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: Jul 26, 2023

As i was driving (on a bridge) the convertible top/roof gushed and dumped an incredible amount of hydraulic fluid/oil right in my face unexpectedly! This came out of the blue. I had just raised it since it began to rain. The combination of raining weather and being on a one lane bridge and then having that spew into my face rendered me unable to see and had Me swerving almost off the bridge as the... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Jul 26, 2023

1 injured

Incident date: Sep 25, 2023

Sept 2022 i bought my 2012 Nissan Juke from Jeff Wyler’s Nissan King AutoMall. April 23 the left, lower ball joint/axle (drivers side) broke. Needed fixed. Almost $2,000. I specifically asked them to check right sided ball joint/axle. Oh it’s fine. We checked it out and it’s all good. Less than 3 months later-the right sided axle and ball joint broke. It only took over 6 weeks and 3 differe... Read more

Incident date: Sep 25, 2023

When in a parking lot the windshield started cracking from bottom up and formed a T. Crack is about 12 inches long in front windshield. There are no signs of a rock or anything else that hit the windshield.

Incident date: Dec 19, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer the following day and was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine piston rings. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The f... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 2022

When I start the Highlander, there is a loud (hurts your ears) feedback noise through the speakers, and the red and green lights near the SOS button flash multiple times. This happens intermittently, and when it doesn't happen, the SOS button only flashes red/green once.

Incident date: Aug 9, 2023

Intermittent steering loss All steering components replaced by dealer 2 years ago due to intermittent steering loss and the replacement unit is also experiencing same issue, intermittent steering loss. No warning lights or messages on vehicle now or the 1st time

Incident date: Sep 25, 2023

Car wouldn't stop or slow down until I put all my pressure on the pedal. No previous warning about brake issues. No lights or sounds regarding brake problems.

Incident date: Sep 24, 2023

Wheel end hub bolt sheared off of rear axle while driving. This causes an unstable axle and potential for increased wear on all connected wheel components which can lead to an accident with potential for injury or death.

Incident date: Sep 23, 2023

On vehicles with the 3.6l Pentastar engine, the oil pump fails before 150,000 miles causing DTC P06DD to trip which instantly puts the vehicle into "Limp Mode". This immediately cuts down the power to the engine which slows everything down potentially causing you to be hit by other traffic. It also causes a hefty repair bill. This is a very common issue known to the repair shops and dealers. My f... Read more

Incident date: Sep 13, 2023

There is an oil leak in a new car?!

Incident date: Sep 13, 2023

I've read all of these complaints online about issues with the same situation that I'm having issues with. Everyone that owns a Jeep is having the same issue. With the service shifter light, it comes on often after 12000 miles. Being put on the vehicle in everyone's statement is the same. What is it going to take for someone to look within this issue? To see why our service shifter light keeps com... Read more

Incident date: Sep 13, 2023

Moon Roof failure.

Incident date: Aug 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started shaking abnormally upon startup. The contact also heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer. The contact was informed that the camshaft phase sensor was the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not b... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2023

Since the day I bought this car from the dealer (who stated oil change should be every 10K miles), the car's engine oil light goes on every 5-6 months. This is a new car and never goes past 6-7K miles on the engine. I believe there is an engine oil consumption problem with these type of vehicles. This is a safety hazard. Additionally, it is unheard of to have to replace oil in a brand new car in t... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. On another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM fell, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that occasionally, several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The c... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the contact opened the front driver’s side door and heard an abnormal sound. After inspecting the door, the contact noticed that he could not close the door. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by the dealer. The contact was informed that three spot welds on the front driver’s ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2023

The engine light has come on spuradically for the last 1.5 years and has been consistently on since May of 2023. This starting approx. 95,000 miles. During this time after starting the Yukon it is chuggy and missing, as I drive off it jerks and darts forward. Seems to be when I stop and start to go this happens, again engine light is always on...sometimes flashing. Starting 9/19/23 (106,000 mil... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2023

Around 08/22 backup camera failed and now there is a dent in the tailgate area. I have documentation from the dealership, finally that the backup camera was not working properly. On about May 23, 2023, I stopped at a local grocery store for just a few items. When I came back out my car would not even attempt to turn over (approx. 24,000 miles). Had to wait three hours for roadside assistance to us... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Sep 18, 2023

Oil Pump has failed. Has taken the car to 2 different dealerships and was told the repair would be over $8,000 to repair or replace the engine. Prior to oil pump failure I had no issues in fact I had just gotten an oil change 2 weeks previously. When they check the oil pump the had oil in it however there was no flow to the engine it had low oil pressure.

Incident date: Sep 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the coolant level was low. The contact added coolant to the reservoir. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir burst open. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the coolant and hose. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2023

Unfortunately, this vehicle has had an ongoing electrical safety issue and Peoria Ford has failed to properly address the concern. The issue is, while driving down the road intermittently the door open and not park indication comes on, then all the electronics start flashing randomly, the radio and A/C start working intermittently then stop altogether, and all electronics go out, everything out, n... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was previously repaired by the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V018000 (Air Bags), and the contact was informed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the clockspring ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Infiniti QX30. The contact stated while driving at various highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 30 MPH. During the failure the check engine warning light illuminated and the message "Inoperative - See Owner’s Manual" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions and the ignition module, engine cylinders, brake wiring harness ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2023

Incident date: May 19, 2022

Engine needed to be replaced as part of the recall for knock, however they said because the repair was done on a subsequent work order and the first one was for a failed AEB module that none of the repairs are covered. I'm out over $13,000 for what should have been warrantied

Incident date: Sep 4, 2023

Several times now, my 2019 VW Golf Alltrack S while driving has flashed a warning saying "ignition switched off" and then "check starter system". I can still apply the brakes, steer, and accelerate, but various electrical systems stopped working, including the speedometer. I've brought it to a VW dealer, but they said they couldn't find an issue. Several places online say that this is an ignition ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2023

I have a 2020 RAV4 Toyota with 60,000 miles.. I have replaced the car battery 3 times now Toyota has no clue why. The 2nd battery only lasted 8 months and it was a name brand battery (Die Hard).. The engine problem started with a warning light that i could not turn off.. I took my car to Toyota and they told me right off (without checking) it was because of a Coolant Bypass Value, the Toyota ser... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2023

This incident has occured on multiple occasions & can be replicated with the "auto stop/start" engine feature active. The vehicle can be inspected. I will describe the last occurrence. I was parallel parking on a slight incline. I pulled forward past the available parking spot before backing in. I came to a complete stop. The parking sensors on the vehicle engaged due to a nearby sign/light pole... Read more

Incident date: Sep 21, 2023

Driver side DRL are not working

Incident date: Sep 21, 2023

The car lost propulsion while driving on an on-ramp road onto an interstate, luckily the car was able to make it the shoulder. Vehicle slowed to below 40mph and intermittently down to 0mph when waiting and restarting vehicle. Able to finally get home in the emergency lane. VERY DANGEROUS and do not recommend! The check engine light was not on prior to this and it was taken to the dealership where ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 19, 2023

"Supplemental restraint system failure" warning is intermittently illuminated in the dashboard. It comes on when the car is in drive, moving down the road, and when the car is in park. Warning goes on and off randomly. Dealership couldn't tell me what the problem was. Just suggested I replace the (very expensive) module to see if that works. On 4 different occasions the emergency brake system has... Read more

Incident date: Aug 30, 2023

Key remains stuck in ignition upon putting vehicle in park and shutting vehicle off. Failure comes from faulty switch in the selector lever assembly. Unable to remove key from vehicle for several minutes at a time. Failure acknowledged in TSB 16-112-18R

Incident date: Jan 23, 2023

When driving at high speeds on the highway (75-85mph) after about 20 mins or so, the steering wheel feels like it locks up or gets stuck. The only way to get it back to normal is to jerk the wheel a bit resulting in swerving. This happens almost everytime I travel across the state. The car has passed all inspections at the Lexus Dealer. This past visit to the dealership, the tie rod was found to b... Read more

Incident date: Jan 23, 2023

On hot days, has happened multiple times. At parking lot, car did not turn on first two attempts, finally when on, then electrical shuts off. Starter system faulty message service vehicle. Stuck key in and out, several attempts: Got car to turn on. Moved it to shade as electrical shut off. Once cooled turn back on. Other instance, while driving on highway the dasboard, gauges, electronics info sy... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2023

UNKNOWN, I recently purchased it from a dealership in Lemon Grove Cailfornia. Ever since I bought it,it has never had a catalytic converter and only one muffler. It is a 2.7L motor DOHC and requires 2 catalytic converters and dual exhaust due to the double overhead cam. It has cause motor oil into my engine block and has coughed my heater core. Also blown head gasket. I have hired certified ASE me... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2023

My "Check Air Bags" light came on last week. It now stays on. I am unsure as to why. I have never had my air bag deploy. Is this due to the mileage on my vehicle, which is at 81,300+ miles?

Incident date: Sep 15, 2023

Unknown - The day after purchasing the vehicle, and less than 24hrs and 50 miles on the vehicle, I attempted to start it and all the warning lights immediately went on. The vehicle subsequently locked me out and I was unable to gain entry into the vehicle. The car was towed to the dealership and has been with the dealership for 2 weeks. VW America is apparently sending engineers to look at the ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Pull Over Safely” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of coolant intrusion into the engine and that the cylinder block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that there was an unknown r... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2023

We are experiencing the fuel tank evaporate issue where car shuts off while driving. We were not recalled specifically but now have car in shop waiting on the recall to be reopened as the conditions match the issue under the recall. We have had 3 incidents that could have ended up in a collision as car abruptly shuts down. This is related to the evap fuel tank and sensor issues reported in the o... Read more

Incident date: Jun 11, 2023

I was driving at night and the headlights suddenly turned off for about 5 seconds and then it will come back on. Don't know whats going on with its headlight.

Incident date: Jun 11, 2023

Coolant is leaking into cylinders just like in the 1.5L engines. Currently no help from Ford on the 2.0L

Incident date: Jun 11, 2023

Auto Engine Idle Stop function does not restart engine after stopping engine. This situation happens regularly. This causes a dangerous situation when the car does not restart when driving I n traffic. Vehicle has been inspected by dealership and they are unable to resolve.

Incident date: Sep 18, 2022

Right rear self leveling shock has "failed" at 55K miles. My mechanic said it was broken and leaking. Not covered under warranty. This car has a tow package therefore the self leveling shocks and have to replace both rear. Kia customer service said they are unaware of any issues, however 1/2022 issued Technical Safety Bulletin #113 Rear Shock Absorber Assembly Noise. It's not the whole shock t... Read more

Incident date: Sep 18, 2022

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving forward into a parking space at a very slow speed and while pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove over the stop bump and a curve before crashing into a building wall. During the crash, the contact sustained a head injury which later required medical treatment. A polic... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 9, 2023

Back up camera and dash display quit working. Had near miss when backing up vehicle and almost ran over someone.

Incident date: Jul 9, 2023

Vehicle has intermitten reduced engine display while traveling down the high way. Causes the vehicle to downshift and significantly increase engine RPM. I’m fearing if this continues to happen it will blow up my engine. The ecu shows code p2138. After some research I’ve learned GM is aware of this fsult in their vehicles and I believe they should be the one paying for their mistake. Not me.

Incident date: Jul 9, 2023

Incident date: Jun 26, 2023

When I put car in park it tools Bach about half a foot before it actually stops this happens everytime it's put into park

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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