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: Mar 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that while making a right turn in an intersection the vehicle failed to accelerate causing a crash with a second vehicle. During the crash, the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained a shoulder and back injury and the passenger sustained a left torso injury which required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Dec 3, 2019

Vehicle started making whining sound on acceleration. Took in to dealer and they diagnosed the transmission pump had failed. Recommended transmission replacement due to damage from failed pump. Pump was recalled in campaign 16V461000 but my VIN is not included.

Incident date: May 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that he had observed a discoloration on the back-up screen in the center of the screen. The contact stated that the screen appeared to be separating into layers from the inside. The contact stated that when he placed the vehicle in reverse(R) the back-up camera was distorted. The contact stated that the image was pixilated and moved up to th... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and there was a loud screeching sound coming from the wheels. The ABS, Service Advance Trac, and Advance Trac w... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing of the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that coolant was leaking into the engine cylinders. The manufacturer was notified of the failure ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 24, 2023

As a CPST, I am very concerned by the failure that I have witnessed on multiple occasions of the Snuglock mechanism of the Graco Turn2Me to secure the seat. The Snuglock mechanism is supposed to serve as a lockoff for the vehicle seatbelt, so that the seatbelt doesn't have to manually be locked. However, it seems that the Snuglock is failing to do so. I first noticed an issue back in October of 20... Read more

Incident date: Jan 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine had seized. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. However... Read more

Incident date: Mar 26, 2023

I have been having an intermittent warning error saying my front camera is faulty and my lane assist is no longer operational. The error seemed to come and go with bumps. Here recently it has become permanent around the beginning of April 2023, and I no longer have functionality of many safety features including adaptive cruise control, regular cruise control, lane assist, crash prevention warni... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2023

The car has stalled MULTIPLE times starting on 2/17/23. It's happened on highways and local roads and as soon as it happens the car loses all power and the ability to accelerate. In the case where there is no shoulder, you are stuck on the road until you can get it to start again. In order to start it, you have to hit the ignition button a few times, open the door, close it and wait about a min... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2023

At approximately 35,000 miles we started noticing a harsh shift. We have taken the vehicle into the Ford Dealership 3 times and they have made repairs each time (overhauled main control valve body replacing the separator plate and channel plate, replaced the torque converter, replaced a broken seal inside C-clutch, replaced main valve body, flushed transmission cooler and lines). Each time the v... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2023

First issue was a major evap leak that took several attempts and months for them to repair resulting in having to drive around with a check engine light. Reason this is concerning is that when the check engine light is on the advanced safety systems are disabled. They had to replace the gas tank fuel filler neck because it was not closing properly. I was told by Honda corporate that "this is not p... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the brake line ruptured. The parking brake was applied but was inoperable. The electronic parking brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The parts were on back order. The vehicle was n... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2023

Power steering failed during left hand turn, and I ran car into a yard

Incident date: Apr 22, 2023

While diving home from a baseball game my car caught fire with me and my family inside.

Fire

Incident date: Dec 30, 2022

Driving on the interstate the truck starting. Message center displayed a fuel sys warning. The messages changed warning of speed limitations. The speed allowed wa# reduced every few miles. Eventually the engine would not run nor would it restart.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2023

While driving at any speed above 30mph the front end wobbles violently whenever the truck hits potholes or big bumps in the road!

Incident date: May 2, 2023

Have been driving Murano thinking only needed 4 wheel alignment. Rear wheels as I was told some time ago looked like to tow in I think you call it was off, leaning in. Took to garage, mechanic stated, k- frame completely rusted in half on both sides. Stabilizer bar just dangling. Stated it's a wonder I had not been killed. Said from the look I had been driving it for quite some time in this condit... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

Panoramic sunroof wind deflector bonding failed. The detached wind deflector can come off while driving and interferes with the sunroof closing. It’s possible that the wind deflector and the glass sunroof could detach entirely while driving and cause an accident. I have used the sunroof feature less than 5 times since purchasing the vehicle in May 2019. There is a recall on this part for the So... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

Incident date: Oct 12, 2022

Abs system has moisture in there was a recall on. Couse the abs system to fail and is not working. I was driving in snow condition when it went fail the first time and almost lost control when applying the brakes. The problem has been reproduced and the car is at an independent repair shop. The abs trackion control light and check engine light where turned on.

Incident date: Apr 28, 2023

Recently I have had issues with the brake pressure. The brakes have been bled multiple times assuring there is not air in the lines. My mechanic could not find an issue with the brakes at all, yet when I come to a complete stop, the car starts to creep forward sometimes unnoticeable and the brake pedal slowly sinks. I have to put my car in park to keep from rolling into vehicles at stop lights and... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2022

I have a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Edition. The laminate is coming away from the radio screen and it keeps showing an "adjust clock message" and "morse code" like beeping. It is a complete distraction. Due to the laminate coming away from the screen the unit starts overriding the driver choices, like the handsfree features, radio, heated seats, etc. This is a safety issue with the car ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2023

The suv uses large amounts of oil, no matter what brand. Also an electrical issue is present. The radio stops working, thr check engine light stays on. And the headlights dim way down. This happens randomly. The engine code reappears for p420, and i have fixed every component related to the code. The suv consumes approximately 2 quarts of oil in a months driving. The headlights dim so low, even wi... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2023

Downshift to first gear by transmission while driving it. I have not taken it to dealership or mechanic. It's not drivable any more.

Incident date: Apr 28, 2023

The alternator seized on the highway snapping the serpentine belt which got sucked into the timing and stopped the car in the left lane at highway speed. The timing guard failed allowing the belt to damage the timing. Volvo says it needs a head job I have possession of the vehicle and all maintenance records. Cars behind me dodged onto the shoulder to avoid hitting me. There was no warning. Fu... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) 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 ex... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while reversing, the backup camera became inoperable. During the failure, the message "Park Pilot Inoperable" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Incident date: Aug 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently accelerated with the tachometer elevated to 5,000 RPM’s. The contact shifted into neutral(N) to correct the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000. Th... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2023

Tires were purchased with car in July of 2022. Winter tires were purchased and installed in Nov. These tires were stored in my basement- finished on carpet at 68-70dgrees. When pulled out for installation mercedes refused due to seperation & dry cracking 325-35ZR22

Incident date: Apr 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the operating the vehicle, the front driver’s side floor mat detached and slid underneath the brake pedal and accelerator pedal. The contact stated that one of the pegs used to secure the floor mat fractured, allowing the floor mat to become unsecured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not cont... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2023

I purchased the vechile brand new in July from North Olmsted Mercedes. I purchased winter tires in Oct they were installed in Nov. I stored the Yokohama in my finished basement 68-70degress on carpet. Upon installation this spring Mercedes refused due to seperation & dry cracking. They have less then 4000 miles on them. 325-35ZR22

Incident date: Apr 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine and voltage warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the eTorque system was not charging the battery as designed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine service and the mechanic discovered that the lug nuts on all four wheels had swollen and the factory lug tool could not be used to remove the lug nuts. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mil... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2023

Codes P0300 P0301 P0316 - My son was driving and approached a red light - his car began to idle rough and check engine light came on. Instructed him to park the car and we towed to a local mechanic. Cylinder 1 was misfiring and also had a mix of oil, fuel and possibly coolant in Cylinder 1. Apparently this is a defective issue with a 2014 Ford Fusion with a 2.0 Ecoboost Engine and also lawsui... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2023

Incident date: Mar 3, 2023

My truck bed is resting against my cab due to frame rot. There is big chunks missing from the frame.

Incident date: Apr 8, 2023

The Ford F53 Chassis built for motorhomes has a Ford Factory Advance Trac Warning System. When this system detects a fault the chassis looses Cruise Control, Hill Assists Feature, and Anti Lock Brakes. The Ford Pass App records the faults; however once the Ignition is turned off it erases the fault from the onboard computer. Ford has issue a TSB SSM51210 to reprogram the ASB Module only when the ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2023

The rear breaks wore down t 1MM(Dangerous Level) in under 2 years and at 26,973 miles. They extended the warranty to 2 years and 24,000 at 2mm at the end of December but we did not get notification of this to have the breaks checked. The vehicle was seen in September 2022 and the breaks were noted to be at 6MM which is not typical but not at the recommended replacement (3mm). This is a defectiv... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact detected an abnormal winding sound from either the transmission or the engine. After the vehicle warmed up, the sound diminished. The contact called the local dealer who recommended an engine replacement. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Ca... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2023

Incident date: Apr 14, 2023

Vehicle stalled while out driving. White smoke coming from exhaust tail pipes & smell of gas from inside the vehicle which cause me to become dizzy & lightheaded. Engine started choking out & popping & white smoke coming from under hood. I cut vehicle off & call for roadside assistance- vehicle transported to Waldorf Ford Service Center. Vehicle diagnosed with ERG coolant leak coming from EGR cool... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2020

The recall 00S57 was not done. This was my husbands vehicle and he has since passed away and when I went to get renewal plates for Kentucky since I have moved I saw the recalls and called Ford dealer. They can fix the 05S28 speed control system modification recall which I have scheduled, however they advised parts for repair are no longer available from Ford. I have not had an issue as yet, how... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2020

Windshield trim ripped off at highway speeds. Blocked driver vision and then flew into air striking vehicle behind. This could have caused a serious accident in either vehicle. I know you are researching for recall at this time. It should have been recalled years ago.

Incident date: Apr 27, 2020

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that her husband had to frequently add oil to the engine. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed as needing an oil consumption test to be completed since an oil leak was not located. An oil consumption test was not performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure.... Read more

Incident date: Apr 13, 2023

My brake pedal began losing pressure while driving. the low brake fluid light and a beeping tone started and stopped intermittently when applying the brakes. I made it safely home that evening. The next morning there was no brake pressure on the pedal and a puddle of fluid in the garage. I have had issues getting Ford and my local dealership (Joe Machens Ford) to tow my vehicle for repairs and... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2023

On four separate incidences, the automatic emergency brake engaged while driving the vehicle at speeds in excess of 30 mph. There was no warning or reason for the emergency brake to engage. This resulted in the car needing to be towed to the dealer on two occasions as the vehicle froze and was not drivable. The dealer states they are unable to diagnose the problem or fix it as there are no codes t... Read more

Incident date: Apr 11, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the instrument cluster started flickering and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering and brakes were operable. The contact pulled off the highway and shifted the vehicle into park(P). The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed... Read more

Incident date: Apr 11, 2023

Daughter had the car 2 months and went on a weekend trip. Three hours into the trip her tucson started to make a load noise. She pulled into a shop and had them check the oil but as soon as he started the car he refused to look any further and told her to take it to a dealer around the corner. As soon as she pulled in the mechanic said it sounded like a blowen motor. Now 2 months later still no ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2023

1. Finding my truck with a dead battery, a lot. Found out that fuel pump is running constantly when truck is off. 2. Dead truck, no start. 3. Yes. 4. No. 5. None.

Incident date: Feb 10, 2023

1. Finding my truck with a dead battery, a lot. Found out that fuel pump is running constantly when truck is off. 2. Dead truck, no start. 3. Yes. 4. No. 5. None.

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Vehicle Safety

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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