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: Apr 11, 2023

Like apparently the majority of this model year C300, the rear subframe is completely disintegrated. This is a known issue but Mercedes has not communicated it nor fixed it. I was told, and as the photos clearly indicate, this very likely could have resulted in a catastrophic or fatal accident as the entire rear is corroded. I have photo and video support as well as the inspection from a mechani... Read more

Incident date: Apr 11, 2023

Incident date: Apr 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after noticing that the seat heaters were inoperable, he saw that the heated seat module connector had melted. The contact also stated that the front passenger’s side seat controls were inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or re... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2023

GM has a known problem with the sensors for the side detection system that are placed outside in the rear of the vehicle. Tires splash water and salt directly on the sensors causing them to short out. This short not only causes the side detection to misreport whether a vehicle is in your blind spot, it also manifests itself with lift gate malfunctions and various other messages displayed on the ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 2023

I've been experiencing steering wheel issues for some time now. I've had to go to the honda service center multiple times and they could not figure out what the issue was. They had told me that it was because my lane assist was ON but I had it off and I never use my lane assist feature. My steering wheel felt stiff while I was on the highway and felt resistance when turning my steering wheel and t... Read more

Incident date: Apr 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer stated that the passenger's side rear upper control arms had separated from the vehicle and that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campai... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2023

I have never been in a car accident in my entire life. This was my first ever electric vehicle, and I really loved driving it for the one week I owned it before the brakes failed to stop it. On 03/31 I had to restart the software several times because it froze when i was trying to connect it to Apple Carplay, but it was fine the next day. During the crash, I had the brake collision assistance on,... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Apr 10, 2023

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Apr 10, 2023

OEM high beam bulbs continuously explode. I’m not saying they just burn out, these bulbs shatter, and send shards of glass on the inside of the headlamp housing. I believe it’s a big safety risk, because for me, it happened while I was driving late at night in the dark where there are deer nearby. Brights are essential to see far and when you’re driving through hills, going up a hill you nee... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

Electrical system-intermittent failure. While driving or idling, the vehicle will randomly shut off. The vehicle has turned off randomly while being driven down the road with little to no warning, even while operating at high speed. When this happens, you are also left without power steering, ABS brakes, fuel pump, and literally anything that operates electrically. Sometimes it will turn righ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The c... Read more

Incident date: Jan 9, 2023

Manufacturer default in the trunk. Water is getting into the trunk causing water to fill up in the battery compartment. Thus, shutting the vehicle electrical system down completely. After researching, I contacted GM who stated that they are unaware of this issue, although many people who own this type of vehicle have had this issue occur.

Incident date: Apr 12, 2023

Bike cuts off when riding related to Map Sensor.

Incident date: Apr 11, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V922000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), 22V191000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacture... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2023

I took the Chevy Equinox to the Chevy dealership to have the oil changed. The House Technician said it was unsafe to put it on a lift. The entire frame was corroded. On 02/28/2023, I had the dealership do a Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection. This is their findings: #1-1010: INSPECTIONS INSPECT/CHECK inspect due to customer request Inspected unit due to customers request found excessive re... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle would not shift out of park. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle started operating normally. While the contact was driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and overheating. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and noticed that the check engine warni... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer The contact stated that why driving approximately 75 mph when suddenly the power assist failed. The contact had pulled over and restarted the vehicle however the power assist failed to correct. The power assist warning light had illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the power assist module failed and needed to be replaced. The... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2023

After driving for ten hours, I parked. The next morning, the SUV started normally. One minute later, the check engine light came on, citing "air may be in present in the cooling system". Then, the 'engine coolant over-temperature' warning came on less than two hours later. I took itto the dealer the next morning. They charged me to diagnose the situation. The coolant hose for the electric motor b... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2023

Car shuts off while driving.Will start up when fuel gauge gets power also windows ,radio,lightening work airbag light&service engine soon light on

Incident date: Mar 5, 2023

My 2021 F150 XLT with 19,000 miles has never had functioning trailer brakes. Initially I was plagued with constant trailer wiring fault / trailer disconnected issues, and zero slide or pedal brakes, when trying to tow a travel trailer. Two separate dealerships initially dismissed my concerns because it passed their trailer simulator test. Eventually, Ford replaced the trailer wiring harness unde... Read more

Incident date: Apr 9, 2023

While driving 40mph heard a pop, hissing sound and unable to steer vehicle. Stopped at roadside to examine tires, which were ok. Incredibly difficult to steer wheel and to stay on the road while swerving. I was within a mile of Belle Tire for a mechanic to look at my Mazda 6. He showed me how the open recall on the front crossmember was repaired only on the right wheel side, and the left front whe... Read more

Incident date: Apr 9, 2023

Power steering went out as we were driving, making the wheel almost impossible to turn. There was a recall repair before I purchased the vehicle but I am skeptical it was actually done as I am having the same issue with the power steering that was supposed to have been fixed. This is a continuous problem that puts my life and the lives of others in danger.

Incident date: Apr 9, 2023

Steering wheel is starting to stick at high speeds, typically while driving on the highway. When you make small adjustments to stay straight/in the lane there is momentary resistance as if the power steering isn't working. I know this has been reported on 22-23 Civics, but if you look on forums it is happening in 16-18 models, and people are being told they need a whole new steering column for $30... Read more

Incident date: Jul 9, 2021

Vehicle was involved in a collision with right/ passenger front and side of vehicle. whole bumper knocked off. left front tire broke off during collision. Passenger side curtain air bag deployed. Stirring air bag did not deploy nor did the curtain airbag on driver side. Passenger injured with broken nose and face injury during collision.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Apr 3, 2023

The trim around my windshield on my driver's side blew off of the car. It is totally missing. Upon research, this appears to be a pretty common problem and it is very dangerous. Parts coming loose while driving could injure other drivers. No warning that the piece was loose. I am not sure who to report the problem to, I am going to call the dealership tomorrow and my warranty company. My concern i... Read more

Incident date: Apr 3, 2023

Recommended Software update is not available. Tesla App has stopped working for the past 2 months.

Incident date: Apr 3, 2023

Intermittent service anti lock brake system and service electronic braking system results in loss of ABS system. The dealer has examined it and recommends replacement of the ABS pump motor and control. $1000! I’m told parts are on back order for 10 months. Must be because of all the failures on other vehicles in addition to mine.

Incident date: Apr 8, 2023

I bought this car used but it only had 26340 on it and now it is almost to 30000. When driving it sounds as though the motor is knocking, but the oil is fine when checked on. It seems to have difficulty changing gears, sometimes way to fast and it whines other times it struggles to shift gears. Rpms are not steady they are bouncing around high love. When it does get to speed it feels as though the... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2023

Experienced “the death wobble” going 68 mph on a highway after hitting a small transition.

Incident date: Apr 7, 2023

Experienced “the death wobble” going 68 mph on a highway after hitting a small transition.

Incident date: Apr 7, 2023

Yesterday I experienced an SUA incident and nearly lost my life. I was entering a freeway and began to accelerate my car. Suddenly I felt as if the gears kicked and the car began to accelerate on its own to max revolutions. I pressed down on the brakes to see if it would stop and there was heavy resistance. I took my foot on the break and the car began to accelerate and rev completely on its own a... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2023

The transition shifting make some sounds and feels ansafety wile you drive all dealerships say is normal Blacksburg va and salem Va said is normal I call GENERAL MOTORS THEY SAID IF THE DEALERSHIP SAYS NO IS NOTHING WE CAN DO NOW I HAVE A 45 K DEBT ON A TRUCK THAT NO WORKS RIGHT FEELS ANSAFETY TO DRIVE AND NO BODY CAN HELP

Incident date: Apr 4, 2023

Our 2022 Tesla Model 3 has "phantom braked" three times on the highway. During each episode, the vehicle slowed from 75mph to 45mph in about half a second - with no vehicle or obstruction in front of us. This was a 4-lane highway all three times. If a car was behind us, it likely would have collided with us. No precipitation, the car was clean and cameras clear. I took the car to the Latham Servic... Read more

Incident date: Apr 4, 2023

Water pump is inside engine and apparently known to be faulty. After being stranded in traffic behind an accident in winter in Maine It was well below zero and I could not move from the backed up traffic. Had to shut off car and weather was dangerously cold. I brought to dealership I bought it at. Note there was no warning before the car was fully overheated and coolant was empty. They said wa... Read more

Incident date: Mar 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The con... Read more

Incident date: Feb 17, 2022

Vehicle emits a loud thug/clunk when driving at lower speeds and gears shifting. No other Jeeps I have owned have done this. They will not look into whether or not it is the Transmission or PTU issue. This is a known issue for 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokees. There needs to be a recall. Vehicle has less than 90k miles. Have been advised by Jeep dealership that "jeeps are supposed to do that".

Incident date: Apr 5, 2023

Roof rack design and grommet failure allows for water to flow into cabin headliner and down a-pillars and other areas where curtain airbag and other electrical components are housed. This can cause malfunction and/or failure of the vehicles crucial functions at any given moment. A class action lawsuit is filed on this. You need to step in and make it a recall and hold toyota responsible.

Incident date: Apr 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance system was malfunctioning. The contact stated while driving 30-45 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light illuminated while there were no vehicles or objects nearby. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the Forward Collision Avoidance system could have been tri... Read more

Incident date: Apr 6, 2023

While traveling from northern Illinois to Sarasota, FL, vehicle transmission stopped functioning along I-75 near Tifton, GA. It had been raining the entire trip. No one was injured. We were passing a vehicle in the left lane, and without any warning the transmission just stopped. We couldn’t accelerate. We coasted to the shoulder. We couldn’t put the vehicle into park. 2 warning lights/message... Read more

Incident date: Apr 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle would be difficult to restart. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The contact stated that she had to keep the accelerator depressed for several minutes before she could shift to drive(D). The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated.... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2023

This is a safety concern when I start my car and can not put it in reverse. This in todays world of violence and crime everywhere is truly a safety concern for women stuck in a car that you can not get out of park. The shift is stuck in park and will not move in any other position. Looking on the web this is a known problem on many 2005 and 2006 Corvette's for years. This has happened to many t... Read more

Incident date: Apr 3, 2023

My door lock actuator have been malfunctioning in right rear passenger,left passenger and driver sides. It makes a buzzing and gun shooting sound. Recently my door ajar alert has been coming on if I slightly touch driver door. My alarm is also starting go go off by itself due to the door lock actuators malfunctioning.

Incident date: Mar 29, 2023

The power liftgate on my Ford Explorer slammed down on me when I attempted to put groceries into my car in the store parking lot. My liftgate had given no warning signs of malfunction, and then one day I open it with the key fob button, it opens all the way and while it was opening I was standing ready to load groceries into the back and the second it reached the fully open position, it came slam... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2023

Rapid Delamination and paint peeling.

Incident date: Dec 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the engine started to misfire. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving into the driveway; however, the vehicle was ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 5, 2023

Smoke from exhaust, randomly losing power, randomly struggling to start and accelerate

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

Backup camera stays on the entire time driving or it will stay as a black or blue screen and not go back to original screen

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the message "Shift System Fault" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, she shifted into drive, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle responded on the second attempt. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The dealer was notified ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 4, 2023

The start stop system is the Durango is terrible! That was my first problem. My second issue is, out of nowhere. We now have inner engine issues. The engine will not hold compression, but there are no leaks! I have only had a vehicle for six months! Now I am paying on a vehicle. I cannot drive and cannot afford fix!

Incident date: Mar 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and axles, gaskets, and seals were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the dealer stated that the rear-end needed to be replaced. The vehicle w... Read more

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Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

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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