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: Oct 17, 2023

front and rear camera not working blind spot indicator not working side mirrors warning of oncoming vehicles not working radio not working

Incident date: Oct 16, 2023

The steering system has failed and also the brake system. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The Steering wheel appears to be sticky, so I personally have encountered a few near miss incidents where I end up over turning because I have to use excessive force to turn. The problem has not been confirmed by the dealer or inspected by anyone but myself. Yes, there were warning light... Read more

Incident date: Oct 16, 2023

Due to the design of the middle seat belt receiver it is impossible to install any type of car seat using the seat belt. The receiver is so long, you cannot get the seat belt tight enough to prevent movement of the car seat. There are no anchors for the middle seat either to use the latch system instead of the seatbelt, and anchors cannot be borrowed from the other sides as per the owners manual. ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds at night, the low beam headlights were significantly dimmed, diminishing the visibility of the roadway. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights were activated to safely drive at night. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the low-beam headlights were replaced, and the lenses were cleaned; however, ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 14, 2023

It is Acura ILX 2021. The current mileage is 17,480. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? *Driveshaft/suspension is broken after inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? *Intense shaking coming from underneath the vehicle. Worn out u-joints, couplers or carrier bearings can cause the driveshaft to vibrate ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds during rainy weather, he attempted to defrost the windows; however, the HVAC failed to operate as designed with warm air coming from the HVAC system. As a result, the windows failed to defrost as needed, making it difficult to see the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer wher... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on multiple occasions after the vehicle was started, he heard a rattling sound at the hood of the vehicle. The contact then stated that at times after attempting to start the vehicle, he had to wait for several minutes before the engine would turn over. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he notified a tow truck comp... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2023

May 19th water pump cooling system pump my wife driving right on a highway on a left lane car start streaming and engines suddenly shut off thank God she make it to the left on hwy we throw the car to dealer they says engine went because of water went to engine and after that I have a big issue with the dealers and everything even my insurance pay for the new engine and everything and this is the ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. The contact stated that the door lock pins failed to go up or down while using the key fob. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the door lock actuator had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred two weeks later. Additionally, the turn signal... Read more

Incident date: Dec 31, 2022

The transmission slips and jumps into different gears while driving. When applying the accelerator from a stop the truck will not move due to it being in 7th gear, when it finally decides to move it shifts hard jolting the truck. The electric driver seat moves around, it is not stable.

Incident date: Jul 18, 2023

Message”stalbility track needs service” while driving, speedometer and rpm hands become unstable with lights for traction coming on. Then car shuts down with no acceleration. Have brought to GM service several times and they can’t find the problem.

Incident date: Oct 5, 2023

I was in an accident when my 2018 Chevy Equinox rear ended a stopped vehicle at a traffic light. There was significant damage to the front of my vehicle 12k plus. The emergency braking system did not activate, nor did the airbags. My wife experienced severe contusions to the chest area.we wonder why the emergency braking system or airbags failed to deploy.

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Oct 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 25–35 mph. The contact stated that the engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed her that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the lo... Read more

Incident date: Oct 9, 2023

Incident date: Oct 17, 2019

Car dies while driving at speed. Also will die at low speeds such as when turning or parking or waiting at a stop light. Sometimes have to wait before restart if dies at speed. If dies at low speed will start right back up. Dealer says no codes. Even when it died while on the techs computer he could not see a problem. These cars have been notorious for electrical problems due to Totally Integr... Read more

Incident date: Oct 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as needed with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel injectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assista... Read more

Incident date: Oct 17, 2023

The left front door spot welds broke. Car is under 40,000 miles. This is NOT a high usage fleet vehicle, but a personal vehicle. Safety issue: The door does not open properly. I can no longer get into or out of the car through the left driver door. In an emergency, it may be impossible to exit the vehicle quickly. The door does not close properly to lock it. The repair will cost thousands; ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, coolant leaked into the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty water pump that needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired due to parts not being available. The contact s... Read more

Incident date: Oct 17, 2023

Severe rust throughout the frame

Incident date: Oct 17, 2023

The contact’s daughter owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that on several occasions while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, several unknown warning lights intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was inc... Read more

Incident date: Oct 14, 2023

Incident date: Oct 17, 2023

When applying the brakes if you hit a bump in the road the front end of the vehicle shakes violently and does not stop, lunges car forward

Incident date: Oct 15, 2023

I am getting the 'Emissions System Failure" notification on the dashboard. It comes at random times and sometimes it goes away. I am not sure what the problem is as the vehicle is well maintained and there is no other issue. I read that it is in the recall list of 2019 vehicle so I guess this is the same issue for 2017 as well.

Incident date: Aug 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after all four tires were replaced, the following day while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear driver’s and passenger’s side tires seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear axle half-shaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact reference... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2023

I'm having a problem with the car going into park. When it's in park, the doors will not lock in the vehicle will Just drain the battery.

Incident date: May 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that when she started the vehicle, the driver's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Incident date: May 7, 2023

When driving home from work, the vehicle shuttered and almost lost power to the vehicle. Received error code DTC P1C2D03 Powertrain TCU through the MyHyundai application and is available for inspection. My safety is put at risk due to loosing power to the vehicle while driving which almost caused an accident on the highway. There is a similar recall in place for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz for the... Read more

Incident date: Oct 9, 2023

My error start/stop keeps coming on and off on my vehicle, and it randomly dies on my while driving. It has died about 10 times by now in a week and a half. I have to put the car in park, then crank it again. I have contacted my dealership, but they state they can’t get it in until December.

Incident date: Oct 9, 2023

ABS service light coming on, and service electronic brake system keeps coming on. Recall on 2019-2022 RAMS for same issue. Told to report issue here.

Incident date: Oct 10, 2023

My abs brake light goes on and off cruise control just stops in the middle of the highway. I was almost hit by an eight wheeler while commuting because of it. I loose traction driving on wet roads. I have taken it to the dealership more than twice to fix the problem. So solution in sight.

Incident date: Oct 4, 2023

The Stabilitrak system is malfunctioning on my vehicle. It does it intermittently but can be available for inspection. When the stabilitrak system malfunctions, the vehicle will either shut down completely while driving, violently jerk the wheel to one side, or it shorts out the system for brief seconds while driving. Once the system malfunctions the "Stabilitrack" warning light comes on as well... Read more

Incident date: Oct 4, 2023

2 incidents. 1. The blind spot indication (driver side) gives false readings sometimes. Will light up at various times in clear weather with no vehicle next to me. Sensors checked and were clean. 2. The vehicle had a dead battery. It was jumped by roadside assistance. When started, the vehicle had a check engine light. I called Onstar (hands free function built in) to diagnose the problem whil... Read more

Incident date: Sep 18, 2023

As reported by the dealer the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) has failed. Car initially did not start but then did start with a check engine light and a "Propulsion Power is Reduced" warning. Vehicle has approximately 56,500 miles. Car could have abruptly stopped or slowed considerably while driving. Chevrolet dealer is blaming the current UAW strike for complete lack of replacement parts. T... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2023

Incident date: Oct 10, 2023

I was pulling out of a parking lot when going up a hill my car no longer would shift gears. There was a car coming up fast on me and I barely made it over the hill. I allowed the car to roll into the next parking lot to get out of traffic. No warning lights came on. I turned the car off to see if it was a computer problem. The car would not start up. I used a jump box to restart the battery. When ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 13, 2023

I was driving about 57 mph headed NW on I270 in the north Denver metro area. I went over a bridge abutment and the vehicle started shaking violently in the front end. I let off the gas but the extreme vibration/shaking continued until I slowed down to around 20 mph. I thought I had lost something in the front end. Then it happened again when I was driving between I70 and US 50 in western Colorado... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle overheated, and the vehicle decelerated to 45 MPH. The engine hot message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving and making a turn, the tem... Read more

Incident date: Oct 11, 2023

It seems like the 2015 Buick Encores are having a lot of the same issues. I do not see a recall for any of these issues. 1. loss of power when trying to accelerate. This has almost caused an accident for me. I had plenty of time to pull out, but my car wouldn't speed up. Thankfully the car coming up noticed I was having issues and slowed down. This also may affect the performance and fuel efficie... Read more

Incident date: Oct 11, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated stating that the air bag was turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat mat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact... Read more

Incident date: Aug 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired under recall, the contact was informed that the fuel tank had collapsed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer and the contact was informed that there was a gap between the band and the fuel tank which caused the collapse. The manufacturer was not made aw... Read more

Incident date: Oct 12, 2023

Rear differential failed at 55,000 miles. Mercedes-Benz of Lafayette IN last had possession of the part. In a high-speed turn, this could result in loss of control of the vehicle. The differential was replaced at the owner's expense, and the failed part was left with the dealership. I am aware of numerous reports of premature rear differential failure in this model (after the fact). There was an o... Read more

Incident date: Oct 5, 2023

Failed oil pump. Driving on highway when engine oil pressure light comes on and car starts misfiring and no acceleration. Car drives completely 5 minutes after.

Incident date: Aug 25, 2023

UNKNOWN Vehicle does not shift into gears correctly and can sometimes have unwanted acceleration or has loss of power at inopportune times.

Incident date: Aug 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. The contact stated that a message stating that the 4-wheel drive function had failed. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 20V699000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however their VIN was not included. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer as of yet. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or r... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2023

Engine maintenance required “Visit dealer” Light is on and won’t turn off even when resetting the scheduled maintenance data. Needs a 3 point valve according to dealership. $650 cost for that part to make light go away. This is something that needs fixed and recalled as he says it’s a common issue with the RAV4.

Incident date: Sep 23, 2023

We were driving down the road with zero warning noises started to come from the car and the entire car shut down. We drifted to the side of the road from the momentum. Tow truck was called and the mechanic states the engine is completely blown. How may people need to report before this is addressed?

Incident date: Sep 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle made grinding sounds. The contact pulled over on the side of the roadway. Upon inspection, the contact noticed flames coming from the rear differential, and the driveshaft had detached. The contact extinguished the flames with bottled water. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, w... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Sep 23, 2023

Fire

Incident date: Oct 12, 2023

Vehicle stopped three times on highway. There is an issue with fuel injection. I am repairing the same thing every year and it is stopping every year on highway. They keep on repairing/replacing the module and I still get the problem. I missed a big rear collision because of this. This model has so many issues. Suspension broke. So many issues with gas pump. being it a first generation hybrid, it... Read more

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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