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: Apr 2, 2024

While driving (speed doesn’t matter, highway or city streets) the check hybrid system turn off engine message/code comes on. When u turn off the car and wait for a period of time the it’s not there anymore but the check engine light stays on and the car drive normal until the code comes back up. When the message comes up the engine loses power and and the car just slows down until the car is t... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2024

The rear passenger side door and trunk were unable to be opened resulting in a problem getting my children out of the back seat. The locks would not open with the fob or manually. If I were to get into an accident, I/emergency personnel would have not been able to get my children that are in a car seat out quickly as they would have to either go through the front seat or cut the door off. The car ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2024

See attached document for complaint

Incident date: Apr 20, 2024

Power steering module, which is part of the front steering linkage went out suddenly while driving which resulted in no power assist to steering at 55 mph. From the auto forums, this is not an uncommon issue with the 2016 Ford Explorer yet there has been no recall on it.

Incident date: Apr 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 23, 2024

Regarding my 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Rear Window Cracks Around Rear Glass Frame. On [XXX], I took my Gladiator to Jeep dealership to repair leak in roof that wasn't covered under warranty. It was in the seal of the roof panels which they said many Gladiators are experiencing. Paid $402 out of pocket to have those seals repaired. At that service visit, the service attendant advised me that they are a... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2024

I have owned this F-150 since new and most of its life it has been stored indoors. Recently I noted that any time the vehicle is driven in the rain or left outside while it rains, the rear corners of the cab leaks water. The source of that water is a failed seal surrounding the rear window, which I diagnosed in my shop after removing the headliner and other trim in order to observe the leaking wit... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2024

My frame on the truck is rusting and cracking. Toyota issued a recall for 2000-2003 tundras and didn’t include the 2004-2006 tundras. These frames are a danger to the driver and others on the road.

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

Vehicle has stalled over twenty times, whether driving on the highway over 60 mph or driving locally within 20 MPH. Initially stalled December 25, 2022 while driving home on Christmas Day with my entire family, driving full speed on the highway. I felt the stall and pulled over as quickly as I could. Attempted to restart several times and engine would crank but not start until after 5-7 attempts a... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 2024

Coolant level measuring low again. Engine light on on the dash. My mechanic changed spark plug per error code P300 (random misfire) recorded in the car's memory. Plugs were noted as being dirty and advised to use additive to clean it up. Only have $35,000 total miles on the vehicle. There is a known problem that coolant is getting into the cylinders. The following is the Ford documentation. Summ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 2024

My newly purchased 2019 Ford eco-sport with under 40000 miles started having engine malfunctions, and would not accelerate at all. I had it towed to joey Meyers and was told they needed to replace the engine. I had it replaced in October 2023, Which took two months, and now I am Having the same exact engine light come on and my car is slow to accelerate even after replacing the engine. 4 weeks ago... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2024

On April 16, 2024 the Thermo Control Valve on my 2019 Subaru Forester failed while I was going 70 mph in the middle lane of rush hour traffic. All of the warning lights came on at once as my engine stalled. I lost all mechanical power and was barely able to make it off the highway without getting hit. There was no prior warning that the Thermo Control Valve was bad. I had the car serviced at a Sub... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 2024

Car was purchases [XXX]. The braking became unavailable [XXX] while driving on the freeway. Several alerts and warnings came on to the vehicle regarding collision, lane changing. This has happened twice, second time [XXX]. Other issues have included: Car rolls back when foot taken off pedal even when parked on flat ground. Regenerative breaking issues persistent. Multiple alerts and warnings regar... Read more

Incident date: Apr 24, 2024

smudge on rear hatch above window, took to dlr they said maybe I did it. I was told to come back day after day and no record of these visits. When the fixed paint at their shop no paperwork. my radio screen scrambling, going blank, stop working, static sounds coming out, The ignition button wouldn’t turn off There was an update for the lane departure issue, the radio issue there is no current f... Read more

Incident date: Apr 26, 2024

Went in to a certified Honda Dealership because my car that is only 7 years old had an AC that doesn't work. After the diagnostic they said 3 parts were faulty but only 2 were under warranty. To fix all three and fully fix the system it would cost $2200. I live in Minnesota, I don't even use the AC half of the year and it's still broken? Evaporators are supposed to last 10+ years, and with the win... Read more

Incident date: Apr 20, 2024

there is side marker lights issue. it happened 1 one year ago. it was right side. few months later , left side had same problem. I checked up audi q9 with same problem. I found that old model has same issue with recall. I searched audi owner web site, and saw there were so many owner had same problem. however, audi did not declare 2017 Q7.

Incident date: Apr 20, 2024

Heater core went out at 60,000 or even earlier. Antifreeze has been coming out of my vents for weeks. I have kids under 3. The part is back ordered at every dealership ive called.

Incident date: Apr 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the "Service Power Steering" warning light flashed on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the steering wheel felt as if it had seized, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to re... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2022

Ms. Nadine Thomas, who is running for District 44 in Georgia, has served on the Georgia House of Representatives and the Georgia State Senate is my boss and know what I have been through with my vehicle and has heard from KIA in Athens GA that there is nothing they can do. I have a 2017 KIA Optima that I have been having problems with since around 06/2022 or a little before. I have been getting oi... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2022

Car accelerated by itself in Drive. I'd to either apply brake or put the car in Neutral to stop it. When shifted back to D, it auto accelerated. After I got home, shut it off and after 10 min. it started working normally.

Incident date: Feb 18, 2022

Incident date: Apr 22, 2024

While entering into a parking spot at minimal speed, the vehicle experienced an unexpected spontaneous acceleration, causing it to lunge forward, climb onto the curb, and collide with the adjacent building. This resulted mainly in damage to the front end and front passenger door, and the shattering of a large tempered glass window that cushioned the impact. Thankfully, there were no pedestrians on... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 22, 2024

Crash

Incident date: Apr 22, 2024

My vehicle is a 2017 Expedition that had the blower motor recall performed in October 2023. Prior to the recall being performed, we would often have burning smells coming from the blower, so it made sense that the recall was to fix a fire hazard with the blower motor. I observed burned terminals in the electrical connector and assumed they would be replaced as part of the recall. Any reasonable... Read more

Incident date: Apr 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to shake abnormally with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after arriving at a parking structure, the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle w... Read more

Incident date: Apr 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V146000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the dealer would not perform the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the dealer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the trunk independently opened. The contact p... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal smoke odor inside the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was an oil leak in the engine compartment. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failur... Read more

Incident date: Apr 8, 2024

Subject: Urgent Complaint Regarding Honda CRV Fuel Injector Issue Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Team, I am writing to urgently report a safety concern regarding my Honda CRV, and to request a recall and replacement of the fuel injector system. Recently, my Honda CRV experienced a series of warning lights illuminated on the dashboard display. Upon diagnostic examinat... Read more

Incident date: Apr 8, 2024

Booster seat in high back mode has a seatbelt threader that causes the seatbelt to lock inappropriately trapping the child in the seat and/or rendering the seatbelt dysfunctional for use. The seatbelt positioner on the carseat and overall design impede proper use of the vehicle's seatbelt. This happens both when child is in the seat or out of the seat, leading to difficulties either getting the ch... Read more

Incident date: Apr 8, 2024

Incident date: Jan 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds under 45 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and jerked intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,0... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2024

The display screen has spots and fog like symptoms on the screen. Certain angles when the sun hits the screen it is not visible to see what is on the screen like the map or other settings.

Incident date: Apr 23, 2024

Collision Mitigation Braking System malfunctioned on 4/23/24 causing automatic abrupt braking when driving over metal hole cover in road. The braking was so intense the car behind our family nearly collided with our car. In the moment this happened the car was not in driver’s control as a result of malfunction. Contacted local Honda dealer by phone who was familiar with the issue and advised the... Read more

Incident date: Apr 23, 2024

My car started smoking while off and parked after the recall was initiated, and I went through my insurance but they can’t find the problem and I also contacted Hyundai who has never contacted me back. My car is still sitting at Auto Nation Hyundai and nothing has been done. I’m not driving that car with my kids or anyone in it after witnessing that and it’s a symptom of the recall. The car ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 5, 2024

Electric power steering failed. Hard to steer. Risk of accident

Incident date: Apr 5, 2024

Everytime I get gas the car has a hard time starting and most times after it starts it shuts down due to low idling after startup

Incident date: Apr 5, 2024

Incident Report: Model Y Autopilot Anomaly Incident Details: Date and Time: April 18th, 2024, approximately 11:44 AM PST Location: I-405 Northbound Vehicle: 2022 Model Y Autopilot Setting: Full Autopilot engaged at 65 miles per hour Description: While driving my Model Y on I-405 Northbound, I experienced a sudden and unexpected event. As I reached for a bag containing an apple, the car abruptly ve... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2024

The passenger side door keeps unlatching itself. So, when I am driving on a street, I will sometimes occasionally get "Passenger Side door Ajar" warning message that pops up on my dash, and sure enough, the door is open. I have to lean over and quickly slam it shut. I've noticed this happens particularly when driving on a bumpier road. I know there has been similar recalls for this same problem ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru BRZ. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with maintenance failure. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 23, 2024

Soon after I purchased this 2009 Camry in June 2022 with only 59K miles, the dash pad became very sticky and it's producing a glare on the windshield making it hard to see at times. When I called Toyota customer service, I was told the recall for this car was only good for 10 years and had expired. I called the previous owner and he stated that Toyota never notified him of this recall. This is ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2024

Today was the second time the AEB engaged while I was driving with no apparent reason. The first was in Nov 2023 while driving on the interstate at about 70 mph. The AEB engaged, slamming the car to an almost stop, alarm blared for a moment and then the car continued operating with no apparent codes or warning lights. Today it did it again while traveling about 30 mph. I was slowing down to turn i... Read more

Incident date: Mar 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System Gasoline) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 4... Read more

Incident date: Dec 22, 2023

The vehicle initially had a windshield manufacturing defect according to Cadillac Service Center which allowed plenty of water to go inside the vehicle during heavy rain. After the vehicle was serviced weeks later I was driving and the digital dashboard when completely yellow and red. At the same time the automatic brakes activated and I almost got rear ended. They serviced the car again after bei... Read more

Incident date: Apr 19, 2024

Same like my other 2 claims for livery vehicles Vehicle started losing RPMs and jerking while clients on board. Excessive fumes from exhausts started Diagnostics- misfire on a cylinder cause by faulty engine lifters. They all start like that. That also caused a cam shaft damage. Repairs paid out of pocket $14,000 for new engine. Incident happened around first week of December 2023. 200,000 mi... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2024

The center hate LED brake light has water in it and shorted out making visibility of the rear of the vehicle hard to see at night. Dealer told me this is a very common issue and wants over $1000 for me to order another. Dodge needs to fix this and make it right as it's a design issue. This is a serious safety concern and will not drive with my family in the vehicle until able to fix it.

Incident date: May 18, 2021

Driving along [XXX] in Alabama to Mississippi, the Highlander completely shut off - the dash & radio were blank. The steering wheel locked up. Luckily there was no vehicles behind or beside us when this happened. Within seconds, the truck came back on. 15 minutes prior, we were sitting in a parking lot to eat lunch & while in idle, the truck shuddered a few times, like the gas pedal was pressed. ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2024

Started out as misfire codes. Replaced spark plugs then ignition coils. Still getting misfire codes. Discovered engine coolant low and through research found there to be an KNOWN design flaw/issue with these engines that usually results in an entire COSTLY replacement to the customer. Listed in Ford TSB 22-2229. This should be a recall covered entirely by ford.

Incident date: Apr 20, 2024

While driving in a straight line my brakes and brake pedal were activated without any pressure being applied and maintaining about 45 mph. I pulled over to check the car and see if there was anything stuck in the wheel well and saw nothing. I got back in my car and proceeded to drive 2 blocks where i then went to park and upon turning left to pull into a parking spot my car immediately stopped and... Read more

Incident date: Dec 20, 2023

Coolant bypass valve not functioning and needs to be repaired. Car can overheat or cause other electrical issues. Dealer stated this is a frequent issue for a lot of models. Not covered under warranty.

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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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