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: Mar 17, 2023
The rear crossmember subframe on my vehicle is completely rusted out which caused serious suspension issue and cause the control arm to be in contact with the fuel tank. It didnt go through the tank because i found the issue on time and stopped driving the vehicle but it caused damage to the tank. If I didnt stop driving the car it was just a matter of time before the control arm perforated the ta... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering) however, the parts to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repai... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
Left front lower link suspension component broke at low speed. Wheel moved aft and contacted sharp metal in the wheel well causing tire damage.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
I have a brand new Grand Highlander Limited with a Panoramic roof, and since the day I took it home, I have noticed a deep bass sound and ear pressure/cabin pressure when driving below 40mph on residential roads. It is very low-frequency and causes headaches, ear pain, and ringing after driving the car. I have taken it to 2 separate dealerships for diagnostic, and they agree they hear the sound a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
At first brakes were making noise so I went to replace them after getting parts and I noticed that the brake pedal went to the floor I was able to get it on concrete pad but when I jacked it up I say big chunks of rust falling when I looked under car rear axle subframe was pretty much gone after I say that I decided to order the replacement subframe but when it come in and I was getting ready to d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
After a quick fish tail in the rain of the car and figuring it was just a hydroplane, I noticed rear tires were worn out to the cords on inside of rear tires, So i purchase a new set and while changing , it was obvious that the rear subframe was broken off at the stabilizer and would allow the rear end of car to shift forward and back, Thank God we were only at around 30mph, or this could of been... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the stick shift was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed rear axle and coil springs. The contact was informed that the rear axle and coil springs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump and experienced the death wobble. The contact pulled over and slowed down to stabilize the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and repaired, however, the failure recurred. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired six times for the failure. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
Reverberation noise, also commonly referred to by other owners as “boom or acoustic boom.” The entire cabin vibrates as if a shock wave is being sent through it. Mostly occurred when hitting small to large bumps under 45 mph and also happens often while breaking (even on flat and smooth pavement). On highway over 50mph there is a constant pressure within the cabin that significantly effects th... Read more
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2024) - SUSPENSION
Mar 13, 2024
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
My suspension failed would not send any air pressure to lift my vehicle while driving my car ride was very bumpy and I loss contol.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage G4. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle began to fishtail and sway left to right, prompting the contact to dramatically reduce vehicle speed, after which the vehicle briefly veered to the right before the contact was able to regain control. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who di... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
I have a 2020 Model X (23k miles) and the warranty just expired 2 months ago. It suddenly developed a loud creaking in the front end. The creaking seems to be related to the movement of the suspension, but I also notice it when I turn either direction. It’s not related to braking except to the extent that the suspension is compressed slightly with braking. From research it may be the control ar... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
When driving the vehicle at 60mph or faster, the steering wheel will begin to shake uncontrollably and continue to rattle for approximately 30 seconds until the vehicle is reduced speed to about 40mph or less. If I resume speed again, the shaking vibrations will continue to happen repeatedly. This puts my safety at risk when I attempt to drive on the freeway and approach the speed limit and cau... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
While doing an exhaust inspection on my car, I noticed the front subframe is rusted completely through on the right hand side near the rear lower control are bushing. This is a major structural component of the vehicle and I believe it is a huge safety risk driving it. The car has around 114,000 miles on it. I feel Ford should issue a recall and replace these rusted trough front subframes. I canno... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2012
Front end in rolled shacking. Tires wearing extremely fast and uneven image. Unable to drive
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the front end of the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound and shuddered significantly. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly while driving over a slightly bumpy road surface. The contact stated that her father insp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the bushings. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
While driving vehicle on highway at 70mph, vehicle went completely out of control shaking violently and would not stop violently shaking until a complete stop on a highway. My wife thought she was going to die. Apparently this is known in the Jeep community as the "Death Wobble." There needs to be a recall immediately before someone dies. This is completely un expectable.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Mar 11, 2024
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
Vehicle loses oil, 2k-3k miles after each oil change a quart or more must be added then the same after each 1,000 miles after.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Element. The contact stated that while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the trailing arm fractured. In addition, the rear of the vehicle dropped to the ground and the driver's rear side of the vehicle was dragging on the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
I purchased certified July of 2023 . My 2022 Sarah 4xe Jeep has been in the dealership 4 times for the so called death rattle on the freeway at highway speeds of 70-73 mph . When hitting bump it will wobble horribly to the point I have to slam the breaks on to get it to stop . The dealer the last time put on an aftermarket fox damper which helped quite a bit but it still will do it briefly . From ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Mar 11, 2024
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
While driving the last couple days, our 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon unlimited started the “Death Wobble”, an uncontrollable violent shaking from left to right. Occurred three days in a row, took vehicle to Jeep dealership to ensure extended warranty coverage
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
I went to start my vehicle one morning and the cars DSC light and Steering lights were on. The steering wheel had loss of power as the electronic steering went out. A got a group of warning messages. Warnings include: Cont. driving possible: Chassis stabilization, Increased Steering effort: Drive carefully to the closet service station, Driving Assistance support reduced, Pedestrian Warning was d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
Heard rattling in the front of the car over a period of weeks. Finally checked and saw a bolt that secures the front wheel hinge to the body frame was very loose. Then I tried turning the wheel (while stationary) to test the front steering. After a few times, the bolt came completely loose and hanging, as in one of the pictures included. After the bolt came completely loose and hanging, the affect... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal popping sound coming from an unknown location. Additionally, there was a screeching sound coming from the brakes. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rear passenger’s side shock absorber. The vehicle was r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
Shocks defective. Shocks to be replaced twice on this vehicle with under 50,000 miles. First replaced at about 20,000 miles. Dealership advised that original shocks and now new replacement shocks leak on inspection. Clearly a defective part. Ford knows about this problem. Ford has put out a “service message for technicians” but why isn’t there a recall? Second issue is brake issue. Ford has... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and making a turn, there was an abnormal loud banging sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that she looked around and could not determine the cause of the sound. The contact stated that she continued driving; however, the failure recurred while driving on several occasions. The contact stated that ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
Smell gasoline when tank get filled up. Engine light is on , suspension make a lot of noise , power steering pump also
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Mar 7, 2024
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
When turn to exit highway the car stop unexpectedly. It happened more than 5 times. I talked with the dealer but they not pay attention to my claim The dealer check the suspension twice and denied there was a problem. But Tire kingdom and an independent service verified a problem in the suspension system
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Mar 7, 2024
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
On [XXX] traveling south from [XXX] to merge onto [XXX] via the on-ramp, we hit a rough patch of road with potholes/ruts at the shoulder. There was a loud bang, we felt the front of the car drop, and felt an immediate change in steering/stability. We could hear loud scraping/grinding noises, and we pulled to the shoulder as quickly as we could. At first we suspected a flat tire, however the tir... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
*Left-Driver Side and Right-Passenger side under hood a loud clunk when backing out of driveway or parking space when turning the steering wheel to a very sharp turn. Yes, available for inspection. *It feels like something is coming loose when backing up and turning sharply. *Yes, the dealer heard the noise and replaced the Driver Side Axle. *No Inspection by other entities. *No warnings
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Jaguar X-Type. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front-end suspension and wheel bearings. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while an independent mechanic was servicing the vehicle, the contact was informed that the rear sub frame was severely rusted at the spring shackle on the driver's side. The vehicle was then taken to an auto body shop, where it was determined that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Frame failure causing the vehicle to be unsafe to tow given the failure is in the PIN area. If the PIN box fails that could cause a catastrophic accident resulting in great harm or death to the driving public. Grand Design has failed to take full ownership of this issue with 100's of their large 5th wheel. On inspection welds are weak or missing leading to these RV's becoming unsafe to tow down... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 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
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you regarding a persistent issue I have been experiencing with my 2021 Ford Explorer For some time now, I have noticed a loud sound when braking and when navigating obstacles such as speed bumps or when entering and exiting the ramp of my parking lot. Concerned about this situation, I took my vehicle to the service department at your dealership, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds, the front wheels would suddenly violently shake, vibrate, and wobble. The contact stated that during the failure, the vehicle became extremely unstable and difficult to control. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
While driving the 2020 Jeep Gladiator on highway I experienced extreme vibrations and shaking of the steering wheel (Commonly referred to as the "Death Wobble" in other online complaints/videos). This occurred on at least 8 occasions when traveling at highway speed (65mph to 70mph) after hitting a bump (ex. overpass bridge joint) or rough patch of road (ex. pothole). The steering wheel and whole... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
I purchased my 2019 Kia Sorento with 7,000 miles on it. A few moths after purchase, I began having suspension issue with it. My rear tires were being worn out very quickly and a tire repair shop suggested that I have Kia dealership check out the shocks, which I did. Kia Service Center diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the shock absorbers due to leakage. Almost 2 months later, I took my Sorento ba... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLA 250
(2016) - SUSPENSION
Mar 5, 2024
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
I was driving my car and fault something wrong with the steering and went to make a right turn I heard a noise and my car front passenger side of my car was on the ground and my wheel was under my car. Thank goodness for no one else being involved that day and thank God I wasn't hurt badly... I have never seen or have anything like that to happen to me... I'm glad my children wasn't with me... I'm... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
Rear suspension is extremely bouncy causing very poor handling due to defective factory shocks.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated there was an unknown part loosened at the front of the vehicle. While driving at unknown speeds, there was an abnormal rattling noise detected from the strut that had become louder over time. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the front-end bolts were tightened. The vehicle was repaire... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
Major Issues: Vehicle unresponsiveness: Twice in 4 days, the car was unresponsive, requiring a family member to stay in rain and cold weather (very dangerous) and wait for the car to restart(extremely dangerous). Unintended rolling: Once, the car started rolling back when parked on a slight incline, requiring me to activate creep mode. Additionally, while parked in reverse, the car inexplicably mo... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Mar 4, 2024
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
I received a recall notice saying that welding debris on the rear axle could cause bolts to loosen resulting in parts falling off the truck and crashing. I have called servco Toyota Honolulu service department 3 separate times. Talked to a number of managers and representatives. The first time they said they cannot do the recall yet and are waiting for parts and procedures, would not give me a dat... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
This truck has rust and giant holes in the frame, I'm not even sure if its safe to drive. I see that Chevy doesn't want to claim ownership of the manufacturing mistake. I can't even sell this truck because it would never pass a safety inspection. Chevy needs to be held accountable and do a recall to those of us who are stuck with the vehicles and fix their mistake. I don't even think a dealer ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 450
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Mar 4, 2024
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
DURING SAFETY INSPECTION ON [XXX] SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY WAS FOUND TO HAVE A HOLE WHICH FAILED THE INSPECTION. I PAID $4300 TO HAVE IT FIXED ON [XXX]. THIS I LEARNT LATER IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD AND CAN RESULT IN FATAL ACCIDENTS- A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT EXISTS IN EUROPE AND IN US AS WELL. THIS PART IS SUPPOSED TO LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR. DEGRADED PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR MAY WELL BE IMPACTING OTH... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
Had to go in to repair a coolant leak, power train issue with the driveshaft and suspension.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
At or about 68mph always while on interstate highways if I drive over certain bumps in the road my vehicle gets a dangerous shaking of the steering wheel that is very violent shaking. This shaking does not stop until I bring my vehicle to a complete stop.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The front end suspension and steering suddenly shakes violently after hitting a bump or uneven road at speeds above 50 MPH. The only way to stop it is to quickly slow down almost to a stop. Very scary and very dangerous.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
In 3 months later that we got the jeep. The seat spring for reclain go off, later 1 year the motor mounts have alot of noise with the change of speed, and the suspension feel horroble, i been driving like that few months like that and we dont know about this page can we report all this issues.