Consumer Safety Complaints

Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 deaths.

2,215,138 Total Complaints

138,663 Reported Crashes

56,255 Reported Fires

8,561 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 2,215,138 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 33,200 complaints for MERCEDES-BENZ

Incident date: Feb 27, 2023

Dashboard cluster display is not visible during daylight

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

At elevations above about 6,500ft, the Sprinter is essentially immobile or becomes intermittently unresponsive to the gas pedal when it is depressed. This happens routinely at elevation and has led to unresponsive acceleration while driving. The unresponsive accelerator has compromised safety when trying to pull out onto roads. This issue has occurred frequently to other Sprinter owners in similar... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2002 Saturn J-Type. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle's brake lights failed to illuminate. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V245000 (Exterior Lighting), however, the part to do the recall repair is no longer being manufactured. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

My back window leaks and gm has said that the warranty is over by years not miles it is not covered

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

I remote started the vehicle, when inside the vehicle I pressed the start button. Directly after pressing the start button, a very loud pop followed by static played through the speakers. I was not able to turn the audio volume down or off. I was forced to drive home while the loud static noise continued to play through the speakers. When I arrived home about 25 minutes later, I was able to discon... Read more

Incident date: Mar 30, 2023

The vehicle consumes oil quickly.

Incident date: Feb 12, 2013

I own this 2015 Tahoe, it has 80,000 miles on it. While I was driving to work, the vehicle lost power as I was in the middle of major intersection. I was almost rear ended by another car. A few seconds later the car began going again. I had no service lights, no warning lights and no check engine light come on. It was running rough, lacking acceleration. I immediately brought it to my mechanic. T... Read more

Incident date: Dec 14, 2022

I started noticing about 1.5 years ago that the HVAC system was not working properly. The driver's side will not heat or cool properly. I researched this issue online and NUMEROUS Nissan Rogue owners between 2014-2018 all experienced the same issue. A few posted fixes and I tried all of them but none worked. I should mention I bought this 2015 Nissan Rogue in 2020 and it only had 26,000 miles. It ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2022

I brought the 2014 HYUNDAI SANTA FE ON MAY 10, 2022. On JANUARY 7, 2023 I was driving down the highway when the HYUNDAI shut down. No warning lights or nothing just stopped. We could not get it started no matter what we did. My son in law checked it out and found out it was the engine. Talked to the dealer and found out there was a recall for an engine in 2018. That was never taken care of. W... Read more

Incident date: Mar 30, 2023

My car (Toyota Camry) was struck in the driver's side door and back passenger door by another car who was traveling at a high rate of speed. The accident resulted in damage to the doors and to the frame of the car. I suffered neck and head injury due to the accident. The side curtain air bag did NOT deploy. The car was inspected by the owner/manager of the auto body repair shop and it was his opin... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Mar 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired in 2016 for an unknown failure. The contact reported that on multiple occasions, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle began to overheat, with a beeping sound. The contact stated that the temperature gauge started to rise and that an abnormal odor was coming through the vents. The vehicle was veered to th... Read more

Incident date: Mar 27, 2023

About the car in January of 2022. I was told By more than one ford motor company service employee that ford motor company only installs new engines when an engine fails and has to be replaced. In a nine month period the car has had four new engines and two turbos. I learned after it needed the 2nd asylum. At the dealership who installed the 1st engine put a junk yard motor in it claiming it was ne... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2023

My engine cut off without warning at a very busy intersection. I was stuck in busy traffic. I could not get it restarted or out of park. (I am a resident of Altavista, Va. 24517 This incident occurred in South Boston, Va.,approx. 40-45 miles from where I live.) A South Boston Policeman stopped and a fire dept. employee offered their assistance (and were very helpful). They were almost hit by ca... Read more

Incident date: Feb 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights were intermittently illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to dealer where he was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was on back order. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Incident date: Aug 3, 2021

The contact's son owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently fail to start after multiple attempts, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that they no longer serviced the model vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause o... Read more

Incident date: Aug 3, 2021

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The ABS light came on and there was this high-pitched beeping noise that would not stop as I was driving, when I tried to press the brakes I noticed that it was barely working and had to pull over on the side. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I could barely brake as my brake... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2023

After driving the inside cabin smells like fuel along motor area and around front of car. No noticeable leaks. Dealer said no noticeable leaks, called Nissan Tech line, tech line had them check a few specific areas believe some pressurized fuel lines. Service manager said it is a known issue with no current fix although Nissan engineers are working on it. Both service manager and service advisor r... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle failed to accelerate when depressing the accelerator pedal and began to roll backward. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the engine oil was replaced. The independent mechanic diagnosed that an unknown valve ne... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2019

I placed my car in park & an alert went off stating, “shift to park.” My car would not turn off, after multiple attempts, until I turned it on & off & drove the car a short distance. This has happened several times this month, with no warning or symptoms. My car is currently in for service & the dealership mentioned there’s a shortage in the switch, requiring a $400 repair. I feel my safety ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 22, 2023

T275/65R18 Tire Tread Outer walls have serious cracks, separation, compromised, and unsafe

Incident date: Mar 22, 2023

T275/65R18 Tire Tread Outer walls have serious cracks, separation, compromised, and unsafe

Incident date: Mar 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-53. The contact received recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V731000 (Suspension), 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 exp... Read more

Incident date: Mar 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, all four windows of the vehicle were rolling up and down independently. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle braked unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the electric system was reset; however, the horn engaged unintendedly while the vehicle was parked. The contact st... Read more

Incident date: Mar 27, 2023

When vehicle exceeds over 50 Mph, care and steering wheel shakes uncontrollably

Incident date: Mar 10, 2023

We were stopped at a traffic light, began to move when the driver instrument display went red, said coolant was high, the car stalled, and we were hit from behind by another SUV. After we were able to restart it, the display returned to normal. We waited for the police to arrive, got an accident report and now the car is at the dealer. Also, before that the radio display was acting up with lines i... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 22, 2023

Car slow down and stop and cannot start in traffic….

Incident date: Mar 22, 2023

The window switches on the driver window panel have deteriorated and broken not allowing the driver to pull up the windows. For a car that’s only 3 years old this should not happen and is a major safety issue as the driver has no way of controlling the windows. I have searched online regarding this issue and have found that many other owners have experienced the same exact defect that I have, mo... Read more

Incident date: Mar 22, 2023

After a few minutes of driving, the vehicle presented a warning "Check Electric Vehicle System" and then got really slow. We were able to limp back home, where it is now parked. Hyundai has not had availability to diagnose the issue.

Incident date: Mar 20, 2023

The left rear weld of the subframe on my 2012 C300 4matic has rotted through and appears to be a manufacture's part defect. I found out about this issue from a brake inspection and told it is a safety concern, which Mercedes Benzes is aware of but has no recalls for the defect.

Incident date: Mar 20, 2023

Car was fine yesterday and today my breaks don't work have to push the pedal all the way to the ground popped the hood and the break fluid is gone took it to a auto store for help they could not find a leak anywhere told me there is a recall possibly for this problem it's a 2020 never had a problem and recently took it to Kendall for a oil change so it just happened

Incident date: Mar 20, 2023

Vehicle stalls after filling tank up with gas either to a full tank or less than a full tank. Vehicle throws code for EVAP issue as well as manufacturer control. Took to a mechanic where I was told there were multiple issues with the fuel system that needed to be replaced.

Incident date: Jan 5, 2023

The wipers will turn slow way down or turn off completely even though it is still raining very hard. You have to constantly turn them off and back on. We live in the Portland, Oregon area where it rains frequently!! This is becoming very problematic.

Incident date: Feb 4, 2020

I own a 2015 Kia Optima Turbo SX. every time I park my vehicle in an enclosed garage. and only when the engine is cold does it makes a grinning noise for about 12 seconds or less. once I turn the engine off and turn it back on the noise it stops. also, there is a mild fuel odor coming from the engine compartment every time the motor is turned off. your response will be much appreciated thank you.... Read more

Incident date: Feb 4, 2020

Indicator light appeared week of March 19, 2023. Took vehicle to the dealership March 24, 2023, and after a $225 diagnostic was told, “90626 FOUND DTC B1054. CUSTOMER NEEDS AIRBAG AND THE MODULE” (from invoice). Parts need to be ordered and will cost ~$1,000 less the diagnostic. Concerned about how a safety feature no longer functioning properly and needing replacement is the responsibility of... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and the contact smelled an oil burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic stated that the engine was misfiring, and t... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the "Pull Over - Take to Dealer" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The ma... Read more

Incident date: Mar 22, 2023

This is a dangerous problem and I expect Honda to have a major recall some day, unfortunately not today. Symptoms were two things, 1) ACC when on would not slow down with another car in front, it just kept accelerating into the car until I put on the brakes. Crazy dangerous. 2) The collision warning light would come on and beep loudly when there was no possibility of collision. Required replacing ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 22, 2023

I recently heard about the NHTSA investigating the Honda Civic 2022's for steering wheel stickiness and just wanted to add my voice that I experience this with my car. It gets worse the longer you drive in one sitting. Usually it takes 30-45 minutes of freeway driving to start appearing. The steering wheel requires considerable force to move and it wants to move in increments. As the drive goes o... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while at a stop sign and accelerating, the vehicle hesitated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 54,057. The contact n... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2023

Excessive oil consumption. Consuming 2 qts of oil every 1000 miles. Has been to the dealership 8 times in the last 15 months. 2 spark plugs from the same cylinder have failed leaving me stranded. My dealership and Hyundai Consumer Affairs continue to give me the run around with oil consumption tests and combustion chamber cleanings rather than admit this is a faulty engine. The first spark plug fa... Read more

Incident date: Mar 23, 2023

I'm reporting a problem that can cause the vehicle to catch on fire. During cold temperatures the heated windshield will turn on and the car will catch on fire.

Fire

Incident date: Mar 23, 2023

I'm reporting a problem that can cause the vehicle to catch on fire. During cold temperatures the heated windshield will turn on and the car will catch on fire.

Fire

Incident date: Feb 18, 2023

My dash and radio can’t decipher when it’s night or day. Screen is dark during the day and I can’t see how fast I’m going or where I’m going. It was working fine for about three weeks into me having the car. Now it doesn’t work I just purchase this car. Problem has been confirmed by a dealer. The problem happened on February 25, 2023.

Incident date: Feb 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag, stability trac, traction control, and brake warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact had to forcefully depress the brake pedal to shift the vehicle out of park(P). The cruise control also intermittently failed to activate and deactivate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or... Read more

Incident date: Mar 19, 2023

Left Headlamp Assembly and Driver’s Window Regulator were replaced under Warranty and now need replacing again! Trim Strips were replaced under Warranty because they were rusting and now they are all rusty again! Electrical System now blows fuses. 2103 Buick Regal Turbo just reached 60,000 miles. HOW MANY TIMES WILL I HAVE TO SPEND $2,000 TO FIX THE FAULTY LEFT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WHICH WAS GOING... Read more

Incident date: Jan 23, 2023

I went to get in my car one day and my door was making a popping noise. I took a closer look and my door check strap unwelded from my car door.

Incident date: Mar 10, 2023

Accelerating onto hwy and vehicle jerks then flashes “service hybrid system” and “battery low” (as in the vehicle battery not electric mode charge. Pulled up to a stop light 2 min later and automatic breaking locks up and the vehicle completely locks and shuts down. Unable to reset/turn off/on or shift. Had to be towed to dealership.

Incident date: Feb 20, 2023

When I attempt to make minor adjustments at highway speeds to remain within the lines on straight roads it feels like the steering wheel is sticky and resists steering adjustments. In order to make steering adjustments due to this issue, I must greatly increase the pressure that I am exerting on the steering wheel to the left or right direction. Once the steering wheel finally gives to the pressur... 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