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
AMG C43
(2018) — SEAT BELTS
Jun 14, 2022
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
Mercedes-Benz C-Class convertibles from the 2017 to 2021 model years are being recalled because the seat belts might not comply with federal Occupant Crash Protection standards. The problem is that the front seat belts might not fully retract to their stowed position because of the geometry of the front seat belt retractor. The dealers are refusing to fix this issue.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E550
(2011) — SUSPENSION
Jun 14, 2022
Incident date: Jun 12, 2022
The air suspension started leaning heavily on one side after being parked for 12+ hours. And 2 days ago, while warming up the car, air suspension did not stop pumping air until front right air strut blew up. It was really loud and unexpected, I was lucky the car was not driven when the explosion happened. Checking through forums, most people who own W212 E-Class with airmatic suspension have issue... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLA 250
(2017) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 14, 2022
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
The sunroof doesn't close. Wind and rain is getting into the car. I took the car to the dealer this morning. Problem was verified. There were no warning lamps or messages. I understand there are numerous problems with this sunroof.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C250
(2013) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Jun 14, 2022
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
S550
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 14, 2022
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
The vehicle panoramic sunroof came across a discrepancy that can damage the owner and other innocent vehicles on the road. Since it has been stuck on one side it can possibly break and fly off. The vehicle has been recalled, unfortunately my vehicles vin number was not chosen although it has the similar problems that the recall vehicles had. The front roof panel located between the windshield and ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
B-CLASS ELECTRIC
(2015) — ENGINE
Jun 14, 2022
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The main electric drive motor will start leaking coolant which then damages the motor and even electronics. Well known issue and makes the vehicle unsafe and isn't a matter of "if" but "when" the seals will go bad and this is on our car that has less than 40k miles on the odometer.
MERCEDES-BENZ
B-CLASS ELECTRIC
(2015) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 14, 2022
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The main electric drive motor will start leaking coolant which then damages the motor and even electronics. Well known issue and makes the vehicle unsafe and isn't a matter of "if" but "when" the seals will go bad and this is on our car that has less than 40k miles on the odometer.
MERCEDES-BENZ
B-CLASS ELECTRIC
(2015) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 14, 2022
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The main electric drive motor will start leaking coolant which then damages the motor and even electronics. Well known issue and makes the vehicle unsafe and isn't a matter of "if" but "when" the seals will go bad and this is on our car that has less than 40k miles on the odometer.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Jun 13, 2022
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for a brake inspection, the mechanic informed him that the subframe was corroded, causing the vehicle to fishtail while braking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure milea... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 13, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
I own a 2011 C300. Recently, my car suddenly stopped working while I was attempting to leave somewhere away from my home. It would not crank or turn over/start. So I was completely stranded, and in the extreme Florida heat. There has been no damage or wreck to cause this. There were also no warning lights or symptoms in my car beforehand. My car was towed to a Mercedes Benz dealership in the neare... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — STEERING
Jun 13, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
I own a 2011 C300. Recently, my car suddenly stopped working while I was attempting to leave somewhere away from my home. It would not crank or turn over/start. So I was completely stranded, and in the extreme Florida heat. There has been no damage or wreck to cause this. There were also no warning lights or symptoms in my car beforehand. My car was towed to a Mercedes Benz dealership in the neare... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 13, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The rear subframe has failed. I have felt some swaying and decreased control when driving the car at higher speeds especially when braking and taking curves. My safety has been put at risk as the wheel could go out and cause an accident. I brought the car to the mechanics at Goodyear as I thought it was the brakes. They informed me that the rear subframe was rusted from the inside out and was ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2006) — SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 12, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Hello, There is a safety recall from the manufacturer and they have advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle does take a little more press on the breaks for it to function so we are assuming that we are affected by this recall. I have writen emails and called the Mercedez hotline on June 1st 2022 and they assured me over the phone that the dealership will be able to help. When i called th... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLK430
(2002) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 12, 2022
Incident date: Aug 19, 2019
For some unknown reasons my windows go down while Driving , Sometimes they may work fine, then out of Know where all all 4 Windows go Down at any Time , came be Very Dangerous in a Rain Storm or Huracane , i have taken my Car to atleasat 2-3 Shops they Pretend to repair it and said they needed a better Scanner. I don't Know what to do, it's Very dangerous to Drive in the Rain.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2010) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 11, 2022
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
Very strong exterior exhaust odor, like gasoline, consistent and always prevalent but more so when fuel is at half or above. Afraid may spark if near open flame
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLS450
(2017) — SEAT BELTS
Jun 11, 2022
Incident date: Jun 4, 2022
I purchased this Vehical Al from auto of Texas in carralton tx I don’t have seatbelt on the second row so I am unable to buckle my children in I have contacted dealership three time for two weeks and they have not fixed the problem I have only have vehicle for 22 day didn’t not notice the where not seatbelts until after I purchased it my niece was thrown from the seat due to no seatbelt
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 450
(2020) — TIRES
Jun 11, 2022
Incident date: May 13, 2022
The tire tread on the Cooper 275/50R20 tires was worn down almost completely after 16,000 miles. The tires are the original tires that the vehicle was purchased with and are rated to 50,000 miles. When the dealer serviced the vehicle, they noted that the tires were not safe to drive on due to there being almost no tread left at just 16,000 miles. They also stated that they had seen multiple car... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 11, 2022
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
The rear subframe on my 2012 Mercedes Benz C300 was corroded and broke. This caused the car to lose control and easily could have been been life threatening at high speeds. Mercedes Benz is clearly aware of this issue and knows this is a part defect but has not been willing to do a recall in the US even though they have done so in other countries. The dealership has told me this needs to be repair... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E 300
(2018) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 11, 2022
Incident date: Jun 11, 2022
While the vehicle was parked, at approximately 6:15 pm on June 11, 2022 while I was retrieving my iPod that was on the cupholder of my wife’s car, I got cut on the back of my right hand by the chrome plating lining the top part of the cupholder. The cut was painful and was one centimeter long. After I got cut I noticed that the chrome plating around the cupholder was peeling off and was sharp to... Read more
1 injured
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Jun 10, 2022
Incident date: Jun 5, 2022
The contact's son owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while his son was reversing, he heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated that the ABS, the traction control, and another unknown warning light were illuminated. The driver called the contact and made him aware of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the rear subframe was fr... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C320
(2001) — VISIBILITY
Jun 10, 2022
Incident date: Dec 28, 2019
The contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V918000 (Visibility) 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. Parts distribution d... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SL550
(2009) — SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 10, 2022
Incident date: Nov 15, 2019
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] VIN # [XXX] SL550 2009 Since I bought this car 3 years ago the first day I am using it I got the problem say Reduced Braking Power, Depress Brake Pedal fully. I thought only when the weather is cold but now after 15 minutes minutes I am running on the road losing brake it is scary not only one time its always every 30 minutes now . I am stop using for a while . I try to bring... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2012) — SUSPENSION
Jun 10, 2022
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
I found that the subframe had been recalled in other countries, but not in the united states? The large number of failures on this subframe across multiple models is concerning. This is a gross failure of a major safety component that can cause serious injury or death. My research showed this part has been recalled in Canada; MBUSA feels the need to wait to do so until a serious injury or death... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 10, 2022
Incident date: Jun 8, 2022
While driving the check engine light came on. The inside of the car started to smell like gas. A diagnostic check was performed at the Mercedes dealership and it was determined that there were 2 faults: low boost signal & ME control unit this was due to oil leaking from the crankcase vent line through the engine wiring harness and into the ME (engine module).
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) — ENGINE
Jun 10, 2022
Incident date: Jun 8, 2022
While driving the check engine light came on. The inside of the car started to smell like gas. A diagnostic check was performed at the Mercedes dealership and it was determined that there were 2 faults: low boost signal & ME control unit this was due to oil leaking from the crankcase vent line through the engine wiring harness and into the ME (engine module).
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 10, 2022
Incident date: Jun 8, 2022
While driving the check engine light came on. The inside of the car started to smell like gas. A diagnostic check was performed at the Mercedes dealership and it was determined that there were 2 faults: low boost signal & ME control unit this was due to oil leaking from the crankcase vent line through the engine wiring harness and into the ME (engine module).
MERCEDES-BENZ
B 250E
(2017) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 10, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
the electric motor has suffered a coolant leak. this is a known issue in the Mercedes B250e, Rav4 EV, and Tesla Model S. This issue should be recalled and repaired.
MERCEDES-BENZ
B 250E
(2017) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 10, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
the electric motor has suffered a coolant leak. this is a known issue in the Mercedes B250e, Rav4 EV, and Tesla Model S. This issue should be recalled and repaired.
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2006) — ENGINE
Jun 9, 2022
Incident date: Jun 29, 2018
car suddenly stalled out while driving in traffic and was told that the engine went out, was very dangerous and also seen on the website that 100s of other owners with the same problem and mercedes has not done anything about the problem.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 9, 2022
Incident date: Jun 8, 2022
I recently noticed a noise coming from the left rear side os the car when I would go over the slightest bumps. I was scheduled to have my breaks replaced and when the auto was on the lift, the mechanic noticed that the frame was cracked. The auto has never been involved in any serious accidents. I did some searching on Mercedes Benz forums and there are several references of similar occurrences. T... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML320
(2009) — SUSPENSION
Jun 9, 2022
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
Rear coil springs rusted through and broke resulting in greatly diminished vehicle stability, especially in emergency maneuvers. Have had numerous repair facilities evaluate, including the dealer. All have refused to replace rear springs due to safety risk
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML320
(2009) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 9, 2022
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
Rear coil springs rusted through and broke resulting in greatly diminished vehicle stability, especially in emergency maneuvers. Have had numerous repair facilities evaluate, including the dealer. All have refused to replace rear springs due to safety risk
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2020) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 9, 2022
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
This van is under recall for roll away incidents. The van did roll away and now has $9K worth of damage from hitting a stop sign and a wall. The van has been at MB Stockton Ca for months and months with out a resolution. Mercedes Benz sent us a letter yesterday stating they deny all responsibility and advising us to pick up the van. The recall is not complete. This vehicle is 100% unsafe and now ... Read more
Crash
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC300
(2017) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 9, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
crankcase ventilation valve replacement required confirmed by the dealer. check engine light came on as notification. It appears to be a very standard problem on the the glc300 when they hit 60,000 miles and are out of warranty. $2000 repair
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2022) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 9, 2022
Incident date: Jun 6, 2022
The distronic cruise control system cuts out after a period of seeing no vehicles in front, sometimes an hour, sometimes two hours. But when this happens, it then begins disabling other safety systems like emergency braking. There is no way to quickly reset the system. I spoke with the Mercedes Benz Dealer about this (van is brand new and this happened twice on my first trip) and I was told that t... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2022) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Jun 9, 2022
Incident date: Jun 6, 2022
The distronic cruise control system cuts out after a period of seeing no vehicles in front, sometimes an hour, sometimes two hours. But when this happens, it then begins disabling other safety systems like emergency braking. There is no way to quickly reset the system. I spoke with the Mercedes Benz Dealer about this (van is brand new and this happened twice on my first trip) and I was told that t... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) — SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 8, 2022
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
Brake booster starting to squel and squeak. Brakes Not feeling as firm Driver seat leather was torn at stitching.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2009) — SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 8, 2022
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
K frame and sub frame deteriorates. There is a recall in Canada.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C 300
(2022) — SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 8, 2022
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
When I brake the car makes a clunking noise and I can feel a thumping on the brake pedal as I try and bring the car to a stop. This car is brand new. I have owned it for almost 3 weeks and it has less than 100 miles on it. You can both hear and feel the the clunk/thump as you attempt to brake the car. It seems as if it is coming from the drivers side of the car. I actually heard and felt this... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C250
(2012) — ENGINE
Jun 8, 2022
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
AUTO IS LESS THAN 100K MILES EXCELLENT CONDITION HAD THE TURBO GASKET GO BAD ON THE AUTO. OIL LEAKING IN THE MAIN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ON GROUND DUE TO THE GASKET ISSUE. COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO ENGINE AND TURBO. GASKET SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE BAD. WHILE AT THE MECHANICS SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME EXACT MODEL OF MERCEDES, NOT SURE THE YEAR BUT IDENTICAL BODY STYLE. REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED ON 06/07/... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2019) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 8, 2022
Incident date: May 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V365000 (Electrical System, Communication) 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 not made aware of the issu... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2019) — COMMUNICATION
Jun 8, 2022
Incident date: May 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V365000 (Electrical System, Communication) 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 not made aware of the issu... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML320
(2007) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Jun 8, 2022
Incident date: May 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML320. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealers Mercedes-Benz of Seattle (2025 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98134:(206) 324-5959) and Mercedes-Benz of Lynnwood (17800 Hwy 99, Lynnwood, WA 98037:(425) 409-2574) were contacted. The co... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
R350
(2008) — SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 8, 2022
Incident date: Jun 8, 2019
Every time I braked, car not stop until very close to the car in front of me. Couples time I hit the car in front of me. Sometime I have to slam the brakes very hard, but the car still move forward.
MERCEDES-BENZ
B 250E
(2017) — ENGINE
Jun 8, 2022
Incident date: May 16, 2022
When trying to leave a shopping complex in my Mercedes Benz B250e, the vehicle suddenly just wouldn't move in either drive or reverse. All instruments looked normal, there were no warnings or messages on the console, and the vehicle was fully charged, but the electric motor just would not engage even though the transmission was engaged. The vehicle was towed to the nearness Mercedes Benz dealers... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
B 250E
(2017) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 8, 2022
Incident date: May 16, 2022
When trying to leave a shopping complex in my Mercedes Benz B250e, the vehicle suddenly just wouldn't move in either drive or reverse. All instruments looked normal, there were no warnings or messages on the console, and the vehicle was fully charged, but the electric motor just would not engage even though the transmission was engaged. The vehicle was towed to the nearness Mercedes Benz dealers... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
B 250E
(2017) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 8, 2022
Incident date: May 16, 2022
When trying to leave a shopping complex in my Mercedes Benz B250e, the vehicle suddenly just wouldn't move in either drive or reverse. All instruments looked normal, there were no warnings or messages on the console, and the vehicle was fully charged, but the electric motor just would not engage even though the transmission was engaged. The vehicle was towed to the nearness Mercedes Benz dealers... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GL350
(2012) — AIR BAGS
Jun 7, 2022
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V081000 (Air Bags) and 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GL350
(2012) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Jun 7, 2022
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V081000 (Air Bags) and 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2006) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 7, 2022
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
Since my significant others and I purchased this 2006 Mercedes Benz SUV - ML-350, over three months ago, we were wondering why the "Engine check light was always on" so we purchased (4) sensors and replaced the sensors of where OBD tests pointed out for the engine, deleted the Engine Check Light several times but it will go back on after we driven it for another 50 to 100 miles away to normal high... Read more