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
YOKOHAMA
AVID ASCEND LX
(9999) - SUSPENSION
Jan 3, 2024
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kick. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 20-25 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle suddenly lost control causing the vehicle to go straight across the road instead of completing the left turn. The vehicle crashed into 2 mailboxes before it came to a stop. The passenger side wheel bent outward causing the passenger side... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
The following are malfunctions that are a high risk when driving: •airbags •ball joints •coolant •control arms •electrical power system It is a risk when driving due to the ball joints and control arms not properly secured. Engine warning light
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
While driving on the highway I have went over bridges or hit uneven pavement and my vehicle will go into a violent wobble with no control. It is a factory vehicle with no modifications. Happens more frequently in cold weather.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
December 24th at approximately 1100 hr. Driving normally on the Garden State Parkway Southbound approaching exit 98. The vehicle instantaneously began to shake out of control. I was able to keep the Vehicle in the travel lane and was able to pull over to the shoulder. I Vehicle pulled over to see if I was ok and explained the truck was front tires shaking violently. I did a pulmonary check under t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the contact pulled over and noticed that the tire was not straight inside the wheel well. While hoisting the vehicle on a lift at the residence, the contact noticed that the tire was rubbing on the inside of the wheel well and that the rear axle had fractured. The contact stated that the failure o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The vehicle's steering wheel vibrates regardles driving on highways/freeways and/or city streets. It happens since day 1 of ownership and has been owning for 4 months now. The vehicle's screen got blacked out twice when it was moving; thus, i couldn't read speed and perfom other functions such as turn on AC and/or heat. The regenerative braking/one pedal driving sometimes does not work. It some... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
EOS
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Jan 2, 2024
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The chasis function is limited on this vehicle due to failed right rear air suspension. Leaking right rear strut, and failed air compressor. Additionally, as a result my car needs an alignment. There was a service bulletin in regards to this exact issue in which BMW offered an extended warranty to repair vehicles free of charge up to 8 years/80,000 miles (MC-10215743-9999.pdf) My vehicle is cu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
On May 23, 2023the car went into the shop for an unrelated issue at that time the tires were checked and found to be needing replacement on front, nothing in notes about back tires. Tires we're filled with air at tesla service. Through out the day on message through app with service no one mentioned tl me the customer that tires needed changing and I was let to drive out on newly pumped up worn ti... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Jan 2, 2024
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
My relatively brand new BMW X5 with only 7,500 miles was parked in an enclosed parking garage with valet service. The car only had its warranty service about 7 weeks ago and was in fine condition. There were no issues with the suspension or steering. There was no accident and the car has never gone over a hard bump or pothole. The lower right front control arm snapped cleanly as if from meta... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Jan 1, 2024
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
I bought this 2008 Saturn Aura from dealer on 09/13/2023. Since I bought it, I fractured my hand and foot while checking the tires and brakes. 10/27/23 - I put the car in park to investigate what was causing the constant rattling noise while at the same time the car would shudder. While I was on one knee with one hand on ground so l could bend and look into the wheel well, the car rolled the tire... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Dealership confirms CV joints on my new 2023 Maverick are spewing out grease with violent vibration while driving. Was able to safely pull over before vibration became worse. No prior warning prior to or during axle failure. Vehicle is still at the dealership awaiting parts that are apparently on backlog. Upon further research I found that I am one of many Maverick owners experiencing premature fa... Read more
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Jan 1, 2024
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Severe rusting of the rear frame and suspension
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
Any sudden jolt to the front passenger side wheel causes the truck to do the death wobble. It happened 3 times yesterday (12/31/23) within a 1 hour time frame. The only way to stop it is to let the truck gradually come to a stop and then start back again. The whole truck jumps and the steering wheels shakes uncontrollably.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2022
This vehicle has a frame that is rusted far beyond what you would normally expect. The same problem is listed in other complaints here and elsewhere online. The passenger side running board fell off because the frame it was attached to was so badly rusted.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
There is something wrong with my front, driver side electric break. When I at the speed about 40 mph or bumping road the break is not working. And some thin it making noise l, look like it is engaged by itself. The problem started when the car only 26500 miles but the dealer denied to warranty because it a month after 3 years.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
Rear lower control arm snapped
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
On January 30th 2023 we made an appointment to take our 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport to our local dealership in Newmarket Ontario Canada due to a clunking in the front end of the vehicle. On inspection our 2018 Santa Fe Sport was identified as having a BROKEN COIL SPRING on the driver side. Along with this inspection it was also noted the passenger strut/shock had been leaking and was out of fluid.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
There is usual rust on body of truck. There is some kind of electrical problem rather it’s the security system or wiring. There’s a clicking sound coming from dash area. There is a suspension problem, has to change leaf springs, struts and shocks often.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
Front suspension components needed to be replaced, vehicle was out of warranty and had only 43000 miles. These parts should last for much longer the 4 years and 43000 miles. No incident, but car squeaked at all speeds. Repair cost was $1600
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
Car at low mileage started having suspension issues and felt out of alignment. Took car to Goodyear where they found car was out of alignment as of car was not set up correctly at factory when made. Goodyear spend a few hours fixing alignment and tire setup. Car is having issues again
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
The vehicle is a Fifth Wheel RV. Jayco Eagle HT 27.5 2018. The frame cracked, welds broke suspension/springs/equalizers where all compromised and the unit started swaying dangerously on the Interstate. Thankfully we managed to get off the highway without the unit falling over and causing catastrophic damage to us or those around us. The speed limit on the section of the highway is 80 miles an ho... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
Brackets associated with the rear axle rusted and cracked. Became unable to drive safely. Back wheels started going crooked(top was inward and bottom was outward)
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Dec 29, 2023
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
Was merging onto the the highway when all of a sudden, my passenger rear suspension gave out nearly causing me to crash into highway traffic. The wheel almost came off completely causing $14K of damage that I was responsible for paying for.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
Dave at Beard Auto Repair in downers grove, Il told me: Whole rear subframe rotted away from the main frame Shock support rotted away Suspension completely detached - not safe to drive AT ALL. Not even for 5 minutes. Subframe holds all your suspension One severe bump could make wheels fall off and roll away Im thinking the recall on the older CRVs should probably be extended to Pilots a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
Tesla replaced the upper control arm assembly in February 2021 after I complained that there was a squeaking noise when moving the steering wheel. My car and components are available for inspection. I was concerned that the front suspension would break leading to an accident. Tesla inspected and confirmed the issue. No warnings or message were displayed by the car.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the front of the vehicle started to wobble. While driving over a pothole, the vehicle wobbled violently. The contact was unable to control the vehicle while driving over 35 MPH. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact detected smoke coming from the vehicle. The engine warning light was illuminated. The con... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
I had to replace the Front Upper Control Arm Assemblies (Left and Right). As part of this (I believe) I also had to replace Lower Lateral Links (Left and Right) and the Front Lower Compliance Links (Left and Right). My car had 53,536 miles on it at the time (so just outside the warranty). The total cost was $1,259.63.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
3 incidents of “death wobble,” first time between 4-5,000 miles and again in October and November of 2023. I’m waiting for another damper as the one they received is leaking. Also, discovered leaking shock absorber. Dangerous and terrifying as you fell like you’ll lose control of your vehicle! I’m going on being out of pocket for car rentals for 5 weeks, although reimbursed it’s still ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Dec 29, 2023
Incident date: Mar 29, 2023
Frame is rotting quickly and causing suspension issues
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
At only 30,000 miles, the car began exhibiting terrible creaking sounds during colder temperatures whenever the suspension was active. Upon inspection, a Tesla technician claimed the ball joints on the upper control arms were “worn” and bushings on the lateral links were “torn”. Looking online, it’s clear this was due to defensive design/manufacture, as it’s happened to numerous vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
The frame has completely rotted through and the truck is not driveable as the mechanic has said the frame is likely to crack and that there is severe frame deterioration near the fuel tank putting it at risk of catching fire.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Violent wobble in steering wheel when going speeds above 50. Has happened 6+ times over the last month. Feels very unsafe. Car under warranty. Dealer cannot identify issue.
Incident date: Dec 25, 2023
Excessive frame rusting. There are holes in the frame from rusting. At this point in time there isn’t anything I can do about the issues. Frame is unrepairable.
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
Excessive frame rusting. There are holes in the frame from rusting. At this point in time there isn’t anything I can do about the issues. Frame is unrepairable.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving down the driveway, the front suspension system failed rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local service center who diagnosed that the front suspension was faulty and needed to be replaced. The suspension system was replaced, and the vehicle was fixed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure... Read more
CHRYSLER
PT CRUISER
(2008) - SUSPENSION
Dec 28, 2023
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The contact owned a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a squeaking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front suspension system was faulty and needed to be replaced. The front suspension system was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
Front upper control arm ball joints squeaking noise. Turning the steering wheel produces loud squeaking noise. The ball joints seem susceptible to outside elements (ie water from raining) and lose internal grease and dried up creating frictions. 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
After taking in my Tesla Model 3 for a loud creaking noise coming from the front right suspension, the Tesla service specialist said the suspension control arms are cracked and the car is dangerous to drive. I asked how this is possible. The Tesla specialist said the suspension is made of aluminum and cannot support the weight of the car. He said this is a known issue. However I was told I need to... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Halfshaft and Control arm broke while backing up from a Walmart store. Tesla dealer diagnosed it but the repair was not covered. I had to pay out of pocket but this could have been prevented it the car was recalled.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2010) - SUSPENSION
Dec 28, 2023
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Right front lower suspension arm bushing pulled out leaving wheel loose. Recognized right away but could have caused loss of control. No provoking reason. Taken to dealer who replaced part.
Incident date: Dec 25, 2023
This year I was charged $650 to replace both upper control arms, lower suspension links that I now find out was a known quality problem with Tesla. No recalls were issued despite this being a safety concern for drivers since it affects steering. I read that Tesla told service employees to tell customers that they had "abused" their car and that was the reason for the failure. I drive on perfect... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Same exact issue as NHTSA ID: 23V235000 but for some reason my VIN is not part of the recall. Had to get it repaired by Tesla and paid out of pocket.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Violent shaking of the front end (wheels/tires and steering wheel) after hitting a bump in the road. The “death wobble” occurred twice since I bought the vehicle new from a dealership about a year ago. The miles are low (2,000) as the Jeep is my extra vehicle, and no modifications have been done. The first time it happened I was going about 55 mph, and the second time about 65 mph. After t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for the replacement of the headlights, and the mechanic discovered that the rear suspension was rusted and corroded while the vehicle was on the lift. Additionally, the passenger’s side rear spring was detached. The mechanic advised the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The rear ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Rear spring failure which has been reported as a common issue based on research.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
In February 2022, I struck a downed tree limb which caused damage to my vehicle. The vehicle was repaired at a Tesla Service Center and the entire front suspension was replaced and paid for by my insurance. The car seemed to drive fine after this incident. In December 2023, I took the car in to a Tesla Service Center for an unrelated issue (the coolant level was low). After completing the service... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Dec 27, 2023
Incident date: May 15, 2023
A bolt in the control arms of my Model 3 broke. I took it in for repair. They blamed me for hitting the bottom of the car. They changed both upper and lower control arms and charged me about $500 for it. This is a major safety problem that Tesla doesn’t accept the blame for, even though I have seen many complaints online about this issue. They should recall all the affected models and fix it b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
Rear suspension harshness, rough ride, and asymmetric rear ride quality body movement. Medium to large bumbs on road causing body to pitch latterally causing all passengers to have accessive headtoss. Driver fatigue sets in quickly.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLS 450
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Dec 26, 2023
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear upper control arm. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with corrosion on both sides and the rear control arms. The contact was informed that the rear control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
Driving down freeway or any road with bumps set my jeep into an uncontrollable bouncing. Today was the worst one so far. Very scary on freeway almost lost control had to drop way down in speed just to get control again. Took jeep into dealer service department right away. Waiting for service to follow-up with me.