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: Jan 26, 2024
Received recall letter for my car. I took the car to the dealership for an oil change and recall check. They mentioned they had to order the part for the recall. I also complained about a noise I was hearing when the car was stopped at a light, etc. They mentioned it was the motor mount and would need to be replaced too. I have been trying to obtain updates from the dealership since October 2023,... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
Both lower front control arm ball joints squeak when turning vehicle at slower speeds. Squeaking sounds were noticed at 970 miles. Dealer applied grease as a temporary fix per Mazda TSB #02-002/23. This is a family SUV and I take my wife and kids in it. I am concerned that this is a safety issue as there is a high chance of the lower control arm ball joint failing resulting in inability to steer v... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
GM is out of control . I have a front passenger control arm assembly in the shop for 2 months. No update on service part because they have changed the part number as the 2016 is unsafe. I need my service part or a new car . It's unsafe to drive and GM will not provide any update on ETW because there is a safety issue with this part. They already killed over 100 people from the ignition switch... Read more
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Jan 26, 2024
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
I was in the driver's seat in one-pedal driving. The car was stopped. I attempted to move the vehicle up a few feet so the driver in the car behind could reach the microphone to order their meal. When I tapped the gas pedal, the car moved slightly, but the engine revved loudly and thoroughly; the iX50 then launched itself forward, and I applied the brake. The brake pedal went to the floor. The iX5... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
I have raised case [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] ] with Mazda regarding my 2024 CX90 where there's a suspension and emergency automatic forward Collison breaking since I purchased the car and now this steering issue safety recall. They are not replacing or buying back. I'm feeling unsafe and fear to drive as if this malfunction car leads to accident. Please assist. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREE... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
Put new tiers on in August with a new alignment and it is eating the tires up on the inside tire wall had to put new tires on again
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - SUSPENSION
Jan 26, 2024
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
I used to have a 2021 performance y (the 2021 had none of these issues), and purchased a 2023 in early October. My current milage is 2,783. A few weeks into owning this car I could feel something hitting the cabin floor in varying situations. Initially I thought it was a road debris, but it was only at lower speeds. I should only be able to hear road debris and not feel it in the floor. I have com... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
Jeep tells me I need to leave my car for several days to repair the recall. However, they refuse to provide me with a loaner vehicle, and I need a vehicle to survive. I have work and family commitments. This is harming me as the consumer when the recalled item is the responsibility of Jeep.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
50 mph dry, clear and straight road, Right Rear control arm broke causing the rear wheel to become detached from the car and causing the car to careen into oncoming lane before correcting and landing in the right-hand ditch. Could have been a disaster and only by grace was this not a disaster for me and an unknown oncoming car. Event was witnessed by people in 2 other cars and they both stopped ... Read more
Crash
THOR MOTOR COACH
TUSCANY
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Jan 25, 2024
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
1. Driving 70 mph on [XXX], the road was somewhat rough. I experienced severe wobbling (Chrysler calls this a shimmy) from the front end up to the steering wheel. I had to slow to about 35 mph so I could maintain control of the car. Jeep dealership said the car was manufactured with an older steering dampener. A new one is not available. 2. The display screen sometimes takes over many electric... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
the front crossmember rusted out and broke while driving down the road (per owner), all bolts needed replaced along with the rear engine torque strut mount. Confirmed and replaced by an independent shop 01/20/2024. upon inspection the rear crossmember, lower control arms, bolts, and other parts are all rusted and ready to break at anytime. front crossmember is at the shop for inspection. Car can e... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
When seated in my car, I turned the steering wheel and I heard a clunk noise by the driver side. After trying to turn it back, my car dropped and I checked outside and it looks like something related to the axle or arms caused the issue. My axle seems to have separated and fell off and a bolt came off. This is a safety issue and I could’ve died if I was driving at higher speeds like on a highway... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2024
Premature wear on almost all front suspension parts relating to control arms and sway bar links. Recently had to pay out of pocket to have two steering rack bolts tightened, they were not torqued properly from the factory apparently
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The fore link assembly on the drivers side of the car failed while pulling backwards out of a parking space at low speed. There was a loud snap and then the front suspension collapsed and the tire contacted the inside of the wheel well. I will attach a picture of the aluminum piece that I found on the ground and I also have the piece in the case you would like it. Tesla did not cover the cost of r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
On [XXX], while traveling on an interstate highway, I heard what sounded like a metal hitting metal coming from my left front tire. After parking my car I noticed what appeared to be the left front Sway Bar Link had become disconnected. (I have attached pictures to this report). On Wednesday [XXX], The car was taken to a Jeep Dealership for Repairs (Sansone Auto Mall 90-100 Route 1 Avenel NJ 0700... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
There is a leak that is causing the coolant reservoir tank to empty every couple of days. It appears that the coolant fumes are going inside the car. It has been taken to the repair shop on several occasions and has had the coolant reservoir replaced. However, the problems persists and the coolant fumes are making me ill from inhaling them. The car was taking in to a Chevrolet dealer December 202... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 3500
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Jan 24, 2024
Incident date: Jan 22, 2022
Rear toe joint arm used to replace recalled rear toe joint arm is causing the tires in the back to tilt leaving vehicle at risk of roll over accident from tire, axel, or suspention failure. The suv becomes increasingly unstable and difficult to control. The mechanic said it was a miracle that my suv had not flipped. When I took this issue to the dealership, the service manager was aware of the is... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The front strut spring broke. The dealer warned against driving it at all, since it could cut open the tire or damage other parts that would cause a lot of control. The vehicle is just past the three year warranty. But it is too new for aftermarket parts, so I had to replace it the same parts. The dealer said this is very common on this make/model and to expect these parts to consistently fail.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
When going over a bump in the road at speeds above 35 mph the front end shakes the steering wheel and it feels like the front end is jumping up and down and is hard to control. I have spent over 1k in parts and labor including a new stabilizer shock, drag link, tie rod ends and more. It still does it even after these repairs. The front end has been aligned and tires and wheels balanced. The vehicl... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Jan 24, 2024
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
This vehicle was recalled twice--2019 and 2022. Each time the rear toe links were replaced. I purchased after the 2022 recall from a Chevy Dealer not knowing of the recalls. In fall of 2023 a left rear wheel came loose causing us to lose control, scary but not life threatening. An independent center replaced the left rear toe link as the part was broken. On [XXX] while on [XXX] expressway the c... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2023
Vehicle was making a loud cracking sound with every turn. Upon inspection, it was determined that the upper ball joint popped out
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
I was driving down a residential street with cars parked on both sides. My car stopped very suddenly because the passenger side front tire was pierced and flattened by something on the road. Almost simultaneously the car began to oscillate or jolt from side to side and hit a car parked on my driver’s side very hard and then oscillated back to a parallel position. This is a known problem on th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 30, 2023
When it first started, I would have to be going at minimum 55-60 mph. But it got so bad to the point that I would be going 15-20 mph and out of nowhere my vehicle would start violently shaking and my steering wheel would jerk side to side. The ONLY way to get it to stop would be to completely let off the pedals and let it come to a complete stop by itself. Hitting the brakes could cause it to flip... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Within a span of 30 min. I experienced 3 uncontrollable steering oscillations also known as the "death wobble." The DW experienced, the speeds were around 50 miles per hour. Less than that, the aforementioned oscillations were not experienced. Reason for the 30 min time frame was due to making it back home from the first occurrence. First oscillation was on smooth road, the other two were on less ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Frame and suspension is rotted away badly was recall on frame In 2005
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a rattling noise present coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear of the vehicle was very unstable and was vibrating and shaking abnormally. The contact that the rear suspension warning light was illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The loca... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2005) - SUSPENSION
Jan 23, 2024
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
The driver side rear leaf spring mounting bracket broke leaving the spring against the frame and allowing the 2 tires on that side to rub together. If it hadn’t been noticed almost immediately failure of the 2 tires would have resulted potentially causing loss of control of the vehicle and RV. When I spoke to a local suspension shop they stated that the problem was very common and that they ma... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
I was driving my car in Upstate NY toward a border crossing wicket and the vehicle began to vibrate violently. I thought that it was a blown tire. I stopped to check and the tires looked fine. I continued for a few yards and it began again. I pulled over and called a tow truck. When the car was loaded onto the tow bed, the front wheel was pitched out at an angle rather than at 90 degrees. Ve... Read more
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Jan 23, 2024
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
This vehicle has had steering squeaks for a really long time. I've had ball joints sealed, control arms replaced and now lateral links replaced for damaged bushings. This has cost me a significant amount of money and the bushings show tears that could have resulted in loss of control.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
When driving at speeds of approximately 45+ the front end for no apparent reason begins to violently shake back & forth making the vehicle impossible to control. You must immediately put on the brakes to slow the vehicle until the wobbling stops. This has progressively gotten worse. It’s what is referred to as the Jeep death wobble. It is in the shop now waiting to be looked at.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel began to shake violently, and the front end of the vehicle swayed from side to side. Upon slowing down, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
I have been the owner of a 2023 Mazda CX-30 since July 2023. On [XXX], 2023, I received automated warnings on the dashboard and through the Mazda App stating, "ActiveSense system malfunction. ActiveSense advanced safety and driver support system may not operate correctly." The service department at the dealership where I purchased the car explained that the sensors had overheated due to the hot we... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
I have to replace the rear trailing arm bushings, it is pulling out of the arm. I have 49k in mileage and do not drive off road. I think this was a bad part when built or installed incorrectly for this to happen. I am [XXX] old never have I had never had to repair anything like this before on any of my vehicles. I took my car in for a oil change at ford Ciocca in Flemington and was told I nee... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
Leaking Diesel fuel, Leaking oil from the rear of the transfer case, making a claunking noise at the rear suspension, My safety is at risk for a possible fire and a crash from the Leaking oil. The vehicle was diagnosed with this problems on [XXX] at Caguas Chevrolet & GMC, also called United Collection Auto. parts were ordered on that date but not arrived. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREE... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
The rear control arm on the driver side snapped while my wife was driving. Now the rear side sways
Incident date: Jul 22, 2020
01/22/2024 NHTSA Complaint – GLE350 4Matic The front suspension, either the control arm or upper arm, feels loose and noise is coming from the front suspension as if a bolt or bolts are loose. Base on recall information for the 2016 GLE350 4Matic, NHTSA campaign ID: 17V081000, REPORT DATE 02/07/2017, the loose bolt(s) may cause improper wheel tracking, increasing the risk of a crash. Vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota 4Runner. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E051000 (Suspension) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
At just over 50,000 miles, my Model 3 experienced a failure of its upper control arm on the drivers front wheel; the suspension was exhibiting loud creaking noises over bumps and road imperfections. While Tesla refers to this issue as "noise, vibration and harshness" and has previously applied a service bulletin to my vehicle where sealant was applied to prevent water ingress into the joint, cont... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
Car loses traction over minor imperfections in the road. When braking and dropping speeds to 20-30 MPH, car will lose traction over imperfection in the road, causing the ABS to engage. The car shutters and grinds/vibrates until traction is regained. With an AWD system, a minor 6-inch drop in the road due to a pot hole or dip should not cause traction to be lost. The car consistently loses tractio... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2024
Received a Suspension Service Required message on the gauge cluster. Online searching led to this from the NHTSA website: [XXX] I contest it is not accurate and it did not go far enough to protect consumers. Per the above, there is a logical condition in order to take advantage of the warranty which requires precisely 2 error codes to “prove” that the air suspension compressor needs to be ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2024
Hi [XXX] I just collected my Kia Rio from service at LaFontaine. On driving in the freeway I noticed I had to make frequent adjustments to the steering when going straight and there was oversteering (minor tilt of the steering wheel result in exaggerated larger turn of the car). This does not happen when driving at lower speed outside of the freeway. I will monitor this as I am not sure if thi... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2010) - SUSPENSION
Jan 21, 2024
Incident date: Jan 21, 2024
I was stopped at a red light. Once light turned green I went to make a left-hand turn. My vehicles power steering shorted out, almost causing me to hit a pedestrian and child.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2024
Front end suspension has on several occasions began to violently shake. It appears that the driver side front wheel begins to bounce rapidly after hitting large or small defects within the road surface. This occurs only when driving on highway type roads where posted speeds typically exceed 55. (Texas has some posted speeds of 80 mph and I drive this area often) Numerous times during this occurren... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2019
driving 2015 Ford Escape slowly in parking lot Steering Assist Fault- service needed' message appeared on screen, and steering seemed to become unpowered. I maneuvered it to park, turned ignition to off. Turned back on and all seems fine on day 2 - (This vehicle does not have replaceable power steering fluid.) Auto Parts store helper tested battery, alternator and starter all fine.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
We have experienced the "death wobble" twice now in our 2009 Dodge Ram 2500. It is a documented issue with Dodge trucks and associated with multiple prior recalls. At highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly begins shaking violently and uncontrollably, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. It feels like the front axle just broke in half, but the problem is difficult to diagnose. The first... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
Front control arms left and right FR SUSP FORE LINK ASSY , only the replacement is available for inspection upon request. The safety that was put at risk is unknown. It was repaired by Tesla at my expense. There were no warning lamps, messages the only symptoms was noise, metal banging.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
I am not sure if this issue is electrical or suspension or even computer related. My car battery was dead after just driving it a few hours ago. I came out and heard a noise coming from the truck that sounded strange coming from under the hood, like something was trying to start or like a long delayed switching sound or airpump (I'm not sure). When starting the vehicle it only clicked and the b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
This is a new 2023 Grand Jeep Wagoneer Series III L with an inline six HO engine that seats eight passengers. After about 500 miles or less, we noticed the vehicle shaking at highway speeds. Since it has only worsened, it has been to the dealership four times for a fix, without a solution. They exchanged the Pirelli tires for a Michelin, which did not fix this vibration error. While at highway s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
I was on [XXX] when my jeep started shaking violently I pulled over in a rest area. Checked my tires and lug nuts everything seemed fine. Got back on [XXX] and about 5 miles later it happened again. On Friday [XXX] going to holly hill I hit a rough spot and my jeep wrangler shook violently again!! I caller a dodge dealer service department explained what happened and the young man called it a (DEA... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
At any speed period, if i hit a pothole or those little ripple things on side of the country county roads, any of them causes my vehicle to jerk and makes a a sound like the entire right front end is going to fall apart at any moment and it either jerks my vehicle off the road on the right side or it either jerks the vehicle into the opposite lane towards on coming traffic. My truck has caused me... Read more