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: May 22, 2023

Approximately 4 years ago the paint began to chip on the roof and side near the windshield of my Pearl white sorento. It was bubbling up and slowly chipping away and has now began to rust.

Incident date: May 25, 2023

Changed the oil in my 2017 Hyundai Sante Fe Sport in Dec of 2022. Two months later my check engine light came on. I took it in for service and found out I was completely out of oil. Three months later I ran into the same issue and received another oil change. I contacted Hyundai who told me there was nothing they can do and no explanation for the burning of oil. Please note that I work from home s... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2023

The front brakes are locked up and I went to the dealer and they are asking $7000 to replace the dsc module. It was also braking while I was driving on the highway and I got scared and pulled over and checked everything looked okay but i didn’t know what happened. I am glad nobody was behind me when the car (bmw)brakes it self while it was running. I hope you do a further investigation and see w... Read more

Incident date: Jan 5, 2023

I have a scan tool and it says my brake recall is unfinished. But website says it has been fixed. My brakes are terrible and keep getting service brakes airbag and stabilitrack. The download they used when I took in for the recall was not finished

Incident date: May 24, 2023

While at a stoplight on a 45 degree morning with rear defroster on back window shattered outward with no warning or impact

Incident date: Oct 5, 2022

The transmission malfunctioned during acceleration. Toyota acknowledged the defect torque converter was used for 2012 - 2014 Camry. However, the manufacturer refused to repair or replace it because the car haven't been driven during COVID pandemic, and warranty expired. During the acceleration after traffic light or lane merging, the car would shudder, stall, jerk and shake. This could get oth... Read more

Incident date: May 12, 2023

The exterior paint around the front windshield of my daughters vehcle is peeling off. There is a recall on this problem but I was told my Vin# was not included in the recall. Acura stated since my vin is not listed there is nothing that can be done. Acura TSB #ONL6P811202020. NHTSA TSB #10182987. I can not understand why if they know there is a problem that all vehicles with the problem are n... Read more

Incident date: May 23, 2023

Power steering keeps coming and going. Usually drops at the worst time. Making turns pulling in and out of drive way. Nearly impossible to turn.

Incident date: May 23, 2023

Fuel injector failure

Incident date: May 23, 2023

2018 Tesla Model 3 was in cruise control (not self-drive) on an interstate with no other vehicles in the near vicinity. The car repeatedly applied brakes unexpectedly. I have traveled with this vehicle before and did not have unexpected braking problems. I have requested a Tesla service appointment but do not know if Tesla has an answer to what I hear is a widespread problem.

Incident date: May 15, 2023

There is excessive play in the steering causing the vehicle to wander. Problem is amplified at freeway speeds or while towing 5th-wheel. On some roads truck will pull one direction till change in road slop cause truck to swerve in opposite direction. Like many others have stated this is a dangerous situation. Problem has not been confirmed by service center on this truck, but manufacturer has issu... Read more

Incident date: May 14, 2023

My Hyundai Sonata 2015 built in Alabama in on December 13, 2014. I recently found out that a problem I've been having for the last five years with my driver's seatbelt not retracting when it is disengaged, was a recall issue for Hyundai Sonatas 2011 through May 2014. I also found out when I contacted the NHTSA, that an auto manufacturer has the discretion to determine which car models are anticipa... Read more

Incident date: May 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, a foot-long crack appeared on the lower driver’s side windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

Incident date: May 1, 2023

hello - this is not a safety issue with my car. for the moment. inputting the VIN it states that there is only 1 row of seats (D/P). this is not accurate. there are 3 seat rows in my van. (front x2, middle x3 and rear seats x2) total of 7 seats. thus this should be corrected for my VIN. if or when i have a complaint about the safety of the seats, belts, head rests etc... it will make sense. i do ... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2023

Incident date: Dec 10, 2022

My vehicle is involved in the vulnerable Kia's lack of a theft immobilizer. I just contacted Kia service to make an appointment for the software update and was advised that my vehicle is not listed on the recall list though I was eligible for a steering wheel lock. I purchased a steering wheel lock in early 2022 because of the news of the KIA vehicle vulnerability due to the tiktok theft instruc... Read more

Incident date: Dec 10, 2022

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? HEADLIGHTS How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? THE LIGHTS RANDOMLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NO Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance r... Read more

Incident date: Dec 10, 2022

Car issued an alert for Low Coolant, I checked next morning only to find that the coolant tank was empty. This warning could have alerted long back when the level fell below "Min" marker. Owners cannot notice this leak because the coolant doesn't drip on the floor. Took it to an independent service center who alerted me about this issue. I researched and noticed that there's been a lot of complain... Read more

Incident date: Jun 20, 2017

Hybrid battery overheats after an hour of driving at high speeds. Car battery shuts down and becomes immobile.

Incident date: May 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 tool confirms parts ... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2023

Brakes seem to stop suddenly Must brake slowly to avoid a sudden stop Seatbelt locks up if I do not pull it forward and leave room in the belt so that it isn't completely holding me in Also the driver seat will only adjust sideways.

Incident date: May 1, 2023

Incident date: May 16, 2023

-rear differential -risque of failure of delivering power to the wheels and stopping in the middle of traffic -yes -the component inspected by the dealer and been replaced -the only warning is a loud noise when you drive above 50 mph and it appeared in the early miles of the first 5400k

Incident date: May 15, 2023

1-)I was driving 30 mph and the car stoped 2-) The motor oil consuming very fast 2000 m 3-) The backup cámara is not working

Incident date: May 18, 2023

Backed out of my driveway yesterday morning on way to work, 5/17/23. Driving down my street approx 15 mph to stop sign. As i approached stop sign I pressed on my brakes to stop and my car would not stop, it immediately accelerated and proceeded toward my neighbors house which was directly in front of me. I kept hitting the brakes and it would not stop. I was able to steer away from the home, went ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: May 18, 2023

Crash

Incident date: Apr 28, 2023

The contact's company owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that a driver was driving the company vehicle, and as he approached a traffic signal, he reported that the brakes had failed and the speed was unknown. The contact stated that the driver managed to turn the vehicle to the right off of the roadway to avoid cross traffic and went down a slight embankment. The front end of the ... Read more

Crash 6 injured

Incident date: May 10, 2023

Something with the motor

Crash

Incident date: May 15, 2023

I have experienced within 3 months two incidents of unattended, out of control acceleration when pulling into a parking spot. First I drove into some bushes, at the second incident I drove over a sidewalk almost into a building. It was very scary. I found in the internet another person who has experienced the same thing. https://www.vwidtalk.com/threads/sudden-acceleration.6037/ I have not contact... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2023

My son was driving on the freeway, traveling approximately 83 mph, when the vehicle lost power, the engine stalled and he lost the ability to steer the vehicle properly. The vehicle was parked at nearest gas station until i could get to it. After inspecting engine, I noticed some wires that had the insulation coming off. I replaced wiring harness, and when doing so, found the main harness to be s... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2023

Pulled into a parking space at the Village Green strip mall, applied brakes and immediately, the engine accelerated and lunged my vehicle into another car that was parked in the parking space in front of my car. When the car accelerated, the brakes did not work. I reversed the car since it continued to accelerate into the parked car in front of me and the car went back as fast as it was accelera... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 5, 2023

Everyday over the last two weeks, the minivan will just completely shut off while driving down the highway. I have to try to pull over and restart the minivan. This is particularly dangerous here in the southern California area.

Incident date: Apr 5, 2023

While crossing the rump and side walk to garage the car, as usual slowly proceed to enter the Garage but immediately the car went into extremely fast speed by itself and hit the side of the Garage, damaged the Garage wall, The garage opener, the cabinet, then hit the water softener and our other car in the front. It also smashed the bike against the wall , damaged the side wall cause a bulge to o... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Sep 9, 2022

Pourous plastic fuel line located on top of gasoline tank is leaking slowly...confirmed by independent (Kaerchar Automotive..699 Castle Shannon Blvd 15234)(412-563-2827) official PA inspection station. Pourous plastic fuel line line to tank leaking fuel onto gasoline tank which is leaking down over tank towards whatever is located beneath

Incident date: May 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster intermittently went blank for several minutes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was a... Read more

Incident date: May 13, 2023

THE AUTO STOP SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS SHUTS OFF AT RED LIGHTS AND DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN BRAKE RELEASED AND GAS PEDAL PUSHED. THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY AND HAS TO BE PUT IN PARK AND RESTARTED IN TRAFFIC WHICH CAN BE DEADLY. THERE'S NO WAY TO DISENGAGE THIS IS NOT A GOOD FEATURE.

Incident date: May 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Mini Cooper equipped with Pirelli Tires, Tire Line: P-Zero Run Flat, Tire Size: 205/40/R18, DOT Number: 19307460B. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that the both front side tires had three sidewall bubbles, and the front passenger’s side tire had two sidewall bubbles. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local de... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2020

Incident date: Sep 9, 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact became aware of a crack on the windshield. The contact stated that there was no impact to windshield to cause the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Incident date: May 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear windows failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the control module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.

Incident date: May 10, 2023

I was going 70 miles an hour on a highway with no cars around me. When the car suddenly breaks and beeped. It was very dangerous. I was in the center lane of a 3 Lane Highway with no one around.

Incident date: Apr 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes C300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH the check engine began flashing and the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and smoke was observed emanating from the front driver's tire. The contact stated that the fire exploded from the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact stated that she was locked in the vehicl... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Apr 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving in the rain at 50 MPH, a vehicle hydroplaned and crashed into both the contact's vehicle and another vehicle. The contact stated that air bags did not deploy , the seat belts did not lock and no warning lights appeared upon impact. The contact and her daughter both sustained a headache and other aches to their neck and ... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: May 11, 2023

Brake HCU unit and ABS faulty, cruise control inoperable. Dealer has inspected and reported HCU unit defect and very expensive repair.

Incident date: May 14, 2023

ABS module system has been replaced twice .. needs to be replaced again per Dodge tech. No parts available. Unsafe to drive vehicle with no power brakes This is not unique to my truck. various individuals having same problem with same model Electrical Instrument cluster with display has been replaced and currently working.

Incident date: Feb 21, 2023

The 3rd time that an abs event has caused the brake peddle to go extremely soft. Eventually pressure in the peddle will regain after several weeks. The issue I'm experiencing is identical to Ford's Safety Recall 19S54 which states an issue with sticky abs valves and a loss of pressure in the braking system. I'm not sure why this vin is not included in the recall but I would really appreciate an NH... Read more

Incident date: Feb 21, 2023

On March 7th 2023, I was driving my Jeep Cherokee on NY 96A in 55 mpa traffic, saw the check engine light turn on briefly, the engine seized at this speed, started chugging, and nearly had a traffic accident given the abrupt engine failure. In addition, while I was able to get to the side of the road, the car was stuck protruding off from the shoulder into the lane, the engine would not start to m... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2023

While driving reduced power light came on. On Highway speed reduced to a crawl.

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 ... 123 124 125 ... 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