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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 33,654 complaints for MERCEDES-BENZ

Incident date: Dec 26, 2023

My vehicle check engine came on and it went into limp mode, and I was unable to accelerate over 60mph on my trip from Greensboro, NC to Wilmington, NC. I drove the entire 200 miles in the right lane with my flashers on. To have it towed would have cost me over $600, so I decided to drive. This was the third time this has happened to this vehicle in the past 12 months and each time Coastal Kia said... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

All warning lights came on Vehicle stability assist (VSA) Problem, Hill Street Assist Problem, Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) Problem, Power Steering System (EPS) Problem, Emissions System Problem. Car was stalling and sometimes not starting at all. Took it in to the Honda dealer in mid November 2023 and they said it was reporting low fuel pressure but that it was probably low fuel in the tank tha... Read more

Incident date: Dec 27, 2023

The headlights on this vehicle have been repetitively malfunctioning, the lamps are not burnt out but the high and low beam lights malfunctioning regularly. I have had the system and computer checked, the computer reset. Nothing is appearing to be wrong but my high beam lights are completely non functional for the third time in 3 months

Incident date: Oct 19, 2022

The dealership told me that the sensor I read that was a recall wasn't covered because my vin wasn't on the list of re-calls. I looked up what auto zone pulled up as the code and pretty sure it was the fuel filter valve. But after taking it to our regular mechanic he replaced a line in the engine area that connect beside the battery going to the air filter area looks like a long black hose and the... Read more

Incident date: Oct 19, 2022

The car has only 41k miles on it and the engine warning light came on. I had the car towed to Mazda and now it won’t start and it needs a new engine. (Which is on back order for months). It is covered under the powertrain warranty but does me no good if I’m without a vehicle, and making car payments on a vehicle that isn’t running.

Incident date: Jan 21, 2020

Engine failure due to known 2018 Ford Ecosport issue: While driving down the road oil pressure pump light flashed on, car slowed down to 30mph and started a ticking noise. Diagnosis: oil pump belt tensioner failed causing no oil pressure subsequently completely destroying the engine, turbo charger and vacuum pump. The Service adviser stated that the Ford company knows the problem with the oil pump... Read more

Incident date: Dec 11, 2023

The contact owns a 2007 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear upper control arm. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with corrosion on both sides and the rear control arms. The contact was informed that the rear control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repa... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2023

Dealing with intermittent service brake system messages for over a year now. Light is constant now which means my ABS / anti skid/ and cruise control no longer function. Believe this is the ongoing HCU / ABS module known issue. Frustrating going into the winter months with such a heavy vehicle and loss of safety feature with no fix from Ram.

Incident date: Jul 4, 2023

While entering a parking spot my car suddenly accelerated and crashed into the wall in front of me in spite of my pushing my brakes 100%. The car never went into the automatic braking system before I applied the brakes, the seat belt never engaged and the air bags on the driver's side did not deploy. If I had not braced myself against the steering wheel my chest would have sustained a major inju... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 25, 2023

After an oil change, my jeep starting ticking. I've read of several recalls. My jeep is having all 10 of the recall issues.

Incident date: Dec 8, 2023

On Tuesday evening, December 19, 2023, while driving at highway speeds, the following message appeared on my digital display: BRAKE SYSTEM Brake system problem. Brake performance may be reduced. See your dealer. Other system messages began to appear, including, I believe, concerning the steering. More important, the car immediately went into a “limp mode“ with the speed dropping to 20 mi... Read more

Incident date: Dec 8, 2023

Vehicle began shaking on the highway. It was coming from under the front hood and was shaking the steering wheel. The check engine light came on. I pulled over and had it towed to the Mercedes repair shop. They said it was related to a bad balance shaft and that it was a systemic problem with the engine in certain Mercedes e350s. I was told I needed to replace the camshaft and it would cost $... Read more

Incident date: Sep 25, 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: Aug 3, 2023

At approximately 104 miles into a recent trip in our RV, while traveling at highway speed under cruise control, we noticed a strange odor. Almost at the same moment we immediately lost engine and braking power. The check engine light came on. We then noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment and noxious fumes had begun to enter the cabin area. After pulling to the side of the highway by use... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Dec 22, 2023

* What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? (Exhaust manifold. yes.) * How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? (Risk of Fire, reduced engine performance and reduce vehicle's ability to respond promptly to driver inputs, Squealing sound causing distracting driver, Carbon monoxide exposure causing others put at risk.) * Has ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 22, 2023

My parking brake suddenly turned on and my jeeps information center on the dash informed me to stop and shift to park. The light on the switch for the emergency brake flashes as well as the red light on the shifter and the vehicle would not shift anymore nor would the epb turn off . I had to disconnect my battery for about 30 minutes before it allowed me to disengage the parking brake and start to... Read more

Incident date: Dec 22, 2023

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

desconocidos

Crash Fire

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

desconocidos

Crash Fire

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

desconocidos

Crash Fire

Incident date: Dec 19, 2023

The abs light blinks and sounder beeps on and off intermittently while driving and the cruise control does not stay functioning when this occurs.

Incident date: Dec 19, 2023

The abs light blinks and sounder beeps on and off intermittently while driving and the cruise control does not stay functioning when this occurs.

Incident date: Dec 19, 2023

The car stalled when stopped at a red traffic light. This happened on 2 occasions, 11-3-23 and 12-9-23. The second time other cars behind us had to go around us while we tried to restart the car which put them at risk of being hit by cars in the other lanes. There was no warning. I took the car in for regular maintenance a few days ago during which the dealership did a multi point inspection b... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 2023

During highway speeds upon strong acceleration up an incline, the car’s transmission suddenly shifted into neutral with no warning, the car still in drive and no lights on dash. There was a loss of power and I had to quickly merge over in traffic to safely come to a stop. After coming to a stop, the car resumed driving normally with another incident down the road at cruising speed. This has happ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and was jerking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 35-40 MPH. The contact... Read more

Incident date: Nov 3, 2023

Incident date: Dec 18, 2023

The oil pump went out and ruined the motor. The low engine oil pressure alarm didn't go off until after the car quit. Had it towed to the dealership. They've had it for 2 months. Waiting on them to call for me to pick it up.

Incident date: Dec 21, 2023

The brakes slam on there own causing all safety features to go out and the car to go out of control. This is the 3rd time this has happened in 3 months. The dealership is telling me they won’t look at it for 3 months I could be killed in that time my car is dangerous

Incident date: Jan 1, 2020

When I am in adaptive cruise control mode, and I am in the left lane and a large vehicle like a semi-truck or a pickup truck pulling a large trailer is in the right lane passes me, from time to time it will engage the braking system even though there is nothing in front of my vehicle. Recently it has also been happening if I am in the right lane and vehicle exits the highway on an off ramp. I have... Read more

Incident date: Dec 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2023

There’s currently a recall on the 2018 2019 Honda odysseys. The recall is for the same as exact issue that I had with my 2018 Honda Odyssey there’s a problem with the connecting rod bearings recall campaign number 23V751000. I’m being told from Honda that my van does not fall into the production date range for the recall. I’m being told that any repairs I’m going to have to cover myself ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 2023

So thanks to YOUR interference my Autopilot on my Tesla is broken... You guys THINK you are making our cars safer by getting your controlling poorly educated stupid hands into Tesla systems that are DESIGNED TO BE MORE SAFE. On paper Tesla Autopilot is factually proven to be more safe than a human driver, these reports are publicly available perhaps your team was too lazy to read them. My car d... Read more

Incident date: Sep 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN to... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 45-55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump power control module had failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally,... Read more

Incident date: Oct 31, 2023

I had lightly let off my gas pedal since I was driving down a slight decline/hill. Upon reaching the bottom of the decline, I pressed the gas pedal to maintain my speed, when I heard a loud noise from my engine; all the lights on the dash lit up; and my car lost all power. These items happened simultaneously and it was very sudden and unexpected as there were no prior warnings, indications, nois... Read more

Incident date: Dec 6, 2023

Forward-looking camera image processing moduel A malfunction

Incident date: Jan 10, 2022

Driving down a street we heard a loud boom almost sounded like something exploded We looked around but saw nothing. Then started hearing noises from the sunroof Sure enough it had exploded Not cracked And it is smashed outwardly not in therefore not something that hit it or caused impact from the outside in. We researched it and seems to be a known ongoing issue. Very dangerous as it is hap... Read more

Incident date: Dec 6, 2023

- Steering - Yes, available for inspection - When driving on highway slightly turning the steering wheel to the left or right while going straight - it sticks - Yes - Rowe's Auto Body, Rte 211 - Middletown, NY ( Owner Eric - took it for a drive) - No police, no insurance company - No messages appeared on the information screen Still occurring as of today Dec. 19th, 2023

Incident date: Dec 15, 2023

My 2016 Ford Edge with 86k miles encountered a well-known EcoBoost engine problem (TSB 22-2229) where there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder causing a rough start and codes P0302 (cylinder #2 misfire) and P1316 (misfire in first 1000 RPM). My understanding is that this problem can potentially lead to an engine fire. The dealership I bought the Edge from replaced the engine block at my expen... Read more

Incident date: Dec 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated. The contact stated that there was traffic behind, and the vehicle decelerated to 10 MPH. The contact stated that drivers were honking their horns for her to speed up. The check engine warning light and a message stated, “Do Not Drive” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 2023

If driving and the vehicle is put in park then put back into gear without turning off first, the vehicle will stall. Usually happens to me in parking lots but happened while I was parked on a hill. The vehicle stalled after being put in drive and started rolling down the hill - the power steering and ABS did not work. I had to apply the emergency break to get it to stop. This is a major safety con... Read more

Incident date: Dec 18, 2023

The vehicle constantly loses power no matter the repairs I’ve came to notice it starts this during winter season

Incident date: Dec 18, 2023

Driving around town and the low oil pressure warning come on the dash and the vehicle had loss of power. The vehicle was parked the oil was full and oil changed was done 2 weeks earlier. No the vehicle sounds load.

Incident date: Dec 18, 2023

Incident date: Dec 15, 2023

I have tried out to Jeep for asking if the open recall issue can be fix they do not have any solution how to fix the issue and no necessary parts are available with the dealer or even with Jeep itself.

Incident date: Nov 3, 2023

Anti-lock break system malfunctioning. This module has already been replaced once in 2021 by a dealership. Now the module is malfunctioning again and needs to be replaced. This affects the trucks traction control system and cruise control. Meaning the vehicle will slide during winter/rainy weather. There are to warning lights that come on on the dash warning you that this system is malfunctioning.

Incident date: Sep 6, 2021

Been dealing with oil issues for over a year. With a closely monitored oil level the car engine blew a hole and is now not drivable. There was never a low oil light or any warning.

Incident date: Sep 6, 2021

The camera doesn’t work and if it does it shows the picture reversed. It has the right side of the vehicle on the left side of the camera. Checked for updates but there aren’t any. It started working correctly just last week, but then it goes back to saying call dealership or reversed.

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

Read more from our blog