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: Feb 4, 2025

The pickup has had issue with being very difficult to come out of park. Upon searching internet is seems this is very common and expensive to fix being one of two (or both) things. The shift cable linkage and bushings premature wear, or the valve body release allowing the shifter to be removed from park. Either way concern is this will fail causing inability to shift safely into park and prevent a... Read more

Incident date: Jan 31, 2025

The upper deck portion of the 5th wheel frame has been moving independently of the walls which is commonly referred to as "frame flex" or "frame failure", as evidenced by the following: a gap between the wall and floor in the bedroom above the upper deck, pin box receding into the trailer, loose, bent, and missing lag bolts which connect the upper deck to the frame, irregular slide operation in t... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2025

Fuse box

Incident date: Mar 21, 2024

Using the seat belt with the safe lock feature for rear facing, the car seat becomes loose within 2-3 times using it with my daughter. We have to have her out, undo the safe lock and pull the seat belt tight again to refasten it.

Incident date: Feb 26, 2025

I feel unsafe driving my car. My car could break down in the middle of nowhere at night, or worse. 2019 Subaru Outback **2023** October 2023 - Battery drain begins; neighbor/Darrel jump-starts repeatedly. - **First battery replacement** (Advance Auto Parts). - Driver-side window switch/trunk latch malfunctions. - Subaru of Kennesaw fails to diagnose drain; advises "electronic r... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2025

The infotainment system randomly goes crazy - as if a ghost is touching the screen. This causes navigation to sudden stop, phone calls to randomly be made, the music to turn on and off, all sorts of other odd things. It can be highly distracting and even dangerous when it impacts navigation. This happens randomly and frequently and has been going on for about 6-7 months. Date below is approxim... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2025

The Auto Start/Stop caused the starter to malfunction and burned out the battery and starter, causing the vehicle to stop in the middle of the highway and requiring it to be towed and now repaired. This has happened multiple times since we purchased the vehicle.

Incident date: Feb 25, 2025

When I pump gas in the tank. It keeps stopping and it will not allow me to put more gas in the tank. Also the gas hand on the dashboard stays at half full. I don’t know how much gas is really in the tank. And electrical the passenger window will not let down on the driver side. I can’t let the window down from the driver side.

Incident date: Feb 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel vibrated, and the vehicle stalled. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred a short distance later. Neither the dealer nor independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was n... Read more

Incident date: Nov 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. Additionally, after stopping at a traffic light, the vehicle fishtailed while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the cruise control feature was inoperable. The ABS, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 25, 2024

Incident date: Feb 24, 2025

First time it happened was on November 28th 2024 around 8pm, turned de engine on, selected the reverse gear and stepped on the gas, the reverse gear was selected but the gear didn't worked at all. I almost hit a car that was passing on the street. I out the gear on drive and got the message "reduced acceleration". I believe that is a known issue by GM's 10 speed gearbox. The car is at the dealersh... Read more

Incident date: Jan 23, 2025

I'm following up on tracking number 11642264 that was submitted on Feb 12th for my 2012 GMC Sierra 2500 HD ignition lock issue that fits the profile for a current recall . I haven't heard anything and am checking on the current status. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident date: Feb 24, 2025

As mentioned in the dealership report, Kia denied my request to repair a recall on the motor. My car still has warranty on the motor up to 15 years and 150,000 miles.

Incident date: Feb 10, 2025

Brake booster and pump failing. Traction light, brake light, and ABS light all came on at once on February 23. 2025. I brought my car to a Toyota dealership the next day and paid for a diagnostic. I was told the brakes could give out at any time if I do not get the parts listed above replaced. This is a danger to me and to others on the road. I was told the parts would take a few days to get order... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2025

On [XXX] I was driving @ 55 MPH. The engine made a loud noise, and completely lost all power and controls. Truck went into natural, all dashboard and screens went black. One I was able to come to a stop the vehicle put itself in park. Truck was towed to Jim Butler in Fenton, MO. I was told by the shop that the 6.2L engine in my truck had a catastrophic failure and needed a new engine. The complete... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2025

While driving towards our friends place, an alert came up saying "Steering Assist reduced" with error code GTW_w075. The car was running at about 60 to 65 mph and at that speed l, we didn't notice much issue in handling the car. When we were leaving for home, the alert was still active and at that time, we realized that the steering was extremely difficult to use. Herculean effort was required to ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that upon arriving at the destination and attempting to reverse into a parking space, the transmission failed to shift into reverse even though the gear shifter was in reverse. The vehicle failed to shift back into drive, prompting the contact to turn off and restart the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal fu... Read more

Incident date: Feb 24, 2025

When driving the vehicle it would not accelerate beyond 31 mph. We were in traffic so not being able to drive the speed limit posed a risk of other vehicles hitting us. Also when merging into highway speed traffic this was very unsafe. No warning limits or check engine lights came on and the dealer can not replicate the issue nor can they tell us why this happened.

Incident date: Feb 18, 2025

*Background information: Vehicle was purchased in 2012 from Williams Honda in Elmira, N.Y. I purchased this vehicle from my aunt on [XXX], with 48,301 miles and vehicle has been registered and driven in Florida since 2019. Vehicle’s VIN and sticker is 04/2012 just four months after current recall. American Honda Case Number [XXX]. *Friday, [XXX], while I was driving through a neighborhood the t... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2025

Incident date: Jan 23, 2025

I cranked my vehicle and it sounded very loud. Almost a knocking sound. After I turned it off I checked the oil. There was no oil showing on the dip stick. I had no oil in my driveway or had no signs of oil burning at any time. I added 3 qts of oil and took it to a local Firestone auto and had the oil change. The mechanic said he saw no leaks. He mentioned to me that several people have had an iss... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2025

Braking for no reason slam on the breaks so hard we all got so scare. Also the rear brakes engaging with no obstacles on the way.it felts like I hit something. took to the the dealer of purchase and very much make me field like I was insane. and what the technician did was turning off the automatic breaking system. that was the solution. now at when I turn right of left it makes a ticking noise on... Read more

Incident date: Jul 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the doors failed to close properly. The contact stated that the doors remained ajar while attempting to close the doors. The door ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V652000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The vehicle was repaired but the failure recu... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2025

AEB came standard on my 2024 Corvette. It has never worked since the day I bought it [XXX]. The selling dealer, Service Chevrolet in Lafayette La. worked on it and GM said all systems checked OK. BUT THE AEB STILL DID NOT WORK. GM suggested another GM dealer try to fix it. The second GM dealer reported GM techs would not recommend anything because system tested OK. BUT AEB STILL DID NOT WORK. Thi... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that during inclement weather, water was entering the cabin of the vehicle through the passenger’s side glove box. The contact stated that due to the failure, mold had developed throughout the vehicle on the carpet, doors, and interior seats. The contact's husband also discovered that water had entered the computer module after inspecting ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle surged, and the failure progressed while driving at faster speeds. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the parts were ordered. The ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2025

Twice the shift to park function of the vehicle has failed, once in 2020 and again in 2025, it appear that there is a recall for the year make and model vehicle, but for some reason my particular VIN in not included in this recall. The recall needs to be expanded to address this safety issue.

Incident date: Feb 13, 2025

Approximately January 2022, several warning lights illuminated on my dash in conjuction with a warning chime. The warning lights and chime occurred intermittently. My truck was taken to the dealership with only 9710 miles on the odometer. A scan showed a code of C0020-01 ABS pump motor control general electrical failure. Approximately 5 months later a new part arrived and was installed on the ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Th... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Peterbilt 587. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unaware of a warning light being illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to West Truck Services Center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump had failed. The vehicle was then towed to ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Altima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V521000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The contact called the dealer and made an appointment; however, the contact was informed that the part might not be available for the appointment. The contact arrived for the appointment and was informed 3 hours later that the part needed for the repair was no... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2025

Frame failure on my Jayco Pinnacle 36 5th wheel RV is the issue. The frame welds have cracked where the front overhangs and the pin box attaches to the truck pulling the 5th wheel thus causing outer cracking of the exterior fiberglass. The steel used in the frame does not stand up to the flexing as a result of moving down the highway. An investigation needs to be opened into this problem as the fr... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac XTS. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the hazard lights unintendedly illuminated, and all the doors failed to unlock as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,200.

Incident date: Feb 3, 2025

2021 Ford Bronco® and 2022—2023 Ford Transit® Van — 360-Degree and Rearview Camera Recall (23S48). I have taken my Van in 4 times to fix this issue, and it is still not fixed but it is marked as fixed on your website. Randomly the back up cameras on all sides will stop working and go blue or green with no image.

Incident date: Feb 17, 2025

Emission system failure. Code P2459 Regeneration Frequency. Overheating of the DPF while stuck in regen cycle causes burning smell and diesel fumes in the cabin while driving. Suspected vehicle on fire. Date of incident 01/25/2025. Vehicle at dealership for repair 01/28/2025. Dealership repair unsuccessful following STAR approved process of elimination. Vehicle returned to dealer 02/18/2025 for sa... Read more

Incident date: Feb 17, 2025

Incident date: Dec 24, 2024

I am the original owner. Had the compressor fail on year 4 (got it replaced)and now in year 6 the evaporator has failed. Dealer inspected and determined both. In Phoenix, AZ with heat advisories throughout the summer it’s not safe/healthy to be in the car exposed to such heat. It seems the entire A/C system is flawed but extended warranties only apply to condenser and compressor.

Incident date: Feb 18, 2025

This has happened a few times. I go to pull out of a parking lot needing to cross traffic and the truck hesitates and then feels like it punches it across the intersection. I’ve had people have to slam on their brakes thinking I just stalled in the middle. Should have been able to make it with no incident but I just avoid trying to cross quickly now.

Incident date: Feb 18, 2025

1. The ABS brake module has failed. We have gone into the dealership twice over the past year and a half and they have said they will order the parts and call us back and we have never received a call. When I called to try to get it resolved the parts department at the dealership says there is an Engineering hold note on the parts that has been there for over a year with no other details. This par... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2025

It burns oil excessively Stalls out while driving Stability traction control comes on Timing chain has to be replaced now Fuel pump needs replacement All this happened at same time My cost is 2700.00

Incident date: Feb 12, 2025

While driving almost complete loss of steering. Very hard to turn. After a battery reset, it corrected, but very short lived. I was able to get the vehicle home, but has been undriveable since. Now there is absolutely no steering at all, the rack and pinion is completely locked. The only warning light is the "service power steering" light on the dash, no codes in the computer. Through research, ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 17, 2025

the center console screen begins developing subsurface oil spots at 100,000 miles. these cause glare, inhibiting visibility, and phantom touches, inhibiting use of the system. this loss of ability to control the primary information system in the vehicle produces safety issues in distractions to the driver and inability to access vehicle information such as the map. I recently had a low fuel warnin... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 2024

Kept getting a misfire on cylinder 2 after ford preformed a “recall” on the power train control system well the car now has coolant leaking into the number two cylinder causing it to shake violently and complete loss of power luckily my wife was able to pull safely off the roadway with my [XXX] son present before losing control and having an accident INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREE... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2025

Every time I am on a two lane road and am navigating a right hand curve at any speed and a white car or truck is in oncoming traffic, in their lane, the vehicle alerts me to brake. The system beeps and flashes BRAKE! on the instrument panel. This happens each time as if the cameras are not calibrated correctly. It's incredibly annoying and happens every time even with the system turned down as l... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2025

Upon starting the vehicle, the following all fail: Adaptive Cruise Control Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance

Incident date: May 2, 2024

We aren't sure what happened exactly. We drove the car 10 minutes from my house to my work, and it started smoking when she parked. The car eventually caught fire and was completely destroyed, including damage to the structure it was parked next to. USAA has the car currently. My safety was put at risk because the car spontaneously caught fire and burned itself, and nearly burned the structure... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Feb 9, 2025

Motor locked up

Incident date: Dec 24, 2024

Radio stopped working

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

Read more from our blog