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: Nov 20, 2023

The transfer case blew out. (2) in seven months. Every mechanic that has looked at it says that the bearings sheered and caused metal fragments into the gears causing the transfer case to fail. There was no warning when this happened, no dash lights, just severe grinding and I parked the car. The mechanic pulled it into the bay to further investigate and that is when it blew out and all of the flu... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while making a turn, the vehicle went in another direction. While her son was driving at 2–3 MPH, making a turn, the vehicle went in another direction. The frame was rusted and secured with chicken wire. While her son was driving at 20 MPH and driving up the parking garage, the steering wheel was straight, but the wheel went toward... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jan 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle downshifted from 8th to 7th gear or from 8th to 6th gear, and the wheels locked up, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failu... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2024

I was driving on the Highway at the posted speed limit when the warning "Check Forward Safety System" came up and remained on my dashboard. The cruise control stopped working also. The light remained on even after stopping and starting the car and has remained on ever since. I have never been in an accident nor has my computer system reported any collision. My Hyundai Blue Link app gives me the fo... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2024

Incident date: Feb 20, 2024

Mi toyota sienna 2017 se le daño la transmision con 62,000 milla de uso. Estaba transitado por la carretera aproximadamente a 40 milla por hora, cuando de repente pegó freno y se detuvo. Por poco provocó un accidente. La lleve a la toyota y me dice que es transmision. Pero me informaron que no era su problema. Estuve averiguado este problema y varios me dijero que ese era un problema común en... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2024

There is known issue with the ABS Modulator with this gen Honda Accord. I believe the affected years are 2013-2017. The selenoid for the ABS module goes bad and the light in the attached photo comes on. Basically, the soldering for the tinny modulator wires comes off. Honda sells the at for $2300 These was a class action for the similar issue in Thailand and Honda had to repair all the affected... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2024

I have an ongoing issue with my Ram pick up, granted it's not a safety issue but an known issue by Chrysler. My issue is with the radio delaminating. Again it's a known issue so well know that when I described the issue the tech behind the desk called out a diagnosis without even going into the vehicle. My truck was purchased used in Michigan but was originally purchased new in Canada so when I... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2024

I have 33,000 miles on the vehicle and the check engine light came on. The code P052e came up Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance. I’m reading that many people have the same issue but there is no recall. Is there anything that can be done?

Incident date: Feb 20, 2024

The vacuum pump exploded and caused issues with the cam.

Incident date: Feb 12, 2024

After driving the car for about 2 minutes a warning message popped up on the screen panel. It was a warning of reduced steering. When I started to turn left onto another street I could barely move the steering wheel. It felt almost completely locked up.

Incident date: Feb 12, 2024

problem has not been remedied in a timely manner

Incident date: Feb 12, 2024

Experienced temporary loss of electronic power steering (EPS) on 10FEB24. After driving about 15 miles returning from across town, my wife experienced a momentary loss of the EPS while slowing to make a left turn into our subdivision. She was able to wrestle the wheel through the turn with difficulty but then stopped the car to decide whether she should keep driving. After just a moment, she de... Read more

Incident date: Feb 19, 2024

While driving on the highway, the computer system shut down and all screens went black. The car still drove but none of the controls worked anymore. We could not roll the windows down or turn the fans or a/c on and it was summer so the interior of the car immediately became unbearably hot. We pulled over as soon as it was safe to do so and turned the car off and back on. The system came on partial... Read more

Incident date: Feb 7, 2024

Received "Engine Control Error" in red, where entire vehicle shut down and I had to stop and restart the vehicle for it to move. This happened twice in the span of 4 miles.

Incident date: Feb 7, 2024

Received "Engine Control Error" in red, where entire vehicle shut down and I had to stop and restart the vehicle for it to move. This happened twice in the span of 4 miles.

Incident date: Feb 19, 2024

It has been almost 1 year since this airbag recall and no resolution. VW advises to “discontinue use of the front passenger seat”. This is ridiculous and unacceptable. I purchased this 7 passenger vehicle to transport my family including grandkids. I cannot do that with out the front passenger seat. I want a 7 passenger loaner or for VW to refund my purchase of this vehicle. There has not y... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2024

first owner 2017 Kia Sportage SX (NOTE SX specifically) AWD 2.0L Turbo Gas Direct Injection (4-cyl engine) (no recalls found) - EXCESSIVE Oil Consumption since early/mid 2023 and continues still today, [XXX]. We lose over 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles, did not discover this until an oil change in early 2023 how low our oil was. No leaks then, no leaks now, oil maintenance performed, we have met... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2024

1. The brake pedal freezes intermittently when I step on the brake. 2. The sensor is faulty - it flashes red and warns me that the brake isn't working. 3. In autonomous driving mode, it did not detect the vehicle in front of me and didn't slow down. 4. After driving in the rain, the front brakes seized up. VW of Wellesley in MA said they fixed these issues, but I continue to experience 1 and 2. I... Read more

Incident date: Feb 7, 2024

My 2020 Rav4 back trunk hinge is coming loose, there for the truck won't close evenly. I took it to dealership to get it fixed, but instead they blamed me but its clearly a manufacturing problem they don't want to take responsibility for it.

Incident date: Feb 1, 2024

The steering wheel start shaking and then on the middle console it showed “POWER STEERING”. Now whenever I drive it it’ll pop up and the steering wheel locks up and it is scary because it doesn’t move. And when I turn of the car it’ll unlock but as soon as I start driving it again it does it again.

Incident date: Feb 1, 2024

This was unintentional acceleration case: When I got into the parking space, the car was almost stopped and I was about to press the park button (gear) and the car suddenly accelerated and in a fraction of a second, climbed the curb, crashed into the fence, broke the fence and crushed on a tree. I was still applying brake to stop it and I could not do anything else. The following facts show tha... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jan 11, 2024

We were driving on the [XXX] on [XXX] with a speed of around 70 miles per hour. We started to see a small amount of white smoke coming from under the hood and at the same time the truck started to slow down by itself unexpectedly and then started to jerk back and forth. No indicators showed up on the dashboard. The speed reduced quickly and hitting the gas pedal did nothing to accelerate our spe... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Jan 11, 2024

1 injured

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

While driving on I75 the car started to act funny. No issue indicating lights came on the dash board. I exited the highway and the brakes did not work. I was able to get the car to eventually stop without damaging anyone. I had to use the hand break. My foot had the break peddle all the way to the floor and that would not stop the car. Once the car was stopped the check engine light came on ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

Switching gears is weird sometimes and sport plus mode revs engine

Incident date: Jan 3, 2022

The update that you required for Auto Steer has made the car undrivable. I get a written and audible warning IMMEDIATELY when I engage Auto Steer. Literally within 2 seconds. I always keep my hands on the wheel, lightly, while I drive on the highway. Anything short of a death grip on the wheel causes the warning to go off. However, the nag feature (after the changes you required) goes off constant... Read more

Incident date: Jan 3, 2022

WHEN THIS VEHICLE IS PARKED IN THE GARAGE THE ODOR OF GASOLINE FILLS THE GARAGE. WHEN THIS VEHICLE IS PARKED OUTSIDE THE ODOR OF GASOLINE DISSAPPEARS.

Incident date: Jan 3, 2022

My Transmission Temp light goes on when I am in slow traffic going on an uphill road. I need to pull over and let it cool down, This has happen in Mountains in Colorado , So it is cold outside. Both times i need to get a tow due to the fact there are no places to pull over on single lane road. it takes approx. 1 hour to cool down and i can only drive 100 yards before light comes back on. I have b... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2024

While stopped at an intersection my truck lost all electrical power. a couple of seconds later the dash lights came on saying that the vehicle did not have any brakes or brake assist. Then while the vehicle was still in drive it started. due to the brakes not working the vehicle jerked forward. I put the car in neutral. The light turned green and I was able to get out of intersection and then went... Read more

Incident date: Dec 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating while accelerating, with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that coolant was present inside the engine cylinders. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 12, 2023

This is a 2022 Winnebago Travato with the same problem as reported in #11571902. Electrical cables are routed in the inside of the left front wheel well where they can be rubbed by tires.

Incident date: Dec 12, 2023

Part was leaking on transmission which caused it to burn out. There is a recall for this on multiple Honda Civics and mechanic said they are know for this but ours was not on the recall list. I have sent a previous request with no response. Please advise Honda to add this to thier recall and refund our monies.

Incident date: Feb 14, 2024

The car completely stalled while going uphill. It restarted a few minutes after. I received 3 email notifications from Infiniti stating that my engine may have an emission control system malfunction. I took the car into the Infiniti dealership. They stated that the vehicle test was driven for 24 miles. Could not duplicate customers concern and is not stalling when going up hills. Scanned for code... Read more

Incident date: Jun 2, 2022

My electric power steering system is causing the well known and documented "sticky steering" which is affecting the 2022 and 2023 Civics, CRVs, and some Acura models. My vehicle started this around 35,000 miles. I understand there is an ongoing investigation in progress, but would like to make a formal complaint to push for Honda to issue an official recall for this problem. The problem has bee... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently shut off. The contact stated that the failure had occurred in 2020. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where i... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 2024

When vehicle is in Snow Mode and I begin accelerating after a complete stop or turning the vehicle from park to drive, the accelerator does not respond. Once I move the dial to any other mode the issue resolves. I can then go back to snow mode and the issue doesn’t occur again until I start accelerating after a complete stop. This has happened four times. This is dangerous. If I am merging into... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated while driving the same day the vehicle was purchased, the message "Telematics Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the message was cleared; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V718000 (Back Over Prevention, Forward ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Prime. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V478000 (Electrical System) 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... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed on several occasions, but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 11, 2024

The car tries to start in its own. Even if the key is on the off-position. The car struts and shocks aren’t the best it won’t take a bump without moving the car

Incident date: Feb 11, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model X. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (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 dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue where it was stated that d... Read more

Incident date: Jan 31, 2024

My car is a 2017 Nissan Rogue hybrid. It jerks a lot when moving, when it starts moving, I feel that the electric engine does not provide power and it switches to a gasoline engine, while the car jerks strongly and can jerk sharply when I release the gas pedal. When moving backwards, it also jerks strongly; when moving uphill, you have to press the gas pedal hard to climb the hill. I found out th... Read more

Incident date: Jan 31, 2024

Transmission needs to be replaced at 70k miles and I have had all scheduled service maintenance done. Vehicle jerks hard when shifting gears.

Incident date: Jan 31, 2024

The windshield cowl is greatly separating at the bottom where it meets the wipers. The windshield and cowl are factory and no replacement or alterations done during the life of the car. I am the only owner

Incident date: Apr 21, 2021

Lately, I have been adding coolant to my car - 2013 Audi Q& TDI and Motor Oil for unknown reasons why it was happening. It started last year, 2023. I thought it was a normal thing that the oil level and coolant level kept on getting depleted. Comparing with my other car, i.e. a 2016 Toyota Avalon, I never encountered these problems My Audi car was serviced sometime 2018 and apparently all gaske... Read more

Incident date: Jul 19, 2023

The contact owned a 2022 Telsa Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at 18 MPH, the vehicle veered to the right hitting an electrical pole. The contact stated neither the autopilot nor cruise control was set to on, and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated it happened so fast he was unable to depress the brake pedal in time. No warning lights were illuminated and the air bags in... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 13, 2024

The vehicle just lost power at 75mph on [XXX] heading home to Princeton, ME, started vibrating really bad misfiring then we pulled over the Kia Sorento stalled. Then would not start back up. It’s been using over a quart a week since we got it from the dealership in Bangor, Maine. We got it towed home our mechanic looked at it and noticed oil on the plugs and said we probably need a new engine. L... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2024

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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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