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.

2,215,138 Total Complaints

138,663 Reported Crashes

56,255 Reported Fires

8,561 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 2,215,138 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

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 33,200 complaints for MERCEDES-BENZ

Incident date: Dec 6, 2023

Driving on the xway, engine stopped. I pulled over to shoulder and noticed engine smoking. I opened hood and observed fire in the engine compartment. Put fire out with water in vehicle. Had vehicle towed to Kia dealer in urbana. Il.

Fire

Incident date: Dec 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was m... Read more

Incident date: Dec 7, 2023

i took my car to acura carland in duluth georgia and i went initially for a check up on my recall i was notified for regarding my rod bearing and was told that there’s nothing they can do about it and offered to do a wheel alignment on my vehicle and that should help with the knocking noise i had coming from my engine and that i would have to wait till january for anything else regarding my reca... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2023

The contact owned a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel lurched to the right direction. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the front passenger side of her vehicle crashed into a parked vehicle hitting the left passenger door and tire wheel. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped and the ... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 11, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the message "High Temperature - Stop Engine" was displayed. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle temporarily. The contact stated that she restarted the vehicle and was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the deal... Read more

Incident date: Dec 6, 2023

We were driving along a 4 lane state road and the car suddenly applied the brakes hard and swerved to the right. A light blinked on the dash with a picture of the car and a red line on the right hand side. No cars were in the next lane over and there were no issues with the roadway. I was driving straight in the line and not near the left hand side of the Lane.

Incident date: Dec 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the power steering and power brake functionality were still operable. The contact pulled the vehicle over and attempted to restart the vehicle however, after several attempts he stopped. The contact stated no warning light was ill... Read more

Incident date: Dec 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to shake violently with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the long block, requiring a replacement of the engine. After investigating the failure... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2022

The crankshaft or cam shaft sensor is malfunctioning and my engine stalls while I am driving. This has happened about 10 times now. I found a recall for this issue on 2016 Jeep Patriots, but my VIN does not come up with any recalls. I believe this recall needs to be expanded.

Incident date: Aug 7, 2023

Timing chain needs replacement however the timing chain was already replaced in 2014 under Nissan recall NTB14-030c campaign P4213. This car has 54,000 miles on it and has been serviced at Nissan dealerships according to the Nissan service schedule. There is no reason for this part to need replacing again after so few miles unless the Nissan part was bad, there is an underlying manufacturing issue... Read more

Incident date: Dec 5, 2023

Right front passenger door weld has failed as confirmed by Ford dealership. Car has 84,000 miles on it and is not eligible for warranty. Ford does not do body work and suggested it be taken to a body shop. Took to a body shop and they confirmed the weld has failed. Door can hardly be opened and when it does it sounds like broken metal from within. Cost to fix it was $1200. Found this out in Octobe... Read more

Incident date: Dec 5, 2023

The radio and all audio functions (including hand free communication) will stop working and making a constant static noise. The issue make noise the entire time. It is distracting and I cannot communicate using handsfree technology. This vehicle was diagnosed by a master technician at Acura (dealer at which it was purchase) as needing a new audio unit. The issue just began a few weeks ago. I've re... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there were exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2023

The taillights on corolla cross hybrid S and SE of the USA model of the Corolla Cross are very unsafe. They only light up the very corner of the car, unlike the XLE models that extend onto the tailgate with LED lights. I just bought this vehicle 3 months ago and have several cars behind me flashing at me to let me know that my lights are off (which are turned on, by default the larger light piece... Read more

Incident date: Dec 4, 2023

All three brake lights stayed illuminated during car operation regardless of brake pedal pressed. I was able to shift and start my car without pressing the brake putting my family and other pedestrians at risk of being run over if the car shifted out of park unexpectedly. Also no warning lights were on at all, so I drove on the road with my brake lights illuminated increasing risk for injury or de... Read more

Incident date: Dec 4, 2023

Incident date: Oct 1, 2023

My car was put into safety mode and dropped down to 3 miles per hour

Incident date: Dec 2, 2023

Abs and traction control not working, told it’s the hcu due too problematic oem parts

Incident date: Sep 1, 2022

The glue that suppose to make sure my windshield is secure is no longer secure. The windshield moves as I am driving. It’s only on the corner of the driver side. Everything else is secured. Also my airbags (passenger and driver). There is a recall but its not showing when I run the Vin # .

Incident date: Sep 1, 2022

Becm module is failing currently we have an engine check light that illuminates every other drive. Started November 26th. We experienced reduced propulsion message . We have experience the car not going into gear to drive or go reverse. It seems these issues occur at random. Check light codes are u2619-u2624. A dealership will be taking a look at the car on Monday

Incident date: Sep 1, 2022

Incident date: Nov 29, 2023

When you press the break the car stalls, when you fuel up the car it will not start. Autos unlimited in Rolla, Mo sold it as inspected with "" nothing "" on the inspection sheet. This dealer is claiming they will "fix: this issue. It cost me 480.00 to fix it. --- evap canister purge vent- evap leak- fuel malfunction- canister solenoid.

Incident date: Jul 6, 2023

My 2023 Mercedes 450E car was purchased on June 11, 2023 and has 1,750 miles. On 2 to 3 different occasions, I was stopped at a light waiting to make a left turn, fortunately my light was red and not a green permitting turning, which would have meant I would have pulled up and into the cross section to prepare to turn; I pushed the gas in the drive position and large red malfunction letters displa... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2023

Dashboard lights flashing, Brake lights Traction control Cruise Check engine

Incident date: Jul 6, 2023

Dashboard lights flashing, Brake lights Traction control Cruise Check engine

Incident date: Nov 27, 2023

When lane keep assist is enabled high speed steering becomes harder to turn left or right, and get sticky at the center position. This leads to an increased effort needed to turn the steering wheel wheel either left or right past the center position

Incident date: Aug 16, 2023

The car's lithium batteries caught fire to the point of smoldering. This happened at the end of the charge cycle. The car was parked in our garage and if the fire department did not come to help, the fire could have intensified and burned down our whole house. We are very thankful we caught it so quickly. No warnings or issues were apparent with the vehicle when it was parked and put on the charg... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Nov 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat failed to lock into position and was sliding back and forth. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 23-021-22 (Front Seat Will Not ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a coolant odor coming into the cabin while the vehicle idling or running. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that there was coolant leaking into cylinders #1 and #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehi... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2023

While driving my truck on [XXX] , steering locks up, unable to turn the steering wheel. Crashes into guard rail going approximately 57mph, thankfully no other vehicle involved in this matter. I was not hurt, and had seatbelt buckled and then noticed damaged on the drivers side of the truck. Which included front bumper, left headlamp assembly, left front fender, left upper control arm, damage to fr... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Nov 24, 2023

Summary VIN [XXX] Airbag light continues to come on after beinig serviced multiple times by the dealer. 1)1-4-18 the airbag light turned on. The dealer completed $1,180.82 in repairs replacing the RCM. 2)11-6-18, a second issue occurred with the air bag light. Cost was $943.46 to replace the seat belt tensioner 3)11-12-18 CAS 16338506. On 11/23/18 the case was still under review. On 12/14... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Edge. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was firm, and the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who diagnosed that the brake booster was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance... Read more

Incident date: Nov 30, 2023

Paint delamination happening to my Kia Sorento, paint is peeling exposing primer

Incident date: Nov 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the headlights were extremely dim. The contact used high-beam headlights to see the road ahead. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the headlight bulbs; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure b... Read more

Incident date: Jun 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact's daughter turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact's daughter heard an abnormal sound coming from the transmission and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that after the vehicle was towed to his... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt failed to lock securely in the buckle. The contact called the dealer who was unable to schedule an appointment to diagnose the vehicle until January. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V782000 (Seat Belts) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 2023

The high pressure fuel pump is failing on my 2017 honda accord. There is currently a recall for this issue on the 2017 honda accord v6 models but not mine. I was driving down the highway and my car went into safe mode causing the car to slow/power down and cause traffics issues. All of my warning lights came on alerting me that there was a problem. This affects the safety of others and puts everyo... Read more

Incident date: Nov 29, 2023

Subaru Eyesight will turn off randomly while driving or while parked (turn the vehicle off, unlock the door, sit for a minute or two and when restarting the vehicle, eyesight indicator is orange - off. Example - getting fuel at a full service gas station. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection. Our safety is put at risk. Once Eyesight is off it will not reset/restart, so you are driving w... Read more

Incident date: Nov 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

My vehicle was stopped for several minutes on an upgrade, with stopped cars in front of me due to a traffic jam. I needed to keep pressure on the brake, lest my car roll backwards. After about three minutes, brake pedal lost pressure and my foot went to floor. The engine then went into gear and my car rammed car in front. Engine stalled on impact and was hard to restart. Vehicle currently at Jeep... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Nov 25, 2023

In December, 2022, the airbag warning light activated. AT a cost to us of over $1500, the Infiniti dealer replaced the failed sensor. What we did not know is that this did not fix the problem and the air bag on the passenger side would never have deployed in the event of an accident. In November, 2023, the airbag warning light again activated. It turns out that the seat assembly had actually fai... Read more

Incident date: Sep 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH uphill, the transmission failed to shift from 1st gear to 2nd gear, and there was a delay the response of the vehicle. The power train warning light was illuminated. A message indicating that the fuel tank would be empty in 35 miles was displayed, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to t... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure) 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. VIN tool... Read more

Incident date: Nov 24, 2023

Vehicle stopped and is not operational. Dealer stated that the generator went out. Part is not available due to this problem occuring on so many vehicles. Vehicle has been in the shop since late, October it is now November 28th and still no ETA on part arrival or repair completion.

Incident date: Nov 8, 2023

Vehicle engine light on and oil burns out fast, car jerks and delay on starting

Incident date: Nov 27, 2023

This car was purchased from Nissan and was guaranteed to be safe and dependable. This was sold to me for over $15,000.00, trade in is maybe $3,000 but probably nothing now because of this recall and I am still paying on this loan. I live in a huge fire zone, in the mountains near Yosemite National Park, California. I feel my vehicle is not safe and I have been sold a faulty vehicle.

Incident date: Mar 15, 2023

Evap small leak P0456 Car cabin smells strong gas odor check engine light is on

Incident date: Nov 6, 2023

Unknown the light just popped on asking me to service power steering now

Incident date: Feb 12, 2022

Drivers door is making a creaking/popping sound and sometimes won’t close. The window will not always go up.

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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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