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 49,170 complaints - component: SUSPENSION

Incident date: Sep 9, 2026

I am filing an official safety complaint regarding a severe, premature failure of the front lower suspension system on my 2023 Tesla Model 3. While operating the vehicle, the front lower compliance links (Part numbers: 2188359-10-B, 2188354-10-B) and the lower lateral links (Part number: 1044341-00-G) suffered critical mechanical bushing degradation and structural wear, rendering the front suspens... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center for a front suspension noise. During the alignment portion of that repair, the technician found a crack in the left side of the rear subframe casting, the structural member that locates the rear suspension links and supports the rear drive unit. The subframe required full replacement. There was no impact event. The vehicle has never struck a curb, p... Read more

Incident date: Sep 10, 2026

My garage-kept 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced a premature failure/tearing of the front lower lateral link and compliance bushings at only 31,930 miles under normal driving conditions. The service center identified severe degradation requiring immediate replacement. This component failed prematurely without any severe impact or road hazards, posing a potential safety hazard regarding vehicle contr... Read more

Incident date: Sep 10, 2026

Lower Lateral Link Fronts and front lower compliance link assembly for both right and left. There have apparently been on going issues for the Tesla Model 3 suspension links. I first started hearing noises from the suspension last month, I was booked for a weekend service and then rescheduled for today. I stopped by for a formal comprehensive inspection and was informed that there is tearing in th... Read more

Incident date: Jul 7, 2025

Tesla identified that the Front Lower Lateral Link was worn with 33,971 miles and was not covered under warranty. Two were replaced.

Incident date: May 20, 2022

The rear coil spring detached from this 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L while we were driving more than a year ago. This vehicle has been subject to multiple recalls involving the rear coil spring. We also own another 2023 Grand Cherokee L (VIN ending 7805), which has experienced two separate rear coil-spring detachments—one while driving and another while parked in our driveway last month. Between ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 16, 2026

The rear coil spring has detached from this 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L twice. The first time, the coil detached while we were driving more than a year ago. The second time, the coil detached while the vehicle was parked in our driveway last month. This is especially concerning because this vehicle has been subject to multiple recalls involving the rear coil spring. We also own another 2023 Grand ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

I own a 2022 Tesla Model X. I began noticing a creaking/clicking noise from the front steering/suspension area, particularly when turning the steering wheel at larger angles and at low speeds. I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center for inspection. Tesla inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a bent steering rack/steering component. Tesla recommended replacement of the complete steering gear ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2026

I am reporting repeated suspension and structural failures involving my 2022 Rivian R1T. In April 2026, at approximately 90,537 miles, Rivian performed a comprehensive inspection and found both front lower control arm bushings torn, the right rear damper leaking, and the rear subframe cracked. Rivian’s own service documentation specifically stated that the vehicle was “unsafe to operate due t... Read more

Incident date: Sep 5, 2026

Catastrophic structural failure of the rear driver-side (LH) brake caliper assembly on a 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid at approximately 18,036 miles. While driving normally on a public roadway, the factory-installed rear LH brake caliper bolts backed out completely due to improper assembly torque or a latent material defect. The unbolted caliper detached entirely from its mounting bracket and collaps... Read more

Incident date: Sep 2, 2026

Component failure : Left rear tire showed signs of wear. Replaced the tire and upon reinstalling checked the hubs and brakes. All good. Noticed a little deflection in the front of the left rear shackle. It was obscured by foam and underbelly material. Upon peeling it back, it was noticed that the shackle had torn completely away from the frame beam. RISK : This trailer had it been pulled do... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2026

The rear toe arms came unhinged or disconnected from their placement and sank down to continuously rub a groove in the inner rim. The suspension was affected, the steering was effecting especially when turning, it made the brakes stick, and made loud crunching and rolling noises. It is quite frankly dangerous. It was through no fault of mine that this happened, just weak design. I took it to a sho... Read more

Incident date: Sep 9, 2026

The front left frame that the wheel and suspension bolt onto is in advanced rust stages. It is being considered unsafe to drive although the right side is still considered safe. Common issue from what I have heard. Took car in to replace the starter and shop doesnwant to work on it. We cannot afford a new vehicle because of a knkwn weakness in the frame work

Incident date: Aug 3, 2026

My vehicle previously had the tie rod issue repaired under the original recall\. However, the same problem has now returned\. I am experiencing a sharp/clunking noise when turning left while the vehicle is moving, which is very concerning because this involves the vehicle’s steering and suspension\. I checked Nissan’s recall information online using my VIN, and it currently states that there ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The warranty company was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test by the warranty company. The vehicle was taken to the certified service cent... Read more

Incident date: Sep 8, 2026

During a routine inspection by an independent mechanic, it was discovered that the front lower compliance link (control arm) bushings are severely cracked on both the left and right sides of my 2018 Tesla Model 3. Both the compliance links and the lateral links require immediate replacement to prevent a catastrophic structural failure. Tesla Service has provided a repair estimate of $2,012.00 to f... Read more

Incident date: Sep 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact stated that the bearings in the strut were on the top, causing the front wheels to lower to the ground. The contact heard a very loud clank, and the struts separated from the vehicle at the same time while reversing out of the driveway.

Incident date: Sep 1, 2026

The rear subframe broke while driving due to rust and corrosion causing the driver side rear wheel to be at an acute angle which caused the car to wobble all over the road. The car is currently not safe to drive.

Incident date: Sep 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION) and 24V064000(AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recal... Read more

Incident date: Sep 7, 2026

steering went out completly and the SUV shut off in the middle of the street. had to restart car to get it home. SUV shut off in the middle of a turn. Had the SUV checked at dealership and they found a bad steering unit. I had the SUV in 3 times with the complaint and they found nothing until the warranty ran out. Neillo VW checked it in 2020,2021,2023 and say they found nothing,

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

Vehicle has been making a clunking noise (front passenger area). Brought to independent service center where they determined that the strut tower is failing. Current mileage 66000. Appt set for Checkered Flag Hyundai to evaluate on 9/11/2026.

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

Steering wheel showing red signal on the dashboard, and sometimes, when I park and want to restart the car , steering wheel block, not letting me start my car. Steering wheel block start about 5 months after I purchased the car and happened on August 2026.Steering wheel showing red signal start on July.

Incident date: Aug 25, 2026

I am writing to report a critical structural safety defect involving the front steering knuckle (wheel carrier) on my 2016 BMW M4 GTS. Upon inspection, the original factory steering knuckle has developed severe structural cracks on both the top and bottom sections of the component. Safety Risk & Hazard:The steering knuckle is a primary load-bearing suspension component responsible for securing the... Read more

Incident date: Sep 30, 2025

I am reporting an urgent potential safety defect involving my 2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport, in Puerto Rico. Since the first oil/filter service, the vehicle has repeatedly developed a grinding/growling/knocking-type noise and physical sensation through the steering wheel and cabin, especially on rough, porous or uneven pavement and during minor road irregularities or braking/load changes. The conditi... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

I own a 2020 Tesla Model 3. Over approximately the past 2–3 weeks, the vehicle has developed a noticeable rattle/creaking noise coming from the left-front suspension area. The noise was not previously present and appears to be getting my attention as a potential suspension-related safety issue. I am concerned because my vehicle falls within the model-year range of Tesla Model 3 vehicles associa... Read more

Incident date: Sep 6, 2026

The problem is reoccurance in short periods of time. I had an alignment done at 14,000 miles, then at about 20,000 miles when the tires were replace. Now, the car has 34,000 miles and requires another alignment due to excessive tire wear on the inner portion of the tire. The car has only been driving under normal driving conditions for the area; 95% highway driving. There haven't been any impacts ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 5, 2026

2020 Ford F-150 Raptor supercab with 47,500 miles. Front right coil spring broke into several pieces while sitting in the driveway. Rust on one half of the piece that fell on the driveway indicates rust coating failed and caused the initial break in the coil spring. The way the coil spring broke and the vehicle lost ride height could have killed me if I were underneath changing the oil. If it had ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 5, 2026

Unknown. During a basic collision Avoidance maneuver performed by myself on the highway at speed of aprox 60MPH the steering suddenly became non-responsive, resulting in my inability to maintain directional control and cause a collision. The vehicle continued traveling before coming to its final resting position. During this sequence, the driver-side front suspension assembly sustained a catastr... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 4, 2026

I own a 2004 Toyota Sequoia and have owned it since it was built by Toyota. In 2013 Toyota had a safety recall on the frame for that vehicle because in certain Northern states they are having issues with the frame rotting and braking. I brought my vehicle in May of 2013 and Carlson Toyota in Minnesota inspected. It said that it passed and they installed a corrosion kit. This vehicle has been metic... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2026

Subaru of America has a Bulletin out that changes the front suspension arms for both front ends. The dealership made this correction and now the front end rattles like there are loose parts. Dealership says they don’t hear it. Won’t investigate more unless I pay them a diagnostic fee. If Subaru of America knows this vehicle has a faulty part that causes the calipers to clamp down too hard thu... Read more

Incident date: Jun 18, 1993

White foggy smoke from exhaust. Backing sensor or driving sensor are off when sensing environment. Car suspension not fully stable sorta drift to left or right.

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

The annual state safety inspection failed due to a severely rust corroded front Cross-Member. A corrosion hole developed right where the air conditioner condensate drain port is located right above it. Earlier manufacturing years of this same vehicle had a major recall for this exact same cause. Continued use without replacing the front Cross-Member could result in a loss of steering and a serio... Read more

Incident date: Jan 18, 2026

On January 18, 2026, while towing my 2022 Grand Design Solitude 310GK near Bouse, Arizona, I discovered a serious problem and pulled off the road. The rear axle had become detached/displaced. At the time, I did not know exactly what had occurred or what caused the axle event. The RV was subsequently delivered to a repair facility on March 27, 2026. During the repair process, significant structura... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

Left rear leaf spring broke at the axel. When left the house truck was acting funny. Crossed a RR track and the truck became eratic/hard to steer. Pulled into shop across the street. They inspected the truck and found the broken spring. No rust, just a clean break.

Incident date: Sep 1, 2026

Ford cannot fix the fuel injector issue which according to Ford can start a fire in the engine. Now the water pump had to be replaced as it was leaking coolant. No recall. And the front shocks are leaking fluid. The seat belt fix remains as Ford does not have the parts. This is a 3 year old vehicle that has been the subject to several recalls and more recalls by Ford need implemented. I have ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

CRITICAL VEHICLE SYSTEM SAFETY & TELEMATICS FAILURES: 1.ELECTRICAL & ELICTRICAL DEFECTS: The vehicle's primary infotainment and factory navigation display module suffers a total software and hardware failure. module suffers a total software and hardware failure. While operating on public roadway, including [XXX] entering [XXX], the tracking telemetry completely losses spatial orientation. mapping ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, the contact observed a loud grinding noise emanating from the engine compartment and a burning odor coming from the vents into the cabin. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was no oil in the transfer box and the transfer box needed to be replaced. The veh... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The vehicle was taken to a local authorized dealer, and recall repairs were performed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Incident date: Aug 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle swayed from side to side without warning while driving at highway speeds, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. Additionally, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle while driving over bumps in the roadway or making a sharp turn. Upon a dealer inspection, the rear passenger’s side knuckle... Read more

Incident date: May 24, 2024

This is related to obtaining a timely repair for the following recall: Manufacturer Recall Number25S82 NHTSA Recall Number25V512 Ford lacks the parts to address the recall. My recall was confirmed by the dealer, photos taken and an order placed with Ford over one year ago, after trying to have the recall addressed at another dealer. The recall was issued on May 24, 2024 and all parts are still ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

At 56,083 miles, my 2024 Rivian R1S experienced a suspension warning while driving on the US-101 Freeway and entered reduced-performance/turtle mode, limiting the vehicle to approximately 50 MPH while surrounding traffic was traveling substantially faster. The sudden speed differential created a serious highway collision risk. Rivian inspected the vehicle and diagnosed fault P12DF7A, “Roll Cont... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2026

The vehicle was purchased Aug 7th and since delivery date the car has been having issues. The primary issue is the infotainment system, the monitor sometimes disconnects from apple CarPlay abruptly. During the use of this feature the navigation system will also disconnect making it unsafe when using navigation. The vehicle has a persistent problem with squeaking and tapping noise coming from the e... Read more

Incident date: Aug 20, 2026

Component that malfunctioned: loose Inner and outer tie rod end following repair preformed at a dealer on 8/20/2026. This component is essential for proper steering and if this would have failed while driving the joint can shear or free from the knuckle as the driver looses control of the steering. additionally, this sudden loss of control would have likely resulted in a serious if not fatal accid... Read more

Incident date: Aug 4, 2026

Was traveling along a city street with parked cars on the passenger side of my vehicle. Axle or wheel broke and veered into parked vehicle severing the engine wiring harness not allowing the airbag to deploy.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 3, 2026

I am submitting a formal complaint regarding my 2022 Lincoln Navigator, VIN [XXX], which I purchased new from a Lincoln dealership in [XXX]. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has experienced multiple significant mechanical, safety, and reliability problems: The transmission required repair, and the vehicle remained at the repair facility for more than one month while the work was completed. The o... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

BOTH FRONT TIRES ON MY 2024 TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE DEVELOPED STRUCTURAL BULGES ON THE INBOARD SIDEWALL AT UNDER 19,000 MILES. THE TIRES ARE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PIRELLI P ZERO 235/35R20 DELIVERED WITH THE VEHICLE ON 12/07/2024. ON 08/05/2026 AT 18,951 MILES, TESLA SERVICE IN DORAL, FLORIDA INSPECTED AND ROAD-TESTED THE VEHICLE FOR A METALLIC RUBBING NOISE THAT INCREASES WITH SPEED AND ALSO OC... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2026

At highway speed, vehicle repeatedly started shaking and vibrating violently after hitting any bump or uneven portion of the roadway. Steering became extremely difficult to control and was completely useless for a period of time. A vehicle that loses the ability to steer at highway speeds puts everyone at risk of accident/death. In looking online, this has been experienced by many people and is... Read more

Incident date: Sep 3, 2026

When turning any direction or hitting speeds of 75 mph +, vehicle makes loud noise and starts shaking. Took it to an independent mechanic and ran a diagnostic, they said the rear differential is going out which isn't normal for vehicles with this mileage and said it was a manufacturer defect. When I took the vehicle to a Ford dealership, the tech laughed and said there's a one month wait for parts... Read more

Incident date: Sep 2, 2026

I would like to place a complaint do to major safety concerns to my vehicle. The dealership where I purchased the vehicle is giving the wrong around. The warranty that they gave was there choice. The contract to the vehicle had major fraud issues, however, my financing is with Lend Buzz, they have same documents, the dealership says warranty ended 8-20-2026, myself and financing company didn't ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that the turbocharger failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the mechanic informed the contact that during the inspection, the rear coil spring fractured. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V188000 (Suspension), which was associated with the failure; however, the VIN was not ... 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

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