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: Jan 1, 2026

Supplemental Update – Ongoing Safety Concerns and Extended Loss of Use Since submitting my initial complaint, my leased Hyundai vehicle (VIN [XXX] ) has now been presented for service for the third time for the same unresolved safety-related issues. The vehicle has been held by the dealership for eight (8) consecutive days during this service visit with no resolution and no clear timeline for... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

See attached document for complaint. I am writing to report that I have tried several times to have my 2014 Ford Explorer repaired for safety recall 24S02/NHTSA recall 24V031. I was told that no one had the parts for the repair. I live in Clermont, Florida, and I have contacted that Ford location multiple times along with other Ford dealers in the central Florida area. How can I get my Ford repai... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

At 48,445 miles, the vehicle's engine experienced a catastrophic internal failure involving Cylinders 4 and 6. The failure resulted in a sudden loss of motive power and engine misfires while the vehicle was in operation, creating a severe safety hazard and risk of stalling in active traffic. A certified mechanic performed a cylinder leak-down and compression test, confirming internal engine failur... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

Abs and traction control showing error and alert all the time.

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

I hit a deer head on going 70 miles per hour and the air bags never deployed

Crash

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

On five separate occasions the airbag system on my car has become inoperable. Starting in July 2025 I noticed an airbag error on the display of the vehicle. I brought the car in for service and they replaced the steering wheel. The airbag error occurred again in August, this time requiring replacement of a different wiring harness. The error occurred again and again went in for service in November... Read more

Incident date: Dec 25, 2025

While charging at a level 2 charger (6 kW) the car stop charging at 61% for no apparent reason. I was unable to restart charging. Within 2-3 minutes of starting the car and driving, received a warning to “check the vehicle electrical system” and then within another minute or two, another warning to “stop vehicle and check power supply.” I was traveling under 20 mph the entire time.

Incident date: Jan 3, 2026

When attempting to accelerate rapidly (I.e. passing gear) the engine immediately begins to lose power. Audi dealer investigated and determined it was “TURBO LAG”. This situation happened multiple times at different speeds. When trying to accelerate to pass another vehicle or to merge onto a freeway are the scariest and most dangerous instances. Taking your foot off the accelerator does allow t... Read more

Incident date: Dec 23, 2025

The vehicle experienced an unintended acceleration in which it unexpectedly increased speed without any input from the driver. At no point was the gas pedal depressed, yet the vehicle accelerated on its own. This sudden and uncommanded movement occurred without warning and was inconsistent with normal vehicle operation, leaving the driver with no intentional control over the acceleration. Followi... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

The lifters failed at 64,000 miles they where replaced under warranty. but now the lifters are making noise again with 71,000 miles since replaced. it’s a bad design that could be fixed permanently with the right parts! No warning lights just failure.

Incident date: Jan 2, 2026

Driving on highway at 60mph while towing a travel trailer and the rear tires briefly locked up, the check engine light came on with an explanation mark (!) and the dash displaying a major warning. The truck went into "limp mode." Computer code read P0747. Dealer confirmed issue and replaced valve body. Truck had 22,000 miles. Appears 2023 vehicles should be added to the original recall for long-... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2025

I currently have a 2016 Chev Colorado with a intermittent power steering issue. It stops sometimes without warning in which it makes it very difficult to drive especially if you have no warning to this issue. I am sure this is a extra unsafe condition to deal with. I have seen that the 2015 was recalled for the same issue. I have seen many complaints while researching this issue with exactly the s... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2025

The vehicle experienced a sudden and progressive transmission failure during normal driving conditions. Symptoms included harsh shifting, delayed engagement, loss of power transfer, and eventual inability to reliably propel the vehicle. The failure created a safety risk due to unexpected loss of acceleration and unpredictable drivetrain behavior while in traffic. The transmission issue was not the... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2025

Component or System Involved Engine and internal lubrication system. The engine and related components are available for inspection upon request. Description of the Problem In January 2025, this vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure and seized. An independent repair facility inspected the engine and reported metal fragments in the engine oil, indicating internal engine damage. The veh... Read more

Incident date: Dec 31, 2025

Had car in for regular service. No problems reported by service department. Immediately after leaving the dealer, less than 1 mile away, a warning message came up on the screen that the car "may have experienced a charging/electrical event, and to contact my dealer immediately of service. Risk of system failure. I immediately returned to the dealer, and they did a quick diagnostic check, which rev... Read more

Incident date: Oct 25, 2017

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact was adding one quart of oil weekly. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at 25 MPH, but was able to restart. While at a stoplight, the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal knocking and rattling sound coming from the engine. The engine warning l... Read more

Incident date: Dec 31, 2025

THE REAR VIEW CAMERA IS TOTALLY DARK AND I CANNOT SEE ANYTHING WHILE IT IS ENGAGED. THERE IS A RECALL ALREADY FOR SOME MODEL YEARS BUT NOT FOR MY ALFA ROMEO GUILIA 2018. I WANT THIS YEAR TO BE INLCUDED IN THE RECALL ALSO.

Incident date: Jan 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 BMW X7. The contact stated that while his wife was driving, the braking system malfunctioned, and the vehicle hesitated to respond upon depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where a software update was performed, and the vehi... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2026

I purchased this 2014 Acura RDX in 2016, a Certified Pre-Owned with original 28,000 miles, from Price Acura in Dover, DE. VIN # [XXX] . The car is very well maintained; garage kept and consistently follows the regular maintenance schedule. The current mileage is 143,968. I have voiced my concern to the Price Acura dealership regarding the ongoing issue with the headlights. The combination of hea... Read more

Incident date: Dec 25, 2025

Loss of engine power when transmission shifts from 3rd gear to 2nd gear. Truck will unexpectedly loose ability to accelerate, typically until shift to 1st or 3rd gear occurs. Return of power can cause vehicle to accelerate rapidly and unexpectedly. Malfunctions typically happens in parking lots and while yielding to make a turn, but also happens in stop and go traffic. Concerned of loss of accel... Read more

Incident date: Nov 13, 2020

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to come to a stop, the contact heard an abnormal metal-to-metal sound coming from the front passenger-side brakes. Additionally, the vehicle was delayed in responding, causing the braking distance to be extended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the deal... Read more

Incident date: Nov 13, 2020

Failed/leaking coolant heat exchanger which is integrated into the rear catalytic converter assembly. This seems to be a well-known issue with 2017-2020 Kia Niros. Leaks cause overheating of the engine or no heat in the vehicle and potential blown head gaskets. This issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. Car itself gave no messages or warnings regarding the leak.

Incident date: Dec 24, 2025

Check engine light was flashing and the car wouldn’t accelerate up to speed, wouldn’t turn over when tried to start.

Incident date: Dec 7, 2025

My Seltos transmission heats up to such an extent that I have to get out of the car and park it for 45 minutes to have it cooled down. Has only 25k miles in it. Took to the dealership and they say nothing is wrong. Numerous reported issues of the same kind on Kia message boards regarding the same issue. Something to do with the dual clutch system and start/stop function

Incident date: Dec 25, 2025

On [XXX], my grandson and I went to the Nissan Dealership, 1777 N. Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 7080 to inquire about a safety recall of the key fob for a 2017 Nissan Rogue. My grandson was told that he could make an appointment for the dealership to insert a block in the fob so the key remains in the extended position. That position is very difficult to carry in a men's pants pocket. It ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 13, 2025

My back up camera started going in an out and now i have a blue screen with no visibility from the camera it has recently started doing a black and white lines as well. I did speak with ford and stated there is a recall for the cameras but i have not received a notice so therefore they cannot perform the software update. I am elder and use my camera for extra safety when backing up.

Incident date: Dec 14, 2025

Driving along on freeway and vehicle immediately shut down in the middle lane. From my investigation I found out Ford issued a TSB (15-0137) indicating crank no start, loss of RPM. This vehicle shut down and failure had put me at risk on a freeway where everyone is doing 65 miles an hour at night. My findings after pulling the melted fuse out and putting it back in the vehicle started up. My conce... Read more

Incident date: Nov 20, 2025

Over 2 years ago I took my vehicle in for an oil change and asked them to drive it and see why it sometimes pulls the steering when going around a curve to the left. they drove it and said it never did pull. Since then, it now pulls to the right when going around curves to the right also. It is doing it more frequently and I am in fear that it will either cause me to go off the road or hit some... Read more

Incident date: Nov 20, 2025

On multiple occasions, maybe up to 10, the software controlling the dashboard LCD screens reset while driving and completely goes black. Almost everything in the car is controlled through the head unit. I use the vehicle for highway commuting and it happens at 70+ miles per hour. I have no gauges at all while it is occurring. I don’t have a speedometer. I do not have HVAC controls. I don’t hav... Read more

Incident date: Dec 29, 2025

Since the first day that I got the vehicle to the dealership I just driven it over the night and the engine light came on (check engine light) the sales agent told me that probably it would be the battery so nothing to be worried and also told me that they will take care about it so I drop off the car to the dealer and also I went to be able to see if it was possible to get a return or any other t... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Dec 28, 2025

I have taken my car more times than I can count for recalls in the little time that I have owned my can bought new. My work requires me to drive a lot covering 6 states. Scheduling recall repairs has become a serious issue for me in a two year old car. As it seems that most of the recalls have been fixed except one small one where it sounds like wind is blowing in and the rear view camera and disp... Read more

Incident date: Dec 26, 2025

I own a 2019 F-150 XLT truck with only 56,000 miles. I bought the truck brand new in 2019 and now it only has 56,000 miles! The transmission just failed and is not under warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles and it's frustrating Ford doesn't have any recalls for this Truck. This Truck is unsafe and needed a new 10 speed 1080r transmission. Incident #1-I was on the freeway at 65 miles an hour and ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle in the winter, the coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the coolant sensor needed to be replaced. The coolant sensor was replaced; however, the warning light remained illuminated. The contact related the failure ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle in the State of California, the contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000(Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be registered... Read more

Incident date: Dec 18, 2025

Incident date: Oct 6, 2025

The contact rented a 2016 U-Haul E450. The contact stated that while in the parking lot and placing the vehicle in drive, the contact tapped on the accelerator pedal, then when the brakes were applied and the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact removed her foot from the brake, and it continued to accelerate and crashed into a parked U-Haul truck. There were no reported injuries, fire, airbag... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Dec 18, 2025

the car runs without power when shifted to drive gear. It is sluggish trying to speed up. Took to Ford Dealers on a recall with that is suppose to take care of it..nothing seems to have changed. I am not sure anything was done. trans makes a rough sound starting..

Incident date: Dec 2, 2025

Hi, to whom it may concern my dashboard lights have been on for months now and I’ve taken it to the dealership I purchased my car from and it comes back that it’s the turbo that needs replacing. The pricing of that is ridiculous and I’m currently not the ONLY one with this issue ! It’s an ALL AROUND THE WORLD thing! I’m not sure about anybody else but I don’t have that type of money pl... Read more

Incident date: Dec 24, 2025

Concern: Suspension, steering, and electrical system malfunction Description of the Problem: While driving at highway speeds (approximately 75 mph), the vehicle experiences a wiggling or unstable sensation in the suspension, making the car feel unsafe. At the same time, the steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn. Additionally, a warning message appears stating “Service Shifter.” ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 26, 2025

Vehicle Breaking on Its Own While Driving I am writing to file a formal safety complaint and to demand immediate corporate intervention regarding an extremely dangerous mechanical/ADAS defect. My Nissan Altima has serious, ongoing safety issues where the vehicle will unexpectedly and aggressively apply the brakes on its own while I am driving, including on highways and regular roads. This defect h... Read more

Incident date: Dec 24, 2025

I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, I proceeded to apply the gas and accelerate. I quickly noticed that the vehicle began accelerating at a faster rate than I was intending. The vehicle continued to accelerate without me applying my foot to the gas pedal. Nothing would stop the continued acceleration (application of brake). I crashed into the rear of a vehicle in my lane goi... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Nov 2, 2025

I have a 2020 Acura RDX. In December 2022 I came out to my car and when I opened the door the entire back windshield was shattered like a piece of ice. The glass broke off into little shards all over the back of the car. Also, leaving me to drive my young daughter in the freezing cold. I had it repaired which they were able to fox the glass but not get all the shards out of the car. Yesterday, Dec... Read more

Incident date: Nov 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the dealer had sent a mobile mechanic to the contact's residence to complete the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). During the day, the contact checked the r... Read more

Incident date: Dec 17, 2025

Greetings, I have a base 2016 kia soul manual transmission that I thought was under safety recall for its engine, but when I search it says 0 unrepaired recalls, when I look this up it does claim my vehicle had this problem, but I never had a dealer fix it, I did contact the one I got it from a couple of years ago and asked if my vehicle qualified for the recall since it already has 200,000 miles ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 23, 2025

Two seatbelts failed in the rear of the car. One seatbelt in the third row seat and the middle seatbelt in the 2nd row back seat. This happened in quick succession soon after I purchased the car used from a Kia dealer in Orlando. The seatbelt in the third-row seat seemed to fold up and jam in a way that could not be unjammed. The middle seatbelt in the second row got stuck in its extended position... Read more

Incident date: Dec 23, 2025

Dear NHTSA, There needs to be an immediate recall on this (VIN#: [XXX] ) 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Motor Nightmare. Despite proper maintenance and care, the vehicle has experienced persistent problems that stem from known defects. The engine has a fatal flaw with the head gasket. The high compression turbo engine stretches the head bolts, lifts the cylinder head just enough to blow the gasket cau... Read more

Incident date: Dec 8, 2025

The vehicle experiences an intermittent engine and/or electrical system failure causing the car to losing acceleration while driving. The exact component has not been identified because the failure is intermittent. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The problem has not been duplicated by the dealership, and they have declined to repair the vehicle on that basis. However, the iss... Read more

Incident date: Dec 8, 2025

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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

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