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: Nov 11, 2023

The torque converter failed once already while driving at highway speed, creating an unsafe condition as the vehicle went into “limp mode”. After the torque converter was replaced in 2022, the vehicle has continued in 2023 to exhibit judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch (TSB 17-025 and TSB 17-026) which is symptomatic of the original failure. As recognized by Honda in TSB 23-078, ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 11, 2023

Driving down highway noticed white smoke coming from car. Exited highway and warning light then came on saying engine oil low. Stopped van immediately on side of the road and had it towed. Appears the oil coolant line burst which is a known issue on these vehicles after google searching, but was never made aware. Always completed all recalls. Extremely dangerous especially with children in car.

Incident date: Nov 11, 2023

The middle passenger seatbelt receptacle that came with the vehicle is the component that often failed. Passengers sitting in this particular seat would often try to put on their seatbelt and it would not catch. Though intermittent, this would occur 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Passengers sitting in that particular seat (none of the other seatbelts had problems), would often have to try and engage or c... Read more

Incident date: Nov 10, 2023

The headlight reflector has been burned by the halogen lamp. After doing some research it’s a very common problem. Replacing the halogen bulb does nothing as the reflector does not work. Honda/ Acura is denying any responsibility. The car has ZERO visibility at night. The light power is equivalent to a candle light

Incident date: Nov 10, 2023

I have a 2021 Ford Explorer ST that I purchased as a new vehicle. On 8/27/23 I was driving my vehicle to work. I noticed a loud humming noise upon acceleration when I was approximately 1 mile from work. I drove my car to work, parked it. I attempted to get a Ford dealership to service my vehicle and was informed that it would be "3-4 weeks before they could even look at the vehicle" (Siloam S... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2023

The sun roof opening panel shield fell off while I was driving. It covers the divider between the front and rear sun roof glass. Luckily I didn't have the shade open so it was just sliding all around the sun shade. I did some research on the problem of the shield falling off. It seems that it is held on by 4 or 5 pieces of double faced tape. If I had had the sun shade opened, the piece could hav... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2023

Incident date: Sep 14, 2023

The vehicle regularly, and at random times, will drop out of the chosen drive setting and go to the default "Engage" mid-level setting. This changes the driving dynamics, such as pedal pressure required to move the car, and the sensitivity of the steering. If the driver was in "Unbridle", for example, the car will immediately lose speed and steering sensitivity, while if the driver was in "Whisper... Read more

Incident date: Sep 14, 2023

Incident date: Nov 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating while accelerating. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 46,000.

Incident date: Nov 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, but the vehicle was sluggish. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 23, 2023

The car shudders when we come to a stop, sometimes cuts off completely. I am told this is a faulty torque converter. This is my 5th subaru, so I love the car, but, I have a family now, and I am not sure this is a safe vehicle for them to be in, please help me!!

Incident date: Oct 22, 2023

My vehicles 3.3l engine suddenly seized while pulling out from a stop sign in the intersection. Thankfully a group of guys saw this and were able to assist me in moving the vehicle out of traffic. Prior to this occurring I had noticed that it had begun to burn a bit of oil but I routinely checked it. Sounds similar to issues that Hyundai has had with some of their other engines that are now bei... Read more

Incident date: Oct 22, 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to shake, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off. The vehicle failed to restart on both occasions. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injector needed to be... Read more

Incident date: Nov 8, 2023

The contact owns a Thomashilfen Recaro Monza Nova 2 Reha car seat. The contact stated that the back of the seat detached from the seat base due to the connector fracturing. The safety seat had not been repaired or replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.

Incident date: Nov 4, 2023

Emergency brake assist, distance sensing and adaptive cruise control randomly and intermittently deactivate while driving. In a recent 8-hour highway trip this deactivation occurred 7 times, sometimes correcting itself with no driver intervention, and other times remaining disabled for hours and hundreds of driving miles. Durning motor off and restarting occasionally reset the issue, but many tim... Read more

Incident date: Nov 4, 2023

Windshield replaced three times faulty seal, tires defected fell apart within two years less than 10,000 miles on vehicle

Incident date: Nov 4, 2023

Windshield replaced three times faulty seal, tires defected fell apart within two years less than 10,000 miles on vehicle

Incident date: Nov 4, 2023

2023 Lincoln Navigator power running boards defaulting to off, even when turned to auto will automatically switch to off. The dealership has no idea what the problem is. Risher Lincoln Hot Springs Arkansas We have had the car less than 2 months

Incident date: Nov 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure had reoccurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer.... Read more

Incident date: Nov 7, 2023

my vehicle with apparently refurbished engine was purchased certified used through carvana in 2019 & was one of the recalled vehicles from 2017 (which I was NOT informed of at them of purchase)and is exhibiting the same signs as those in the recall, loss of power at acceleration, vibrating, etc & my local dealership, Doug's Hyundai of Edmonds is refusing to service my vehicle. I don't feel safe dr... Read more

Incident date: Nov 7, 2023

Car worked fine, all the sudden it wouldn't turn over, I would put the key in and turn it and nothing would happen, I was stuck and had to catch a ride, lucky that I was able, a car company that is supposedly reliable shouldn't allow there cars to completely give out on people during the middle of winter storms and not take ownership, when the customer has taken good care of the car. Talked to sev... Read more

Incident date: Nov 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact stated while driving at 6 MPH, the brakes were grabbing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair w... Read more

Incident date: Nov 7, 2023

Incident date: Oct 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking engine oil with the oil warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN regarding the issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Incident date: Oct 1, 2023

My 2021 ford escape door started to make popping sounds and my window wouldn’t roll down had it a dealer and they said the welds on my door broke off !

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

UNKNOWN ON several occasions the vehicle would just shut off. Another occasion while getting on the freeway I pressed the accelerator pedal and the car pumped the brakes,there was no one in front of me or on side of me upon entering the freeway. Another incident I was in the fast lane on the freeway and the vehicle just shut off Thank goodness the fast lane had a place where I could pull over a... Read more

Incident date: Oct 18, 2023

Headlight flickering and turns off and on randomly.

Incident date: Aug 15, 2023

ABS control module pump/Hydraulic control module. 49000 miles. ABS lights/Service Electronic braking. No parts available for repair. On indefinite back order from Mopar. This problem needs to be solved. Thanks

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

The bolts were loose on the driveshaft on the all-wheel-drive, which caused them to have to replace the entire driveshaft! If the driveshaft would’ve broke, whoever was driving the vehicle, whether it be me, or with my son in it, we would’ve wrecked and possibly died! The problem has been confirmed with a certified dealer! There is no warning signals. There was nothing and there is a recall on... Read more

Incident date: Nov 5, 2023

I was parked in my family yard and my dash service symbols just came on 5 at once. I have not been involved in any collision or any trauma to the vehicle.Those lights are the FCM, LFW, AHB, and ASC service required lights. The FCM will come on go off and come back on. I am concerned that these issues can cause a crash or other issue on road. I have not had this issue before and again my vehicle wa... Read more

Incident date: Nov 2, 2023

I was driving my 2023 Tesla Model Y northbound on Interstate 69 in Indiana near the 219 mile marker. The time was around 9:30 P.M. My speed was approximately 70 MPH. I was using what Tesla calls "Traffic-Aware Cruise Control". All of a sudden and with warning, my vehicle braked extremely hard, slowing me down very fast. Luckily no one was behind me. I had no idea what was happening and looked ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered briefly before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the dual-clutch. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referre... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Honda CMX300 Motorcycle. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the clutch lever collapsed, and the gear shifted inadvertently. The motorcycle was driven to the residence where the clutch lever was adjusted. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12.

Incident date: Sep 29, 2023

While slowing and braking to stops (approximately less than 20 mph), the vehicle will lurch/lunge forward. It feels like you took your foot off the brake pedal but you did not. This occurs randomly. It does not happen every time. There are no warning lamps, messages, etc., prior to or during this issue. The vehicle has ~39000 miles. This has been occurring for at least 20000 miles. Risk: If this o... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2022

In a rear end accident the airbags never deployed. The seat belt also didn't catch me and my chest hit the steering wheel. I pressed hard on the breaks but it didn't feel like it was slowing down. I now have a fractured sternum and cannot drive or work. I have filed insurance claims and been to the hospital. No one was in the car with me. There were no warning lights/signs before.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 2, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 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 too... Read more

Incident date: Nov 2, 2023

On October 24, 2023, while driving my car, several lights went on all at once, including the ABS, and brake lights. I immediately drove it to the Toyota Dealership on 2213 Old Jacksboro Hwy, WF TX 76301. The car was also making a noise constantly, that I had taken into Toyota service center previously which was also causing an issue with my battery dying. (It went through 4 batteries in the last 2... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

Electrical connector and wiring harness melted due to close proximity to the right rear exhaust pipe. Experiencing intermittent parking brake fault messages that results in a check engine light, when climbing a grade longer then 1 mile long. Suspect extra heat produced from engine load had damaged some of the internal wires of the connector. This first occurred with 2000 miles on the odometer, 2... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms par... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2023

My car just stalled and was not able to move on the highway exit which caused a high risk for the safety of passengers and the safety of others. The car has been towed to a Mercedes Dealer in West Covina, California. and they indicate that the coolant leaked into the drive motor and caused the car to stop. Prior to this car stall, there was no warning lamp, messages, or other symptoms of the probl... Read more

Incident date: Oct 27, 2023

The 2.0L Ecoboost leaked coolant into the #1 cylinder, ruining the engine at just over 66,000 miles in my 2017 Escape. I am paying a local Ford dealer $7,500 for a new engine installation. I know that this problem is not unusual, but I wanted you to have this formation so you can add it to your collection. Ford must be held accountable and reimburse its customers for these common incidents. I have... Read more

Incident date: Oct 27, 2023

I purchased this vehicle 05/05/2019 as a certified pre-owned vehicle from the dealership. I have kept regular maintenance on the car. Three same day of purchase, the engine quit as I was driving it. I was making a left hand turn and it quit while I was in the intersection. My children were in the car. Hyundai replaced the engine, but about a year and half later, that engine did the exact same thin... Read more

Incident date: Oct 17, 2023

Intermittent ABS and traction control lights. Service lights come on and go off when braking or driving over bumps. Code C0020 - ABS Pump Motor Control General Electric Failure. Issue is so random I haven’t taken the truck to a service center.

Incident date: Oct 31, 2023

This problem concerns faulty emergency brakes. The issue was discovered in the driveway, when I engaged the parking brake with the vehicle in park and my foot on the brake. The Service Emergency Brake light came on and stayed on. When the problem was investigated at the dealership, it was found that the brake pad abradable material had delaminated from the brake shoe and was floating loose insi... Read more

Incident date: Oct 31, 2023

Abs problems due to HCU

Incident date: Oct 17, 2023

While traveling on an open highway with no obstructions, the vehicle applied the brakes very hard causing all passengers to slide forward in their seats activating the seat belt locks. All cargo became airborne and flew forward. Had a car been following, it is highly likely that we would have been rear ended.

Incident date: Oct 31, 2023

While 360 miles away from home, the drivers side door made a popping noise, the window and controls in the door would not work, the window cracked and the door would not work properly. The window would not operate and remained halfway down cracked and broken, the rearview mirrors would not operate. I went to a dealership and was told that this was a recurring problem with this particular vehicle ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact stated that the ECM warning light had remained illuminated. Additionally, there was a burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered water and mold under the carpet and electrical components submerged in the water. T... Read more

Incident date: Oct 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to sputter. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam phaser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Crown Motors, a... Read more

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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