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.
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
Showing 49,170 complaints - component: SUSPENSION
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
Lower control arm bushing initial stages of premature failure. Issue is a known common defect. No safety incident yet, but potential for steering and control issues while driving. Bushing crack was discovered during brake inspection at 45k miles.
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Apr 25, 2024
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Car has 38k miles. Front of car started making creaking noises whenever moving. Diagnosed both upper control arms seized. Was told by the technician that Tesla found their error and the new Model Xs do not have this issue. From reading online, this is a VERY common issue for Tesla owners and Tesla is aware.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
While driving, the lower suspension control arm broke in half. No impact to the part, a break with no explanation. Cause the vehicle to veer to one side while the vehicle dropped in ride height causing the tire to rub on the inside of the wheel well. The damage could have caused a crash if going at a higher speed. This happened at 15 mph while increasing in speed.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Apr 24, 2024
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
FUEL LINE CONNECTION ON TOP OF FUEL PUMP CRACKED. VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AS MANY OTHER EXPERIEMCING THE SAME ISSUE.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
My 2022 Honda Civic has been having issues with the EPS Rack and Parts. There has been a recall on this part on the Honda Civics and unfortunately my vehicle was not on the list of cars that was made in the manufacturing time. My car is extremely hard to turn the steering wheel while driving and it causes my cruise control steering system to not work correctly almost causing many accidents. I have... Read more
TOYOTA
RAV4 PRIME
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Apr 24, 2024
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
Broken rear coil spring requiring replacement of both rear springs. The springs were replaced at the state safety inspection in August 2023. The broken parts were not retained. Failure of part could have resulted in loss of control of the vehicle. The work was completed by an independent garage. There was no warning other than reduction of ride comfort.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
Ive been notified that my front upper, lower arms, and bushings on my suspension are damaged. Tesla has sent me an massive bill to replace the parts on the car that I am not able to provide. As a looked up and talked to other Tesla S owners, this apparently is a major issues with all of them and very common. So common that China issued a recall requiring Tesla to fix this manufacture defect of wre... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Bad sub frame transmission mount. Engine shake about pop out
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the driver’s side front ball joint detached causing the front driver’s side wheel to bend inward. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence which caused damage to the fender. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previous... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Apr 24, 2024
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal clicking sound emanating from the rear of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
Death wobble experienced in 2023 at 64 k miles. Had to purchase stabilizer bar from dealer. Had another death wobble incident in April 2024. Dealer replaced same stabilizer bar again. This design is very dangerous empty but when pulling a bid horse trailer loaded with 3 horses could be catastrophic.
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Apr 24, 2024
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
My car began producing very loud creaking noise at low speed. I brought the car into a Tesla service center and the technician said that this was a well known issue with the upper control arm of the front suspension. He mentioned he performs this repair every day. I was given an estimate of approximately $200 to repair the suspension. I later receive an updated estimate of $1,850. Tesla states the... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
CC
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Apr 23, 2024
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
The bulbs are constantly blowing out, and need to be replaced. The steering wheel/column makes noises, and doesn't always lock, but when it does lock, it can be difficult to unlock it! The suspension shakes and rattles. There is a campaign for the corrosion of the undercarriage/suspension, that I was not aware of until a few weeks ago(I do have an appointment for that). The most pressing concern i... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Apr 23, 2024
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact stated the brake pads and rotors were replaced; however, the abnormal sound persisted. The contact called and informed the dealer of the issue however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTS... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Apr 23, 2024
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that when the steering wheel was turned to the left, the steering wheel made popping sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact stated that an unknown repair was completed; however, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle drove over uneven ground and the vehicle was violently shaking. The contact stated that the shaki... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The vehicle tire system lights came on the air bag sensor light Car did not fill safe driving no control on the road unstable on turns car was sold one lug muissing front tire ,returned car several times last time I took the vehicle was due to drivesrs back wheel wobbling so bad , Someone followeing said it looked like tire was coming off . the owner said it was fine , put it on the rack let... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
Suspension hangers are poorly welded, weld has no penetration into the frame of the vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
Hi I owned JOURNEY 2015 since 2 years all of sudden I noticed some fluids red colour under the HOOD leaking drastically so I parked the vehicle at my Driveway I came to know from my neighbours that they have a recall on there JOURNEY 2014 v4
Incident date: Jan 12, 2021
I bought this vehicle last November from Shea. When we bought the truck we noticed the check engine light, but was told that we would have to bring it back in for inspection. The last vehicle we bought from Shea it had a 30 day return and it would fix any problems. Not so with this time. So, we purchased a Platinum warranty which was a little above $2K and we believed would cover these issues. Tha... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
I had a bent right control arm, this was replaced in the dealership with out of pocket payment on February 12th 2024, same issue above reoccurred and the dealership is asking for the same sum to be paid out of pocket. Mitsubishi motors customer complain refused to assist that I had an accident with the car. I believe this is a defect because, I never had any accident, As of now, the right control ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
In february 2023 we noticed several internal (sawdust, exposed finish nails, floor noises, broken trim, pinched wall coverings) and external (multiple locked doors opening in transit)signs that our RV frame was experiencing excessive flexing, more than what is expected and necessary for a nearly 42' metal vehicle frame. The frame has since failed, the suspension is underrated for the weight of th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
1) Back end of the vehicle sways, bounces at any speed when going over slightest bump. Driving with failing shocks or struts has a direct impact on your ability to control vehicle. Research indicates KNOWN ISSUE with 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisades - TSB22-SS-001H issued for PART of the problem but no recall. Hyundai clearly knows about it but not issuing needed recall because it is a warranty item, ... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Apr 21, 2024
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
Air suspension in the rear suddenly failed making it impossible to drive, also triggered a red warning of "stop, car too low"
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
My truck has the Death Wobble . It has been worked on for the incident It happened again yesterday at least 4 times within 30 minutes We turned around and came are parked the truck. Am going to talk to the Dealer where I Purchase the vehicle and want some answers and to fix this major problem with my Ford Superduty 250 2017
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Apr 20, 2024
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
I purchased a vehicle from a friend that is 20 years old but runs great and he takes great care of his vehicles. This one was his away car, in that he was here only 6 months of the year and drove this one mainly when he was here and only put on about 2-3 thousand miles per year. He told me he was scraping the car so I offered him scrap value but little to my knowledge that the total frame is rotte... Read more
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Apr 20, 2024
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
Recently after lending my 2014 Nissan Altima to my daughter to drive out of state she made a turn in a parking lot and the rear lower control arm broke in half. The car was undrivable and had to be towed to a local repair shop. After doing some checking online I found out that Nissan is well aware of the issue and has issued a service bulletin P9324. However, I am very upset as Nissan never mailed... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
Driving out of state and twice in a three hour period have experienced the death wobble on the interstate , now trying to continue under 50 mph because it is a very scary shaking .
ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Apr 20, 2024
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
I am writing to express my concern regarding the recurring issue with the control arms and sway bar in the 2020 Tesla Model 3. It has come to my attention that Tesla acknowledges this issue, which manifests as creaking sounds during various driving conditions such as climbing into the car, traveling at low speeds, and navigating over speed bumps or uneven terrain. What's particularly troubling is... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2021
The Ford Death Wobble. I was driving down the highway at speed and hit an overpass expansion joint and the truck started violently shaking and I had to slow down and get in the center median against the concrete barrier to get it under control. Once I got it under control and got back on the highway I moved to the slow lane and a couple of miles down the road I hit another expansion joint, and it ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
Shortly after purchasing brand new in July of 2021, this motorcycle developed a violent shake and wobble at 40mph, which could be felt between 35mph and 45mph, but was much worse at 40mph. It also developed at the same time a constant, uncommanded pull to the right. I have tried for three years to get this problem fixed and addressed under warranty. I have not been successful thus far. I have ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
The front beam crossmember sub k frame of this vehicle has failed due to corrosion. This has resulted in a loss of steering control. Fortunately his failure was discovered while the vehicle was parked or it could have resulted in a very serious vehicle accident. There was an acknowledgment (and recall) of this corrosion failure issue issued by Mazda but it was for a subsequent model years. I conta... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Apr 19, 2024
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
Yes it was on and off kept having computer issues and other issues
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
The rear knuckles have a casting defect that does not allow the lower most forward control arm bolt to be tightened fully. This causes the bolt to be 1/8” from being fully tightened. After removing the casting defect you are able to tighten the bolt fully. The bolt broke off in the knuckle causing the tire to point away from the body at a 45 degree angle. If my wife was on the interstate doing ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
1. right front lower control arm broke yes available for inspection 2. caused my vehicle to pulled to the right and could not steer straight and caused collision into parked car. 3. no not yet 4. no not yet 5. no
Crash
FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Apr 18, 2024
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
Rear coil spring broke while driving about 50 mph in a straight line. A loud bang was heard in the rear of the car. This was confirmed by the dealer during an oil change. I see that this was a recall for other 2019 VW Jetta models.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the rear end of the vehicle was leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rear end pinion yoke needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the dealer had replaced the rear end pinion yoke se... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Apr 18, 2024
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
I called our dealership to schedule the repair for this recall; they indicated that parts have been back ordered and they are only getting one part per week to accomplish repairs. They have a waiting list established on which I am number 62, which at the current rate of receipt of parts, I would be waiting for about 15 months to get the recall repair completed. For a recall that could potentially ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Mechanical failure on the car air suspension especially on back left of the car. Car parked overnight and it automatically lowered and driving it out of the drive way there was no error that popped out on low suspension until driving out of drive way. That caused the scratch on left side under carriage. Dealer refused to run diagnostics to determine true cause of issue until we pay for the diagn... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering) 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 ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Apr 18, 2024
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
I have a 2021 Hyundai Palisade with 65,000 miles on it and rear struts have already become an issue. I just (this week) replaced all four tires and did 65,000 mile routine maintenance on this vehicle. During these services, it was inspected by local Hyundai dealership and they confirmed the need for them to be replaced but car is available for additional inspection at any time. We first noticed... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
Violent front end shimmy (death wobble) at highway speeds. Seems to be worsening. Happened in Interstate traffic near Atlanta Georgia. Extreme concern as I was among multiple vehicles with many behind me as well, all moving at highway speeds. I could not stop the problem until I had slowed to about 20 miles per hour.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
I have a 2014 chevy silverado that I purchased brand new from the dealer. The truck just hit 100,000 miles and recently had a clunking noise from the rear undercarriage. After having it inspected, it has come to my attention that the frame is rusted and rear crossmembers are rusted out causing the rear shock mount to break, and I'm not sure if the frame is salvageable. After doing some research, I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
After we drove over a bumpy section of road the truck experienced uncontrollable shaking. The road conditions were not severe, but were the cause of the shaking. During the immediate aftermath no input was possible apart from taking my foot off the accelerator. The shaking was severe and uncontrolled causing other vehicles in the vicinity to react. It felt like the truck was going to flip over. Th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
On 03Feb24, immediately following a 4-wheel alignment of my 2022 Subaru Outback Limited, my vehicle’s suspension feels unstable over patched potholes or rough/broken pavement. I can best describe the condition as similar to the movements felt while hydroplaning but it does it on dry road. It jerks side to side; 3 or 4 times; in rapid succession; just enough to command the driver’s full attenti... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
The front suspension is making a clanking noise. Inspection of the front strut towers tops shows an interior separation of the rubber in the Strut bearing at 63k miles. There is also a noticeable difference between the left and right side relative to the components present. The space at the drivers side which is making the noise has a bigger separation in its components when the wheels are in a ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
Left and right upper control arms failed, as did both front lower lateral links. Same issues as the vehicles recalled as part of 2 different recalls by Tesla: [XXX] Car requires over $2,000 of out of warranty repairs despite this clearly being a manufacturer defect and car should have been included as part of the previous recall(s). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
When I encounter a bump in the road or uneven pavement at highway speeds, the jeep begins to wobble violently (being shook like a bag of popcorn). I have to release the gas and slow down for it to stop. This has happened numerous times over the past 2 years. I didn't report it previously as I thought it was just a jeep thing and poor manufacturing. Now that I have become aware that it is preval... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Bad alignment causing front tires to wear abbormally.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
This is a continuation complaint with national cemter for dispute settlement to fix safty issues and discontinued parts. The car is not 40 years old and i cannot find a maintenance repair book. The power door locks are coming on and off and the fob key do not work Sutton acuta in macon said it needs the antenna but the antenna is discontinued. The navigation system doesn't work because the 6 cham... Read more