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.
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
Showing 33,200 complaints for MERCEDES-BENZ
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) — SUSPENSION
Nov 30, 2022
Incident date: Nov 29, 2022
Brake line to rear completely rusted through. Lost brake control while driving. Upon further inspection, the entire rear subframe has significant rust damage that warrants replacement.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 30, 2022
Incident date: Nov 28, 2022
Driver's side rear subframe has rusted to the point metal is split open. This was found during routine maintenance service at dealer. While braking the vehicle pulls to the left. If not replaced, wheel can fall off.
MERCEDES-BENZ
METRIS
(2016) — WHEELS
Nov 30, 2022
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
Mercedes knew in 2018 there was a problem with weighing loading. On Sept 7 I received a recall notice. Now almost 3 month later they still have no fix. At this time my vehicle is in my mind unsafe to drive due to excessive tire wear on the fron end. Don't want to purchase 2 more tires at my expense, since I only have 23,000 miles on vehicle. Have replaced 2 at 15,000 miles. Seems like Mercedes i... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
METRIS
(2016) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 30, 2022
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
Mercedes knew in 2018 there was a problem with weighing loading. On Sept 7 I received a recall notice. Now almost 3 month later they still have no fix. At this time my vehicle is in my mind unsafe to drive due to excessive tire wear on the fron end. Don't want to purchase 2 more tires at my expense, since I only have 23,000 miles on vehicle. Have replaced 2 at 15,000 miles. Seems like Mercedes i... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2011) — STEERING
Nov 29, 2022
Incident date: Nov 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the key fob intermittently failed to remotely start the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission had seized and failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the electronic s... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Nov 28, 2022
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owned a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated the vehicle had an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the inside and outside of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The ap... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) — SUSPENSION
Nov 28, 2022
Incident date: Nov 28, 2022
My car had new brakes installed in the last few months. All of a sudden the car "fishtailed" when applying the brakes. I brought it into my mechanic, Johns Mercedes of Wakefield, Massachusetts, for some routine service and he noticed once he put the car up on the rack that the subframe is completely rotted out due to rust. The brakes were fine. He strongly recommended not driving the car until... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350
(2020) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 28, 2022
Incident date: Nov 24, 2022
Vehicle (72,000 miles) sent an email message that the "starter battery is critical". Drove it to Mercedes Benz Cary (NC). Original battery replaced ($538). Two days later, another "starter battery critical" message arrived. Vehicle wouldn't start. Mercedes Roadside sent a flatbed, jump started the vehicle, loaded it and took it to Mercedes Cary. I was required to authorize two hours of diagnostic... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2010) — STRUCTURE
Nov 28, 2022
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the rear end began to fishtail and shattered. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving slowly to a nearby repair shop. The mechanic informed the contact that the rear subframe was corroded and had detached from the vehicle. The c... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E 400
(2018) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 28, 2022
Incident date: May 28, 2020
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the message "Inoperable Headlight" was displayed, and the passenger's side headlight became inoperable. The contact stated that he was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to dealer who added an unknown gas inside the headlight. However, the failure reoccurred with the driver's side headlight six months... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) — ENGINE
Nov 27, 2022
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Cylinder 1 misfire initially, after taking it to an independent shop it was a piston 1 failure and required the small block to be replaced at 80,000 miles with a cost of $7000.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — SUSPENSION
Nov 27, 2022
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
The subframe and the brake lines are very faulty in this car when it comes to its design. The subframe and brake lines rust easily and are cheaply made for this car. My car break down while driving making it hard to have pressure on the brakes. My incident was around the school area. There were no accidents or collisions Involved. It could happen to adults and children. The dealer never conf... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 27, 2022
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
The subframe and the brake lines are very faulty in this car when it comes to its design. The subframe and brake lines rust easily and are cheaply made for this car. My car break down while driving making it hard to have pressure on the brakes. My incident was around the school area. There were no accidents or collisions Involved. It could happen to adults and children. The dealer never conf... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — SERVICE BRAKES
Nov 27, 2022
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
The subframe and the brake lines are very faulty in this car when it comes to its design. The subframe and brake lines rust easily and are cheaply made for this car. My car break down while driving making it hard to have pressure on the brakes. My incident was around the school area. There were no accidents or collisions Involved. It could happen to adults and children. The dealer never conf... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350
(2018) — SERVICE BRAKES
Nov 27, 2022
Incident date: Nov 27, 2022
when i tried to apply brakes on Nov 27th, 2022, the brakes were not applying for 4-5 seconds inspite of pushing the brake few times. After 5 seconds the brakes were working. to avoid collision i had to change the lane quicKly and luckily there was no one in the next lane. Please note that i have changed the front and rear brake pads few months back (Aug 2022). As my brake pads are new, i assume th... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
METRIS
(2016) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 27, 2022
Incident date: Nov 27, 2022
There's no remedy available and it has been almost a whole year.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GL450
(2013) — ENGINE
Nov 26, 2022
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
The engine failed under 100k miles after being properly maintained according to the manufactures guidelines.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) — SUSPENSION
Nov 25, 2022
Incident date: Nov 25, 2022
I sensed the rear wheels going into a skid as I braked at low speed. I noticed it first on downhills as I drove on a mountain road which was curvy. It seemed that the car was going to go into a skid. No warning lights came on. I checked the tires were all at the same accurate level which did not change the occurrence. It happened again on flat terrain coming to a quick stop. Like one tire was... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLA 250
(2016) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 25, 2022
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while at a traffic light the vehicle stalled and shifted into neutral. The vehicle failed to shift into gear. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V627000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but the contact was unable to schedule an appoin... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLA 250
(2016) — AIR BAGS
Nov 25, 2022
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while at a traffic light the vehicle stalled and shifted into neutral. The vehicle failed to shift into gear. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V627000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but the contact was unable to schedule an appoin... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2010) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 25, 2022
Incident date: Nov 25, 2022
Mold in a/c
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2015) — ENGINE
Nov 25, 2022
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Crankcase (pcv) problem of the 2015 Mercedes Benz C300 Diagnosis code p052e pcv regulator valve replacement/crankcase replacement. The code keeps coming back with check engine light on dashboard. To replace part, the engine has to be taken down since the crankcase is inside the engine. This is a malfunction during assembly/manufacturing, it is impossible to damage part while under usage. Mercede... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
A 220
(2021) — SEAT BELTS
Nov 23, 2022
Incident date: Nov 13, 2022
The driver’s seatbelt failed to properly engage during a high-speed rear-end collision allowing his head and face to strike the steering wheel causing a loss of consciousness and other symptoms of traumatic brain injury. Thus far the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer but it is believed the seat belt was inspected by EMTs responding to the scene. Additional documentation w... Read more
Crash
1 injured
MERCEDES-BENZ
S 560
(2020) — VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Nov 23, 2022
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz S560. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound and shards of glass started entering the vehicle from the sunroof. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified in writing and h... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLA 250
(2015) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 23, 2022
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
Rear camera stopped working.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2015) — ENGINE
Nov 23, 2022
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 22, 2022
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
Car cabin continuously smells like gas after several repairs to the AC. AC was repaired because of mold issue a few months back, however, issues with the AC is always a problem with this car and model.
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2019) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Nov 22, 2022
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
The automatic emergency braking feature is regularly activated while driving on the highway when driving under bridges and large overhead road signs. Sometimes, the van only beeps at me, indicating that an obstruction was detected but not doing anything in response. More alarmingly, however, the van has slammed on the brakes while going full speed on the highway several times, sending my tools fly... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E63
(2011) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 22, 2022
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
Strong fuel smell after refueling and topping off the gas tank. The smell is inside as well as outside driver side rear door. This occurs each time after I put gas in the car and the smell remains.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 22, 2022
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
Our mechanic reports a dime-sized rust hole in the rear subframe.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) — SUSPENSION
Nov 22, 2022
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
--Rear sub-frame broken. Part is available upon request. --Rear of car swerved when turning and breaking, probably due to control arm dislocation. --Dealer is aware of problem and has in fact replaced many sub-frames. --The dealer has inspected the sub-frame and determined that it is broken. --No warnings prior to failure.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) — ENGINE
Nov 22, 2022
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
The crank case ventilation valve is bad. This part should be easily changed but the dealer wants over $3000. Happened at 62,000 miles.
MERCEDES-BENZ
METRIS
(2018) — BACK OVER PREVENTION
Nov 21, 2022
Incident date: Mar 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V482000 (Tires) and 22V099000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount time for the recall repairs. The local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that pa... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
METRIS
(2018) — TIRES
Nov 21, 2022
Incident date: Mar 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V482000 (Tires) and 22V099000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount time for the recall repairs. The local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that pa... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Nov 21, 2022
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated after starting the vehicle with the heater running, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) — STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Nov 21, 2022
Incident date: Oct 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon depression of the brake pedal, the vehicle independently swayed to the left without warning. The contact notified the independent mechanic who instructed her to bring the vehicle in for an inspection. The mechanic discovered severe corrosion on the subframe; however, the part to repair the vehicle was on backorder. The contac... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2009) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 20, 2022
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
At a recent VA state inspection the mechanic noted that the "rear sub-frame rusted and rear coil springs bottoms are weak." This becomes a potential suspension issue and the sub-frame should not be rusting out so quickly. Additionally, when researching online it seems prohibitively expensive to replace the rear sub-frame but this is a safety concern and I have noted that a large number of these ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 20, 2022
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
I purchased a 2012 Mercedes C300 AWD from a local dealer and have had it serviced annually. Last week I took it in for the annual servicing and was told by the dealer that the rear subframe had corrosion /rust and the car was not safe to drive. I asked if it was covered under a recall and they said not by Mercedes at this time.They provided a repair estimate that is quite high and close to the app... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG E53
(2020) — TIRES
Nov 19, 2022
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
The driver front tire was found to have failed at the time of an oil change at approximately 15,000 miles. The tire was torn at the junction of the sidewall and tread in several areas. This tire is no longer available. No incident occurred. The passenger front tire was found to have the same defect when I performed a seasonal tire change but the conditions were worse at approximately 17,000 mile... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG ML63
(2008) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V615000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2012) — SUSPENSION
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
A state inspection identified that the rear subframe is rusted through. Per the service advisor, the failure of the rear subframe is a safety hazard because it effects steering and braking, and complete failure can cause loss of brakes. Service advisor advised not to drive the vehicle until repairs are made due to safety concerns. Vehicle failed inspection because the issue is a safety issue.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Rear sub frame failure due to corrosion. Failed part causes vehicle to lose control when applying breaks. Further broke sub frame has high risk of fire due fuel tank breach. Vehicle was inspected by Mercedes Benz technicians several times up to the point of failure, no advanced warning. Technician stated no lights, no warning signs until total failure occurs.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2013) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake fluid and brake warning lights illuminated, and shortly after adding brake fluid the warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear brake lines were corroded, causing brake fluid to leak and the brake lines needed to be replaced. I... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2013) — STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake fluid and brake warning lights illuminated, and shortly after adding brake fluid the warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear brake lines were corroded, causing brake fluid to leak and the brake lines needed to be replaced. I... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350
(2022) — TIRES
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The vehicle was originally equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Discoverer SRX LE, Tire Size: 275/50/R20, DOT Number: U93U1YB2521. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the tires started making a humming noise all around the vehicle. The contact stated that he noticed the noise after the tires were rotated. The contact stated no warn... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2021) — PARKING BRAKE
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
The contact stated their company owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted into park(P) and the parking brake erroneously activated; however, the vehicle rolled forward as if the gear shifter was in drive(D). The contact depressed the brake pedal and made several attempts to put the vehicle in park(P). There were no warning lights illuminated. Th... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
The contact stated their company owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted into park(P) and the parking brake erroneously activated; however, the vehicle rolled forward as if the gear shifter was in drive(D). The contact depressed the brake pedal and made several attempts to put the vehicle in park(P). There were no warning lights illuminated. Th... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) — SUSPENSION
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
The Rear Subframe is rusted through and cracked making the car almost undriveable. This is a known problem at Mercedes Benz. Nothing else on the vehicle is rusted and has a perfect undercarriage. The vehicle is available for inspection and has been inspected by a reputable German repair facility. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms There's a Mercedes Benz recall for the rear s... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — SUSPENSION
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
I was driving my 2011 MB C300 40 MPH on a straight suburban road when the light turned red. I applied the brakes and heard a clunk from the rear. Surprisingly, the car swerved with a right turn yaw moment. Normally I enjoy driving my car, but that never happened before. So I tried it again in the next block and it yawed again. That’s not right. My mechanic happened to be just down the road so I ... Read more