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 1, 2024
The vehicle displays a BCI malfunction, AEB braking warning, and traction control indicator light is on. Vehicle does not recognize that the brake pedal is being depressed when trying to start the car. Pushing the start button only cycles the ignition through the on and acc options. Rear suspension suddenly low.
FOREST RIVER
CARDINAL
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Feb 6, 2024
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
Nissan has a extended warranty on rear lower control links and my car is under that warranty , but nissan usa requests that rear lower links be cracked or broken in order for a nissan dealer to change them , and my car is having misalignment on rear cause of the rear lower links you can give me a call to discuss this matter at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
Passenger Side Front Strut assembly failing. Known issue with this series vehicle (2016-2022).
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
The dealership tried to sell me this 2016 red Range Rover …. I took it to a mechanic and paid to have it inspected and it has MANY SAFETY CONCERNS. I didn’t buy it, BUT it’s back on their lot for SALE Hoover Volkswagen Lithia Springs 1981 Thornton Rd Lithia Springs, GA 30122 (404) 282-3617 Please SAVE A LIFE.. the next person may not have extra money to pay for an inspection and get killed... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
I was driving my vehicle on the highway at approximately 70 kph when the engine seized and all of the warning lights in the dash went out simultaneously. The car would barely accelerate but I was able to pull over and get it towed to a shop. The shop diagnosed total engine failure as a result of tension rod shavings showing in the oil filter. I researched recalls for my model & year and found Nove... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
My 2018 Q5 with around 60k miles had a rear passenger side coil spring break. There is a forum with many other people that have the exact same issue and I believe this is a defect/ faulty design as we all have had the coil break in the same location under similar low mileage. There are 5-6 people on this page alone with the same issue [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
I am told by Right Honda dealership in Scottsdale, AZ that the "front lower control arms" are tearing open after 3.5 years and approx. 48k miles. This is a premature failure that appears to have affected many other Honda owners. I am told that my steering can lose control as a result of this defect. The dealership charges over $1000 for this repair and it is just outside of warranty. Please inv... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Self leveling shocks in the rear of the vehicle are failing (leaking, locking up) very early in their life span. Significant adverse effects to ride and handling.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Feb 5, 2024
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
Front subframe rusted through. This is a similar issue across a wide range of Nissan Pathfinders. This is a major safety issue.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
Vehicle. cuts off when running, check engine light came on. Had vehicle checked and replaced 02 sensors and filter. After replacing it ran worse than it did before replacing them.Check engine light will not go off.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Took my car to a tesla service center to repair the suspension front upper arm in feb2023 for $300 Today the front suspension lower arm/forelink/aft failed and they are making the repair now. Repair costs is $1600. After doing some research, it seems the suspension issue on the model x is a widespread and faulty design issue. They fail with the car being just 5 years old.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
This vehicle just recently failed inspection for the right rear toe link. I spoke with the dealers service department who stated that this is a known issue with this model but that there is not a current recall. From my research on Chevrolet forums, this is a very frequent issue. This is a very dangerous issue, and owners are being forced to pay for this known issue out of pocket. It is appare... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
Rear tires rubbing and car is uneasy in rain. Had to have tires replaced due to rubbing on interior of rear of car. Tires wear extremely fast and dangerous to drive in any weather conditions such as rain. Inspection says there is no alignment or adjustment issues. However tires continue to wear apparently there are aftermarket parts to make it adjustable but what is wrong with it in the first plac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
Driving home at [XXX] on [XXX] from Winters CA to Davis CA with a temperature of 55 degrees F and some rain in the area. The sunroof exploded. A large bang happened. Pulled over nothing hit the sunroof, and the glass was protruding outward (not inward which would have happened if the glass was hit from an object from above). The sunroof was part of the new car when we purchased it. INFORMATION RED... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
Metal part of Rear upper and control arm bushings get rusty, they may come off the main piece and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. I have just put 25,000 miles on my Accord. Bought it a year ago.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Frame started to flex excessively in the king-pin area and on the inside, above the king-pin area. Issue was confirmed by independent RV dealer. The movement exceeded Lipperts stated limits for the frame to flex. After consulting with Grand Design and Lippert, instructed to take RV to local Grand Design dealer for further inspection and repair. Dealer found broken welds on the frame, broken bo... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Feb 3, 2024
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
Vehicle pulls to the left and noise in front end. Excessive play in left upper ball joint and control arm. Reported to Chevrolet dealership, parts replaced under factory warranty Told dealership I was going to report to NHSTA Do not know what became of the parts
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2024) - SUSPENSION
Feb 3, 2024
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
My 2012 Sorento had the Voluntary Safety Campaign SC141 for additional anti corrosive material performed in 2016. The vehicle had already been driven for 5 years in one of the “snow belt” states they listed. Dealer said no other action needed except the additional undercoating. Now, my rear crossmember is completely rusted and away bar has broken loose. Am going to contact Kia as I feel this s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
Premature rust on rear subframe
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Front suspension makes rattling noise when driving under 20 mi/hr on bumpy roads . Especially noticed in cold temperatures. Dealership replaced sway bar link that has not fixed the Problem. Also power training light flashed multiple times
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
The component or system failed was the transmission 4 different times. A new transmission was put in the car just 6 months after purchasing from a dealer. The transmission lasted close to 3 years being shy only a few days before the transmission warranty expired. So a new transmission was provided by the transmission owner at no additional cost for the transmission but we had to pay $1600 out of p... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
Presently, my mileage is approximately 42770. It has started to exhibit vibration throughout the cab. It wasn't as prevalent during the cold and would only last about 30 seconds, after warm up, and around 70 mph. Now that it has gotten warmer, it is happening after warm up at all speeds. I haven't take it to the dealership yet, but have read reports of the problem with the same model year.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2022
Rapid rusting of rear subframe cross member. Car rarely gets driven in snow or even bad weather. Went from minimal signs of rust to looking pretty rotted within the past year. Saw recalls on similar Hyundai vehicles. Maybe possible the same steel was used, or same lack of corrosion preventative.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Compass. The contact initially became aware that the rear passenger’s side tire was resting at an angle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the rear struts replaced; however, the mechanic informed the contact that the rear suspension was extremely corroded. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not safe to be driven. Neither ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
My wife pulled out of a parking lot and there was a loud noise and the vehicle began to shudder violently. Approximate speed was 10 mikes an hour and she was able to stop. The drivers side rear suspension airbag had broken through the lower control arm, and was under the rear driver side tire. It appears some frame members are cracked as well. Had this happened at highway speeds, it may have resu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
I bought this 2019 jeep wrangler and it is still under manufacturer warranty on the transmission and the steering damper . The transmission in my car was leaking bad and I took it to the jeep dealership and they did not know what was wrong or how to fix it . They are all incompetent and stupid and unprofessional and know nothing about cars also the recall on the steering damper was done 2 years ag... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
the rear subframe broke while in motion and caused the car to drift and bounce while i was cornering the traction control and stability control intervened and i also counter steered once back in straight line i braked and the car tilted on the side, we lifted the car in a mechanic shop and found a rotten subframe one side broke the other was almost giving up.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
1.- Bolsa de aire. Si me lo solicita, por supuesto puedo llevarlo a inspección. 2.- Se puso en riesgo ya que pudo haber sido otro tipo de accidente y las bolsas de aire no se activaron. Yo usaba el cinturón de seguridad. 3.- No ha sido confirmado por un distribuidor local. 4.- No no ha sido inspeccionado por el fabricante. 5.- No hubo ningún tipo de luces o indicador de la falla de las bolsas d... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 14, 2016
Driving down side road about 35-40 MPH with my son, hit a hole in road. Car made a loud boom with immediate signs of problem. (No airbag deploy or warning signs showing on app or on dash) Pulled over to find no issue with tires, body of car or rims of tire. Upon raising hood, found passenger front strut had pushed through engine casing and was hitting top of hood. Fortunately, I was not on a m... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The problem was unknown to me and probably would be to any vehicle owner that is not a mechanic. I was driving a death trap and didn't know how easily it could have been a serious problem. The driver side leaf spring bracket had completely broke apart from the frame on the upper drive side corner in an area that without getting underneath the vehicle with a flashlight and specifically looking for ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
When turn left or right i hear a rotating poping noise only goes away when you go straight. I have hread others complaining about the issue. To my understanding and knowledge the axles are bad. This can cause premature failure in other suspension parts and tire wear.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2004) - SUSPENSION
Jan 30, 2024
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
I brought my car in for maintenance and while the vehicle was on the lift, the top mounting bracket of both front MacPherson struts failed and allowed the coil spring to decompress to the furthest extent allowed by the other suspension components. Both struts catastrophically failed within 10 minutes of each other, causing a loud violent bang, but not immediately when the tires were lifted off the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
The death wobble if I’m on the highway it’ll start wobbling to the point of no control. I have replaced shocks and joints tires pretty much everything but it still does it. I looked it up and was told to report here.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2022
This is a 2020 Tesla model Y. At 55k miles, 3.5 years of ownership I was alerted by my tire dealer about broken bushings and control arms in both front tires. They mentioned that they see these early failures often in I have a 2020 Tesla model Y. I am a careful, risk averse driver who has used the car just on roads for daily commute. No extraordinary forces or events on the suspensions happened. ... Read more
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Jan 30, 2024
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
Car has 39,445 miles on it. Groaning noise started in front tires. Took it in for inspection and Tesla replaced the upper control arm and lower lateral link for both the front left and front right tires. I see that there was a recall for these parts in many Tesla 3, including my model year but my VIN didn’t qualify. Seems coincidental that I would have an issue with the same part that was recall... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
Driving the vehicle will start doing several noises in the front and back suspension. It’s very stressful to hear that kind of noise besides that people isn’t really sure it suspension going to fail at some point which potentially could be really dangerous. Tesla has recall this kind of issues outside the us but refuses to do a recall in the us where the have most of their cars risking the roa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Around 65,000 miles Rear self-leveling shock absorbers started making clunking noises, now they're extremely stiff, not compressing with weight, even small speed bumps affect the rear of the car, rear/cargo bouncing up violently over mild speed bumps, rough on 2nd/3rd row passengers. the standard front shocks which are still good. The problem, reproduced on a drive, verified by a dealership servi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle with an unknown yellow warning light on the instrument panel. The contact's partner was called to the scene and upon inspection of the vehicle, both rear wheels were misaligned. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured toe link. Up... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The air ride suspension system failed after a stretch of below-freezing temperatures, the front end was lowered and the rear end elevated. The vehicle had 91k miles on it and required a new compressor and valve block.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
Rear Lower control mounts completely rusted out allowing the rear to move back and the driveshaft to come out of the transmission. Fortunately, this happened 1 block from home at a stop sign, if it occurred on a highway, it would have caused a major accident and likely injuries. Complete frame is rusted to the point of failure, heard from others that this has happened to other makes of GM product... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
PURCHASE A 2011 KIA VAN FROM AUTO CONNECTION NORFOLK VIRGINIA THE VAN STARED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRICAL SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT SHUT UP PROPERLY SOMETIMES IT WOULD TAKE 10 to 15 TO SHUT UP STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP WAS TOLD BY A LOCK SMITH THAT THE VAN HAD SOME MAJOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES START LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ADDING A QUART A DAY TOOK IT TO SEVERAL REPAIR SHOP WAS INFORMED THE VAN BRAKE LI... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
The manufacturer is aware of frame defects, including cracks, incomplete, welds, poor-quality, welds, and missing welds. On DRV manufactured fifth wheels from approximately 2014 to current having a frame fail going down the road can cause catastrophic consequences. There needs to be a full-blown investigation and a safety recall for these defects immediately and not leave it to the owners to disco... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
1. The Motor Mounts, Esim, Struts, and Transmission, it is available for inspection 2. When driving, it "kicks" when switching gears, at redlights, it will tell me to put the vehicle in park, I have to stay at the light, put it in park, then in drive. Sometimes I will have to restart the vehicle 3. Confirmed by Automotive shop, information available upon request 4. Inspected by automotive shop 5. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
This seems to be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V235000. My front right hand lateral link bolt managed to back itself out and broke off the nut that contains the bolt. This is confirmed by Tesla service center in Burbank. This is a HUGE safety risk as the front end was not properly fastened and at highway speeds could have caused an accident risking injury and death. The only warning of the ... Read more
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Jan 29, 2024
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
In June 2023 I was doing some minor work and inspection on my 2013 Silverado, while under the truck looking for possible issues before taking a trip to Colorado I noticed the frame had a hole in it, after further inspection of the complete frame and undercarriage I found holes all throughout the frame and also cracks in 2 locations. The truck had 85k, the body is solid, and in great condition, kep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
As I was driving my rear left control arm broke due to corrosion. At the time, my traction control light came on as the car was sliding. I assumed the car was sliding due to the rain storm that was taking place. Once I parked my car, and later used it again prior to noticing the broken pair, the Traction control light turned off. I later discovered the issue when my car continued to slide on the d... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
There was a recall in this vehicle in 2022 it states the recall has been serviced for toe link, hub bearing, front strut and sway bar link. Well I put my car in the shop and had to replace same parts that had a recall that was serviced already! $1,886.00 it cost me to have these services done again. Well the issue is back and it’s affecting the steering of my vehicle. I need to know what the nex... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The auto brakes are not accurate because it triggers them in unsafe situations.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
Drivers side rear control arm mount is almost none distant from rust. The subframe is almost gone and there is tons of rust on the drivers side frame as well. I have seen this with a lot of people laments. Canada even had a recall on this exact problem.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
I bought my car in 2021, and starting immediately I had issues with my tires going flat, my suspension jolting any time a bump was hit, my gear shift does not fully shift into park which makes it nearly impossible to get my key out of the ignition, I was given a spare key to someone else’s car and was never issued a new one, and dealership (CarMax) has not made an attempt to help with repair on ... Read more