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 C63
(2017) — STEERING
Jun 6, 2021
Incident date: Jun 5, 2021
The electronic rear axle differential lock is inoperative; NHTSA previously issued a recall but I was never given a date to fix by the manufacturer.
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG C63S
(2016) — STEERING
Jun 5, 2021
Incident date: Jun 5, 2021
The steering wheel won’t go up or down The auxiliary ratidator keeps getting damaged from road debris my 3 time replacing it
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG C63S
(2016) — ENGINE
Jun 5, 2021
Incident date: Jun 5, 2021
The steering wheel won’t go up or down The auxiliary ratidator keeps getting damaged from road debris my 3 time replacing it
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC300
(2017) — ENGINE
Jun 4, 2021
Incident date: Dec 21, 2018
2017 MERCEDES BENZ GLC 300. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE MISFIRE, SPARK PLUGS AND CYLINDERS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE HAS BEEN REBUILT TWICE BUT, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLB 250
(2020) — STRUCTURE
Jun 4, 2021
Incident date: Apr 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact stated that the rear tailgate of the vehicle would not raise above 10-12 inches. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21V231000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the dealer refused to service the recall and referre... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C250
(2014) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Jun 4, 2021
Incident date: Jun 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250W. The contact stated while attempting to start the ignition when entering the key. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the unknown ignition component to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufact... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2012) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 4, 2021
Incident date: Jun 4, 2021
The key in the electronic ignition switch is not recognized causing the car to suddenly throw itself into park while the vehicle is still in motion, at speeds as high as 6 mph, per service bulletin #LI54.25-P-056472. The issue is intermittent and unpredictable and puts the driver at great risk of an accident because the car stops violently and without warning to the cars behind. The car can be put... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2006) — ENGINE
Jun 3, 2021
Incident date: May 30, 2021
The crankshaft pulley is a two piece item. When excessive pressure is on it the pieces separate and disable the car. Upon replacing the belt or belt tensioner more pressure is exerted on the crankshaft pulley. Thus it fails and again disables the vehicle. When doing either of the replacement tasks Mercedes fails to check this or mention it to customers. Thus months later it fails and previous... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA250
(2015) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 3, 2021
Incident date: Jan 27, 2020
I checked the Carfax report for my car and there is a minor damage reported on 01/27/2020. It s not correct. My car never had any damage. Never. And there`s nothing there showing who did this report so I understand that it is a mistake and should be fixed please. Thank you.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE350
(2017) — COMMUNICATION
Jun 2, 2021
Incident date: Mar 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the over-the-air software update would... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE350
(2017) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 2, 2021
Incident date: Mar 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the over-the-air software update would... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C280
(2007) — VISIBILITY
Jun 2, 2021
Incident date: Dec 18, 2019
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 280. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V918000 (VISIBILITY) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall rep... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E 450
(2020) — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK
Jun 2, 2021
Incident date: Oct 12, 2020
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E450. The contact stated while attempting to open and close the door, the door failed to remain open. Additionally, on several occasions, the door closed independently. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was awaiting a callback. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
MERCEDES-BENZ
SL550
(2013) — STEERING
Jun 1, 2021
Incident date: May 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550. The contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced at a tire shop, he was informed that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering assembly needed to be replaced. Upon investigation,... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2017) — COMMUNICATION
Jun 1, 2021
Incident date: May 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) 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 local dealer claimed that the manufacturer was responsible for the recall rep... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2017) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 1, 2021
Incident date: May 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) 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 local dealer claimed that the manufacturer was responsible for the recall rep... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 3500
(2017) — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Jun 1, 2021
Incident date: Apr 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the cruise control disengaged as the ABS and ESP warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over and read the owner's manual to get information on the failure. Upon restart, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V042000... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) — STEERING
May 30, 2021
Incident date: May 7, 2021
Steering failed at low speeds. Something broke. Caused me to lose complete steering. Very scary and dangerous
Crash
1 injured
MERCEDES-BENZ
C350
(2006) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
May 30, 2021
Incident date: May 30, 2021
Fuel flex line from firewall to Fuel rail is leaking at both connections, ie. both ends at the swaged fitting.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C350
(2006) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
May 30, 2021
Incident date: May 30, 2021
Fuel flex line from firewall to Fuel rail is leaking at both connections, ie. both ends at the swaged fitting.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2015) — AIR BAGS
May 29, 2021
Incident date: Apr 5, 2021
Passenger side airbag light keeps coming on when someone is sitting in the car. My electrical system shuts off and on and goes haywire
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2015) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 29, 2021
Incident date: Apr 5, 2021
Passenger side airbag light keeps coming on when someone is sitting in the car. My electrical system shuts off and on and goes haywire
MERCEDES-BENZ
S63
(2015) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 29, 2021
Incident date: May 28, 2021
Stress crack in panoramic glass sunroof from the front stretching to the back. It occurred while driving with no impact of any objects around.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2020) — AIR BAGS
May 28, 2021
Incident date: May 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that upon driving through an intersection at 40 mph, another vehicle had run a stoplight. The contact swerved in an attempted to avoid the vehicle, however, she had hit the vehicle's rear driver side tire weld. The contact stated that the driver-side airbag did not deploy upon impact; however, the passenger-side airbag, where her mot... Read more
Crash
1 injured
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350
(2018) — TIRES
May 28, 2021
Incident date: Dec 15, 2020
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that the thread on three of his tires (tires unknown) were critically low and needed replaced. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V123000 (Tires). The contact had made an appointment and brought the vehicle back to the same dealer where he was inform... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) — AIR BAGS
May 28, 2021
Incident date: May 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the driver’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who cleared the code. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,541.
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML430
(2000) — ENGINE
May 27, 2021
Incident date: May 26, 2021
The contact owned a 2000 Mercedes Benz ML430. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph the ABS light had illuminated and smoke was present coming from the steering column. Moments later flames were present coming from under the hood and the subframe of the vehicle. The driver exited the vehicle and the local fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. Du... Read more
Fire
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML430
(2000) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 27, 2021
Incident date: May 26, 2021
The contact owned a 2000 Mercedes Benz ML430. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph the ABS light had illuminated and smoke was present coming from the steering column. Moments later flames were present coming from under the hood and the subframe of the vehicle. The driver exited the vehicle and the local fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. Du... Read more
Fire
MERCEDES-BENZ
G63
(2017) — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
May 27, 2021
Incident date: Jan 29, 2021
Dear NHTSA Please consider this a formal complaint against Mercedes-Benz for completely defective ABS and EPS systems which control handling, dynamic stability, and anti-lock braking. The “Defective” designation is theirs, rather than a notice to service or that the systems were merely off-line or required repair. The failure notice was issued by the car itself. These critical system failures... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
G63
(2017) — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
May 27, 2021
Incident date: Jan 29, 2021
Dear NHTSA Please consider this a formal complaint against Mercedes-Benz for completely defective ABS and EPS systems which control handling, dynamic stability, and anti-lock braking. The “Defective” designation is theirs, rather than a notice to service or that the systems were merely off-line or required repair. The failure notice was issued by the car itself. These critical system failures... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C 300 4MATIC
(2018) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 27, 2021
Incident date: May 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 4matic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the equipment needed to perform the repair was not available. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the repai... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C 300 4MATIC
(2018) — COMMUNICATION
May 27, 2021
Incident date: May 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 4matic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the equipment needed to perform the repair was not available. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the repai... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E300
(2017) — POWER TRAIN
May 27, 2021
Incident date: May 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while attempting to move the gear shifter from neutral to reverse or to drive, the gear shifter failed to move. The gear shifter returned to the neutral position. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the power train control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2009) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
May 26, 2021
Incident date: May 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she became aware that the vehicle was leaking fuel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was related the failure to an unknown recal... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2009) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
May 26, 2021
Incident date: May 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she became aware that the vehicle was leaking fuel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was related the failure to an unknown recal... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2013) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
May 26, 2021
Incident date: May 9, 2021
A Summary of the May 9, 2021, event follows: 6:30 a.m: I Woke up, put on gym clothes and shoes and drove to gym (1 mile from home). 7:01:40 a.m. Turned into the gym parking lot and slowly inched into a parking space. (my Mercedes rides low in the front so I pull in slowly so the block will not scrape my bumper). 7:02:00 a.m. As I pull slowly into the parking space the car stalls and the engine beg... Read more
Crash
1 injured
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2013) — ENGINE
May 26, 2021
Incident date: May 9, 2021
A Summary of the May 9, 2021, event follows: 6:30 a.m: I Woke up, put on gym clothes and shoes and drove to gym (1 mile from home). 7:01:40 a.m. Turned into the gym parking lot and slowly inched into a parking space. (my Mercedes rides low in the front so I pull in slowly so the block will not scrape my bumper). 7:02:00 a.m. As I pull slowly into the parking space the car stalls and the engine beg... Read more
Crash
1 injured
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2013) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 26, 2021
Incident date: May 9, 2021
A Summary of the May 9, 2021, event follows: 6:30 a.m: I Woke up, put on gym clothes and shoes and drove to gym (1 mile from home). 7:01:40 a.m. Turned into the gym parking lot and slowly inched into a parking space. (my Mercedes rides low in the front so I pull in slowly so the block will not scrape my bumper). 7:02:00 a.m. As I pull slowly into the parking space the car stalls and the engine beg... Read more
Crash
1 injured
MERCEDES-BENZ
C 300
(2020) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 25, 2021
Incident date: Apr 6, 2020
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that her son was driving at an undisclosed speed when another vehicle's muffler detached and crashed into the undercarriage of the contact's vehicle. The front driver and passenger side tires exploded and fractured the rims. The contact stated that the vehicle's alert system failed to warn her son of the incoming object which resulted ... Read more
Crash
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2012) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 25, 2021
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
1. Backup camera will periodically display a blank screen when shifted into reverse. System has to be shutdown and restarted to get the camera to work again. Tends to happen on rainy days when camera most needed. No accident has occurred as a result to date. Date of last occurrence is an approximation. 2. Distronic Plus system (Adaptive cruise) will disengage unexpectedly when coming to a stop ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2012) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
May 25, 2021
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
1. Backup camera will periodically display a blank screen when shifted into reverse. System has to be shutdown and restarted to get the camera to work again. Tends to happen on rainy days when camera most needed. No accident has occurred as a result to date. Date of last occurrence is an approximation. 2. Distronic Plus system (Adaptive cruise) will disengage unexpectedly when coming to a stop ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 25, 2021
Incident date: May 20, 2021
Mercedes dealership mechanic found rear subframe rusted through on 5/20/21 during oil change. Mechanic advised car is unsafe to drive, subframe can break apart while driving and cause accident. Dealership also advised this is a known issue with my model/year vehicle but currently no recall for it in the US, but there is a recall for this issue in Canada. I called Mercedes Benz USA customer care an... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA250
(2016) — AIR BAGS
May 24, 2021
Incident date: Jun 26, 2020
I was involved in an accident and hit on the drivers side front and back door. I thought it was weird the airbags did not deploy. I had over $100k in medical bills and still require another surgery.
Crash
1 injured
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG C43
(2018) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 24, 2021
Incident date: May 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) 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 manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG C43
(2018) — COMMUNICATION
May 24, 2021
Incident date: May 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) 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 manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA250
(2016) — ENGINE
May 24, 2021
Incident date: May 22, 2021
Automatic start /stop failed on highway car would not move, almost caused an accident. This has been repaired twice and now it has happened again. CLIENT STATES VEHICLE CUTS OFF AT IDLE Cause: . Correction: 540650 ON-BOARD POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGE MAINTAIN (WHEN CHECKING/ TESTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING) Tech Number: 20 Labor Type: WNC8 541011 PERFORM QUICK TEST Tech Number: 20 Labor Type: WNC8 275002 R... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA250
(2016) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 24, 2021
Incident date: May 22, 2021
Automatic start /stop failed on highway car would not move, almost caused an accident. This has been repaired twice and now it has happened again. CLIENT STATES VEHICLE CUTS OFF AT IDLE Cause: . Correction: 540650 ON-BOARD POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGE MAINTAIN (WHEN CHECKING/ TESTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING) Tech Number: 20 Labor Type: WNC8 541011 PERFORM QUICK TEST Tech Number: 20 Labor Type: WNC8 275002 R... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 3500
(2014) — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
May 24, 2021
Incident date: Oct 12, 2020
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the rear wheel speed sensor failed causing the transmission to inadvertently downshift. The contact stated that the abs warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the rear wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was re... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 3500
(2019) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 24, 2021
Incident date: May 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number 21V055000 (Electrical System) and 21V152000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 3500
(2019) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
May 24, 2021
Incident date: May 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number 21V055000 (Electrical System) and 21V152000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of ... Read more