no longer roll down properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side door check arm bra... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
When the car is coming to a stop the drivers floor mat slides on top of the gas pedal. Also when driving, general movement of your foot on the mat causes it to slide forward freely with and restriction. The velcro that attaches to the mat falls off and the mat is free moving. It is a common concern among other BMW X5 owners in online forums. The dealership refuses to assist. Thank you
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected. The ch... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
In the 5mph stop and go traffic of leaving a sloped parking garage, the brakes did not respond to repeated attempts to stop the Rogue. The brakes did not work with pumping them, hard pressure or light pressure. No collision warning alerts activated. (No beeping, lights or camera occurred as it usually does when an object is close to the vehicle.) No emergency braking activated. The only thing th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
Driving on freeway on 12/2/2023 and the steering became difficult to handle. It felt that I lost my power steering. I exited the freeway and the car's steering seemed ok after all. The steering was fine for the remainder of the day. The next day, the problem happened again on a freeway. I can steer the car, but it requires more effort and it seems a bit jerky.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer declined to cover the cost of repairs due to wear and tear. The failure mileage was... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
Our 2017 Ford Edge experienced engine problems that are linked to a service recall Ford Motor Company issued on 2016 - 2018 Ford Edge vehicles related to coolant leaks & head gasket failures. Ford is refusing to fully cover costs to replace the engine which was inspected by an authorized Ford Dealership service department & determined to have coolant entering engine cylinder. Providing clear evide... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the 12-Volt battery warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off. The failure also occurred while driving on a busy freeway. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the STOP/START button was faulty and needed to... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the oil level and noticed that the oil level was normal. The vehicle was towed to several independent mechanics to be diagnosed. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown belt had fractured, which led to t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
When driving car, the car would reduce speed on curves, sensing cars o objets on the side as obstacles. November 2023 I rear ended a car, and the air bags fail to deploy, automatic emergency braking fail to engaged. No warning .
Crash