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 ›

Clear

Showing 33,654 complaints for MERCEDES-BENZ

Incident date: Nov 27, 2022

While on a multi-state trip I noticed that two pieces of the headlight have come loose inside the lens distorting the beam. On September 19, 2023 I took the bike in for a warranty claim and it was approved. Now two weeks later the dealer is still unable to give me a time frame for replacement due to the number of theses that have failed. I cannot ride the bike for fear of it going out entirely for... Read more

Incident date: Oct 4, 2023

Upon purchasing a New 2015 Silverado my factory paint started pealing around the rear doors approx. 1 year after owning the truck. Upon first sight of the pealing paint I took the truck back to the GM dealer and pointed out the 2 rear doors and the flaking paint. They told me that since I was out of bumper to bumper warranty coverage and over the 36,000 mile warranty they couldn't do anything for ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2022

Driving Screen, Swaybar Disconnect systems, Airbags, TPMS, Driving controls such as blinkers, and emergency flashers. The car was functioning normally, with no anomalies or error messages, including through phone notifications. The battery charge was nearly complete. I engaged Electric-Drive mode and used regenerative braking to recharge the battery on my way to town. Approximately 30 minutes i... Read more

Incident date: Sep 7, 2022

On 8/16/2022 I was involved in an accident due to front driver side suspension breaking.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Aug 1, 2023

Daughter driving in speed lane in Indiana at speeds over 70mph- steering locked up completely as she was surrounded by semis. Thank God she responded and handled the situation - she could have been killed. Now car is in repair on what is KNOWN to be common failure, but NO recall. She is 6 hours away from vehicle now at college. Part will take 8 weeks. Honda doing nothing to provide her with a vehi... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2023

Driver side windshield trim came off while driving on freeway at 70mph We saw something fly off and pulled over to check and the trim was gone Don’t know what happened to trim, praying it didn’t damage anyone else’s car or cause an accident

Incident date: Oct 2, 2023

I have 2017 Honda CRV. I observed that my driver sear cushion is deformed. I took my vehicle to Honda dealer they inspected and said my cushion is deformed and airbag is loose. I called honda and they said they will investigate the issue, they investigated the issue and came back with comments that seat frame is bent and due to vehicle is outside warranty they can’t repair it. I checked onlin... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2023

I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding two critical component failures in my 2013 Tesla Model S within the past 12 months, both of which occurred shortly after the manufacturer's warranty had expired. These issues have not only been financially burdensome but also raise questions about the reliability and longevity of Tesla vehicles. Motor Replacement: In Sept 2022, I was compelled... Read more

Incident date: Aug 16, 2023

I ve been having to pump my brakes and push real hard to make them work. I ve been told by local mechanic that it is the POWER BRAKES BOOSTER I ve called my local Ford dealer where I bought my car, Oxmoor Ford I was told the brake repair warranty was for 10 years and no longer applied to my car. I only have 45,00 miles. Please help extend the warranty on my car since I am still in the 10th year. T... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Nov 25, 2022

2022 Toyota Venza was purchased brand new in February 2022. Vehicle started to experience an issue in May 2023 with approximately 38k miles. Power lift gate struggles to close hatch/lift gate. Motor and struts make groaning noises. Vehicle out of warranty due to over 36k miles. Now power lift gate is groaning and grinding when shut as of October 2023 with 44k miles. Many reports of similar p... Read more

Incident date: Oct 24, 2022

Catastrophic engine failure while driving at highway speeds in dense traffic led to seized engine and highly dangerous situation. Root cause wasn't determined due to volume of damage. Three pistons, rods, and crankshaft where shattered beyond recognition along with a cracked block. Engine was highly maintained and showed no signs of failure prior. Completely torn differential bushings around the ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2023

The moonroof was very poorly designed/built. It clogs very easily and forces rain into the battery area. Other than that, it goes into the footwells and the comfort control module is beneath the drivers footwell. Soaking in water destroyed it. Now the windows don't go up or down. The moonroof refuses to open or shut. The car will not lock or unlock with the key. The car has sat now for too ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2023

Driving at highway speed when the check engine light came on and it went into « limp mode » slowing down to 30 mph. Was towed to the dealership. The tensioner belt timing belt oil pump and turbo charger all needed to be replaced. Total cost was around $7,000. Car had 67,292 miles, the warranty is 60,000 miles

Incident date: Jun 15, 2023

multiple lights on dash turned on also check engine light' loss of power and jerking of vehicle

Incident date: Mar 2, 2023

Coming to Walmart at the stop waiting for the light to turn green my car made noises parking at Walmart shift to park message came on. I was not on the first recall list I need help GM should fix the problem repurchase my car or replace it

Incident date: Mar 2, 2023

Engine oil leak at oil pan

Incident date: Oct 1, 2023

On left hand turns only never right turns, if you are going over 30 mph the ABS/Stability controls turns on and make the wheels wobble and slows it down in the turn. This abrupt slow down cause vehicles behind me to slam on breaks because there is no brake lights warning them of the slow down. I took it to a shop and after a month in the shop, they replaced the yaw rate sensor which did not fix th... Read more

Incident date: May 13, 2023

Dash board exhibits 2 warning messages 1) Parking brake malfunction 2) Cruise control malfunction The issue has been confirmed by my auto mechanic and he referred me to the Toyota dealership.

Incident date: Sep 29, 2023

Driver-side A-pillar trim piece broke and partially detached from vehicle while driving on an interstate (appx 70mph). Initially, one small and quick pop noise was heard, but the sound came from outside and it was assumed it was road debris. Approximately 15 seconds later, the left A-pillar trim piece suddenly partially detached from the body of the car in such a fashion that the bottom clip was b... Read more

Incident date: Sep 29, 2023

Rear axle retaining bolt sheered off. Issue was discovered during routine tire rotation at dealership 9/29/23. I will not have parts available as dealership keeps old parts. There were no warning indications of this issue. This is a known issue listed as Ford CSP 22B34 which instructs dealers to replace parts on both sides of the vehicle. Dealer indicates my VIN is not included in that CSP. Becau... Read more

Incident date: Sep 29, 2023

I was driving along on slightly rough pavement and the car sort of twitched in the rear end and then every few rotations of the rear wheel, the car shuddered-accompanied by a grinding noise. Then I noticed, that to continue in a straight line, the steering wheel was about 30 degrees, clockwise, to the right of center! I managed to limp on down the shoulder of the road at 10 mph and made... Read more

Incident date: Sep 19, 2023

On the 19th of September, 2023 I took my 2020 Ford Escape SE FWD 4-door, 3.1 into Zeck Ford, 4501 4th Trafficway, Leavenworth 66048 to have my driver’s door fixed that was making the Snaping, Popping and Snaping sounds. Also, the driver’s door window would not roll-up or roll-down. Escape vehicles exhibit cracks or broken spot welds in the left front door at the check arm attachment point in ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2023

Shift to park issue where suddenly I can't start car . Doesn't register park. Have to fiddle with shifter. Then find on reduced propulsion.

Incident date: Sep 4, 2023

Restraint System Malfunction Fault in passenger-restraint system effecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Having to replace passenger seat or sensor to indicate I have a passenger so the airbag will deploy. It looks like there may have been a recall for this in the past according to an article I found, but my VIN does not come up as needing this item replaced. Cost is approximately ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2023

Incident date: Sep 29, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Accord. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the display screen flashed and turned off. The contact also stated that there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.

Incident date: Sep 29, 2023

unintended sudden acceleration defects without warning without driver input. I could kill & be killed. It can happen again! I backed up a little in an angle moving away from parking. Suddenly, without any warning, the car took off and frantically flew backward, passing a stop sign (offense), crossing the main road 4 lanes, perpendicular to the marked lanes (offense), mounted on the sidewalk and la... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jun 27, 2023

On September 29, I took my 2019 Traverse to the dealer for its annual state inspection for Virginia at Radley Chevrolet in Fredericksburg. The dealer failed the car due to needing a rear toe link replacement. The dealer told me that this is common in the 2019 Traverse and are replacing quite a few of them. The cost for the repair is going to be about $600. It only has 41,500 miles and has bee... Read more

Incident date: Sep 8, 2023

My air conditioner went out in my car three weeks after purchase. I took it to the dealership. They replace several parts and said that there was an electrical issue they ran into. They said they had to get approval from Chrysler engineering in order to replace the part. The car was in the dealership for over a month. Other findings state that the air-conditioning unit was low on Freon. And severa... Read more

Incident date: Sep 8, 2023

Incident date: Apr 24, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it remained. The vehicle was inspected, and it was determined that the rear subframe was damaged beyond repair due to extreme corrosion. The contact was informed by the dealer that a case would be opened. The contac... Read more

Incident date: Sep 28, 2023

My van experienced sudden misfiring when I tried to start it. To address the issue, I took the van to the Chrysler dealership in Buford, GA. After their assessment, they informed me that cylinder 3 had a crack, and it necessitated the replacement of the entire engine. They provided a quote for this repair, which amounted to $13,000. I've been diligent in maintaining my van, regularly checking the ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 28, 2023

Breaks locked or failed and was forced off road into a ditch, car totalled

Crash

Incident date: Sep 28, 2023

My wife pulled into our driveway at 5 mph. Suddenly our Tesla Y. Auto accelerated,before my wife could realize it ramped into our garage through the door and collided on the wall of our Laundry room and kitchen damaging Foundation of the laundry room.My wife was also injured badly. This incident has shaken my wife. We complained to Tesla and filed the complaint but they are not even following up. ... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 2, 2023

Bought this vehicle on9/9/23 with 20 miles on it. 45 minutes later while driving home from the dealership the vehicle lost power and slowed to a stop in the road. We barely made it off the bridge and were nearly rear ended as it was dark. The dealership diagnosed a bad ECM. The manufacturer also inspected. The vehicle jerked consistently and grew worse before it lost power. Multiple warnings ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2023

Eps electronic power steering catches and grinds and I've seen recalls on 2010+ fusions and mine have all the same symptoms.

Incident date: May 4, 2023

I first noticed a hesitancy upon acceleration which I attributed to possible bad gas. I continued driving. A few days later I noticed white smoke coming from the vehicle's exhaust, a more noticeable acceleration issue - missing, hesitancy, - and then the vehicle died when I stopped for a light. I called an independent mechanic. The engine completely stopped on me 4-5 times at traffic lights or st... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure) 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 not made aware of the issue. The cont... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2023

Passenger seat air bag sensor doesn't work.

Incident date: Sep 22, 2023

I have had so many problems with my vehicle. I have spend so much on auto repair. Latest one I took in to a local mechanic and he diagnosed it with transmission issue with a timer. It’s hard to go from 30 to 40mph. He also looked it up and said there’s a recall. I called my local Nissan dealer and was told my vehicle is not under the recall. Every dealers being asking me if I have transmissio... Read more

Incident date: Aug 16, 2023

My cars lights (headlights, gage cluster lights, dash lights, radio screen light, etc..) and screen for my radio and back up camera, all turn off by themselves, for maybe 1 second or 2, while driving. This happens randomly, no warning, no special conditions, just out of nowhere, and for no reasons. Since I bought the car in September of 2020 (used, as is) it has done it now 7 or 8 times, with toni... Read more

Incident date: Sep 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, the hood latch assembly failed to secure causing damage to the windshield. As a result, he lost visibility and crashed into a guardrail. There were no warning lights illuminated. A police report was not filed. There were no reported injuries. The air bags did not deploy. The contact closed the hood and secured ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Sep 20, 2023

Vehicle loses power while on freeway when 4WD, Pre-Collision Assist, Hill Start Assist, and other warning messages display. Vehicle lost power approximately 5 times while registering message, but messages have displayed approximately 40-50 times in the past week before being services. Vehicle dealership repair facility inspected and diagnosed a bad 4WD module.

Incident date: Sep 20, 2023

Incident date: Sep 11, 2023

We were driving from an out of town trip and the warning "low engine oil pressure" came on dashboard, car lost power. My husband checked oil, was good. He turned car off and did not re-start. It was towed to nearest Ford dealer. We finally got a call on 9/25/23 that it will require a new engine! We have been researching and this issue has come up with this vehicle, even the Ford representativ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 31, 2023

this vehicle is a match box waiting to kill someone. I've been reporting these problems an nobody has follow up. on 08/20/2023 fuel pump had to be replaced after fumes coming into vents report one on 06/03/2023 issue happened again, 0n 09/04/2023 engine went out. after getting vehicle back catalytic converter and manifold was burnt out do to engine .had it inspected by a muffler shop. kia will not... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2023

The vehicle will show that it is overheating when it is not and it will power down where you are only able to go around 50. When going over mountain passes it will do this and sometimes it will totally shut down. It will do it in town and any time it is at a traffic light. Sensors, water pump have been replaced. Antifreeze does not leak stays at the same level it is not actually overheating. W... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2023

Power steering failed while driving making steering very difficult. The safety of myself and my passenger were definitely put at risk as we were in the midst of a left 90 degree turn when the failure occurred. When failure occurred a warning light appeared on dash. Problem persisted after restarting vehicle. Incident just occurred today. In researching problem I saw where several hundred peop... Read more

Incident date: Jul 26, 2023

2019 Ford Edge with 38K miles coolant leak into the cylinders of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engines and cause the vehicles to misfire, overheat and even catch fire.

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 ... 108 109 110 ... 673 674 Next

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

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