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: Feb 10, 2024
i brought in my car for service and clearly nothing was fixed. i have been having issues with this car for YEARS now and nothing is being repaired at the dealership. I will enclosed back up that i went there and they apparently fixed it but car is still having issues. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Had damper replaced due to death wobble at 39k miles under extended warranty related to FCA lawsuit. At 59k miles experienced same death wobble and nearly crashed at highway speeds. Took it in and they said the cause was the tie rods were bad, damper was within threshold, but would replace it too as a courtesy and abundance of caution. Wouldn’t do damper replacement without tie rod fix though... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while making a turn at 10-15 MPH, the contact heard a loud bang and scraping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over and discovered that the rear crossmember had detached. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the lower and upper control arm bolts were severely corroded; however, the conta... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
Front lower control arms were entirely rusted out to the point that one had completely detached and the other was nearly detached. Had the second arm rusted out, the risk of loosing control of the vehicle was incredibly high. Vehicle has under 75k miles and is well maintained. Was replaced and mechanic was even surprised at the state of the rise of the vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
Left front vibrations and steering issues. Also start button won't engage even after repair. Trouble stating car and interferes with remote starting.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
67,000 miles and broken rear right coil spring. Very serious issue as it can cause an accident while driving. No warnings or messages. Heard loud pop and rear right was sagging. Many other people with this model Q7 have had the same problem. A part like this should not be failing at 67,000 miles.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
The front suspension bumpstops are falling off of the Ford F53 chassis on many RV's made since 2020.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
Control arm on Ford 2014 explorer are prone to failure, causing vehicle to lose steering. Control arms rub excessively against brake components, also causing failure to both brakes, ABS, and sensors related to wheel speed. Failure is due to the manufacture. Strong action is need to prevent further road accidents if not addressed.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
Both the front left and right lateral linkages have failed after 4 years of normal use. This is similar to an issue experienced in other Model 3 vehicles that were recalled. This vehicle is not covered by that recall but appears to have the same build quality issues. These links should not fail at such an early vehicle age. Replaced Left Front Lower Lateral Link. Replaced Right Front Lower Lat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
While I was driving my 2012 MB C300 4Matic Sport Sedan in Nov', 2023 with history of regular maintenance, noticed a pretty load knocking noise, shudder and drifting to left a bit when it brakes from the driver's rear side especially on the highways. I took it to our local mechanic who was horrified to report that the sub frame was broken and completely rotten out too specifically rust issue with t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
There are holes in the frame and the frame mounts. Sold with a clean title
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
The stock bilstein shocks lost the reservoir for hydraulic fluids causing shock absorber to fail while driving. the canister simply fell off. I didn't hit anything other than normal bumps in the road. The vehicle has never been in an accident or offroad to cause the canister to fall off. Many other owners have complained on different blog sites about this same issue. This causes the vehicle t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
My 2017 vw Jetta S front left coil spring broke in half & the sharp ends could have puncture my tire while I was driving. I was checking it over as soon as it made noise, & discovered that it had broken and didn’t drive it & bought 2 new ones and replaced them both and got our state inspection. I got on the internet and saw where the Jetta 2019 & some other models had been recalled, and wondere... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
The door check bracket is broke to where my door makes a terrible noise and I hear this is affecting over 300,000 Ford escapes
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Feb 22, 2024
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
Sway bar links are unsafe. Electrical system makfunctions after idling vehicle and at other random times, causing vehicle warning lights to illuminate abd vehicle won't function properly. Vehicle loses oil, 2,000 miles after each oil change a quart or more must be added then the same after each 1,000 miles after.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
Has a severe wabble in the front end at 70 MPH to about 73 mph.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
The engine oil pump dive belt tensioner arm broke, and it caused damage to the engine, causing the engine to lose engine oil pressure and causing engine damage, almost causing an accident. There were no warning or messages prior to the failure it just happened, I was driving and it happened almost causing an accident. The dealership confirmed that this was the problem that belt broke causing mot... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
Rear cross member frame broke in 2 spots due to rust. I’ve searched this and found numerous vehicles with same problem contacted dealer and they said they can’t do anything about it. What steps should I take. I called there corporate office left They don’t don’t return calls callsor or texts complaints.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
Purchased the 2009 mazda6 for our daughter. Brought it to our mechanic for an electrical issue. We were told that the rear subframe was completely rusted and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
See video of incident here: [XXX] Additional video is here: [XXX] The incidents happened while driving on the interstate at approximately 70mph. When a normal expansion joint or bump was traversed, the steering wheel would suddenly oscillate continuously, with the degree of the oscillation growing more severe over time. The entire body of the vehicle shook violently. The only way to recover fr... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 3500
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Feb 19, 2024
Incident date: Jun 18, 2021
I was recently driving and heard a funny noise from back right of car. Looked underneath and saw a broken spring (I have the broken spring) . I am the original owner of this car and it only has 36,645 miles on it. Never been off-road, hauled anything, or had anything heavy in back. In looking online afterwards this seems to be a common problem in 2018 Audi Q5s. This defect could have caused a seri... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
I was driving down the highway when the truck started shaking vigorously I could not control it. I went into another lane as I could finally push the break hard enough to stop. I checked for a recall. There is a recall for the Radial damper, but my Vin number is not covered under this and my dealership refuses to fix this. I also read there is a class action lawsuit regarding the death wobble, wh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
vehicle sub-frame is cracked rusted corroded.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
My truck suspension is working smoothly, and every time a hit a small bump in the road.it feels like the wheel is going to feel off.. I have this truck since March .
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
I continue to experience accelerated severe rear tire wear since my original purchase of this car new in February 2022 on both rear tires (275/45R20). The car has had the alignment specifications confirmed by Tesla. Yet I have had to replace two sets of rear tires in less than 36,000 miles due to the inside edge of both tires being worn through the rubber and into the steel cords of the tires. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
Out of town and control arms went while turning a corner. My steering wheel was sideways and I was going straight. There was no warning, noises or dashboard lights prior to this happening. My vehicle has 130k but well maintained. Prior to this happening I was driving on the Thruway at 65mph, this could of broke then causing a potential accident or something worse. Why wasn't there any warning ligh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Was just about to drive on a 55mph road when the drivers side rear trailing arm fell off from the frame, no prior indication of failure as it passed inspection the previous year. Had checked by my mechanic and says it is not repairable. Excessive corrosion into frame. Searched internet and found recall in Canada for this specific issue. We are lucky it happened when it did otherwise it would have ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHXSE
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Feb 18, 2024
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
Our RV experienced frame failure twice. It was repaired by the rv facility the first time as it was under warranty. 2nd time it was not. This is a widespread and ongoing issue on Lippert frames and needs to be on a recall. The danger of a 45ft 5th wheel frame breaking on a major freeway could be catastrophic.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
I bought this 2009 Dodge ram Laramie about a year ago been riding like new but 4 days ago starting to hear a bad whining noise from the rear end and I see this truck had a recall on the pinion nut I think it's coming lose from the pinion
ALLISON
TRANSMISSION
(9999) - SUSPENSION
Feb 17, 2024
Incident date: Feb 16, 2023
Stalling? Have to put in DRIVE in order to forward in order to get car to back up? Air bags Clock wheel has more connection to what wrong/Air bags connections is Connected to HORN (which stopped working) DRIVE? all the refuses are working fine. horn not work; Dangerous driving in CALIIFORNIA without a HORN** I just want ALL is for them to REPLACE the PARTS OF MY VW 2013 PASSAT WITHOUT ANY CHARGE ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
engines containing pistons that prematurely fail, forcing full-engine replaced all 4 pistons replaced . Car would die/ shut down, sputter , rock shake excessively and want to not go, 22307 WRO 103114. DIAG 15.5, LI01.30-P-072328,, C&D BATTERY CHARGER. PERFORMED SHORT TEST. FOUND CODE P219F78. R&R SPARK PLUGS.PERFORMED LEAK CHECK WITH SPARK PLUGS REMOVED. FOUND CYLINDER #04 LEAKING. R&R WHEELS. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
While driving our jeep there are many times on the highway that it starts to shake and wobble very bad. To the point where we have to slow down sometimes under 50mph before it stops doing it. It is very dangerous and the dealer keeps telling us when they test drive it it doesn't do it so there's nothing they can do. Stay away from these
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The Front Suspension Track Bar Frame Bracket R46/NHTSA 15V-541. There was a recall issued in 2016 that impacted around an estimated 150,000+ vehicles. I purchased my Truck in 2020, and according to records this problem was fixed in 2016. I recently noticed something seriously wrong with the front suspension while driving, and just about lost control of my vehicle on the highway. After taking i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
Frame rusted thru to point it is unsafe to drive
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The upper control arms on this vehicle are a known chronic issue where the ball joints fail anywhere from 15,000 miles and up. Tesla is charging for this replacement if vehicle has more than 50,000 miles
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and using the power chair with hand controls, the drivability was terrible. While driving at various speeds, it was difficult to stay in the intended lane. The Lane Sensing feature was loose and failed to the vehicle failed to steer correctly. While driving at various speeds, the steerin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The 4wd has never worked in my 2019 Ram 1500. I bought the truck in November of the same year, I tried to engage the 4wd with the snow that year and it would not engage. Notification showed service 4wd, I took it to a ram dealer in South Carolina where I worked out of town they had it for two days and they informed me they didn't know what was wrong with it. I then took it to the dealer at home... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
While towing the trailer I found that it kept pulling to the right several times pulling off the roadway onto the emergency lane. The trailer was vissably showing in the mirrors as not pulling straight. This was also verified by my wife as she followed. I hand measured the frame and axle position verifying the frane was square but the axles were install 3 inches off. Speaking with the mgf. Spokes... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
This truck is for sale in Oregon with HOLES/RUST on the frame and the frame mount. It is being sold with a clean title which clearly with the frame damage it is considered a branded title. The car lot that is selling the truck will no disclose the frame issue when asked about the structure damage on the truck. BUYERS BEWARE!!!
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Power steering and yes it is. Not safe to drive because of the steering. The dealership has changed the part under the recall as well as the warranty Yes by several people No warning lights or anything came on to show that there was a issue
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
Frame corrosion through out the entire frame. Recently the steering rack broke away from the frame cross member. Now every time I turn the wheel there is a popping sounds and the steering feels loose compared to what it did before the sound accord. There is also a hole in the back of the frame behind the back tire. My attached tow package ripped sections of the frame and caused crack to extend tow... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. While driving into a parking lot at a very slow speed, the braking system suddenly activated, and the vehicle shut off. After restarting the vehicle, the messages "Rear Axle Malfunction", "Active Braking System Limited" and "Inoperative" were displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
Just to clarify, the vin number claims my vehicle is a 2017 Hyunda Elantra… but it is a 2017 Hyundai Elantra LIMITED, which there are differences in the design/model of the vehicles. The vehicle was not inspected at time of purchase like originally mentioned to me in our agreement. (They only transferred my registration to the new vehicle) I had done nothing out of the ordinary to the vehicle, a... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Feb 15, 2024
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The front subframe of my 2010 Subaru is completely rusted through and is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because if the subframe broke in half while I was driving it would cause an accident from lack of steering control. Many people online said they had the same problem. The car was vibrating and shaking at high speed. The vehicle has not been inspected by any representativ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Car makes creaking sounds when going over bumps and turning left or right.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Yes my car was sold to me with structural damages, and I was told any of this when I purchased it!!!!
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I was just out of warranty and have a VERY loud squeaky noise when I turn my wheel. I was told that because of the weight of the battery, this can happen. I was told it was not an expensive fix but now they say it's $3,000. It is a known issue and the engineers didn't build to hold the car up properly with the weight of the battery. May be a potential hazard and I don't feel safe driving it and al... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Death Wabble Twice all 6 wheels shook as though falling off. Semi truck behind hit airhorn and locked up brakes to avoid hitting me at 75mph..i had to immediately slow to 20mph to stop castrophe
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Please note that the VIN I have used is not the VIN of the actual vehicle which is the subject of this complaint. There has been a fatal crash in San Diego. Here is a video of the aftermath. [XXX] I have taken stills from that video that show the Tesla wheel lying on the roadway well before the crash site and marks on the road that show the car slewed sideways after the wheel fell off and then ... Read more
Crash
Fire
1 deaths