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: Sep 30, 2023
This vehicle was sold to me with severe frame damage, which was not reported on the carfax, and was not reported at the dealership. If you turn the steering wheel to the right, you will hear a scraping noise under the right front tire, as the suspension is off because of the frame damage caused from an accident with the previous owner. I returned the car for a refund, however the car is being sold... Read more
CHEVROLET
MALIBU HYBRID
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Nov 3, 2023
Incident date: May 15, 2021
The subframe has rusted/fallen off. This is incredibly risky as the car cannot be driven safely and it happened without warning. My mechanic said it is not due to any driving incidents but through rust occurring on Mercedes' subframes, which are flimsy. It has been inspected professionally by a mechanic. There are NO warning lamps. This could kill someone on the highway as while braking the car ve... Read more
3 injured
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
Evidence of corrosion on the rear trailing arms as described in the recent salt belt recall of 07-11 Honda CRV’s. Petition to expand the monitoring and repair scope of this recall to include the Appalachian regions of North Carolina and Tennessee as the use of road salt is also prevalent in these areas.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
Car cames to a stop and instead of stopping straight up it stops and the car frame and suspension still moves. The suspension can cause a wreak for not stoping in time. Also when i put it in neutral it goes backwards on flat ground other then forward. So something is wrong with the shifter or the sway bars also when u put it in park some times it still moves forward
Crash
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
51000 miles.Rear toe links replaced.Well kept highway miles driven with low mileage. Other GM cars have been recalled for this.Well known problem on Traverse.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Frame of the vehicle is showing rust corrosion. The frame are the same as the tacomas that were released the same year. The tacomas were granted frame replacement by Toyota but 4Runners weren’t. Noticed a lot of other 4th generation 4Runners are having the same issues.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
So I test drove a BMW X5 e drive a couple months ago at an independent used car dealer and it looked perfect but when I drove it the car bounced excessively over any minor bump in the road. It felt like sitting in the back seats in a school bus not like driving a luxury SUV. They offered to fix it but I just felt like I couldn't trust them after this experience. I chalked this experience up to a u... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
My 2019 jeep wrangler steering wheel starts to vibrate then shake and then the car shakes while I am driving on the highway. It happened 4 times in the last week. One time last week , 2 times last night and once tonight while driving on the highway.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had experienced severe front end shaking and vibration after driving over a railroad track or a bump in the roadway. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 9,000.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
Suspension lateral links attached to subframe became loose causing the lateral links to separate from the sub-frame. Wheel alignment shifted causing instability, which adversely impacted vehicle controllability and nearly caused a collision while driving. Problem was inspected, reproduced, and confirmed by the dealer/manufacturer/service center. Before the failure occurred, the primary symptoms ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
The rear suspension crossmember and suspension control arm rotted out on my 2012 Jeep Compass. Also, cross member cracked. Two repair shops inspected the damage and told me that I should be very careful driving the vehicle to get it repaired because there wasn't much hold the rear wheel on. They both said that the problem cause cause a catastrophic failure, which would lead to the rear wheel falli... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
Death wobble occurred randomly at about 40mph. Driving through mountains, slowed down and pulled off to the side to avoid putting others in danger including the passengers in this truck. There were not any warning lights/alerts from the truck prior to this happening.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
2017 AUdi Q7 shares the same rear coil springs with the Volkwagen Atlas. There has already been a recall for the Atlas (18V-904), but none for the same issue with the Audi Q7. Volkswagen Atlas vehicles included in this recall may been manufactured with rear coil springs of certain production batches using a material that does not meet specifications as well as rear coil springs from production b... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
My 2023 Toyota Tundra currently has a open recall for the fuel tube rubbing against another near component increasing the risk of fire. The life of my family/public and myself were put at risk every day as this can cause a fire which is life threating. This problem has been confirmed by Toyota however there is no safe remedy for it at the moment. There is also a problem with the suspension/ball jo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I have taken my car to two separate Mazda dealerships in 2019 and two separate non-dealership mechanics to address the same issue with a vibrating coming from the front driver when driving at lower speeds. It was not a constant noise until recently and saw there was a recall for my vehicle in May 2016. Mazda however says that my VIN does not qualify even though the build date range does show its c... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Nov 1, 2023
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while making a right turn at 10 MPH, the vehicle kept turning. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot where it was observed that the passenger’s side front axle had separated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cross member needed to be replaced due to corrosion. The vehicle was not r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Keystone Cougar RV. The contact stated that the side panels of the camper were detaching at the corners. The contact stated that her husband inspected the chassis of the camper and noticed that the chassis was severely corroded and fractured. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The RV was not diagnosed or repaired. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds, the steering wheel and front end of the vehicle would shake and vibrate after driving over a bump in the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 19,000.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed there was oil leaking from the rear passenger's side wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle bolt was faulty, and the rear axles needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the rear axles under warranty. The manufacturer was not made aware of the fai... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
Spring hangers are welded over 1” further back than adjacent side. This has put alignment drastically out and destroyed two tires on its first trip of 1500 miles. This would have blown out two tires had I not noticed. I’m sure these trailer frames are welded in groups at the factory and more trailers could be affected.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving up the driveway, the 4WD and all-wheel drive became inoperable. The passenger's side front tire was spinning and making an abnormal sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sun gear needed to be replaced, a tire rotation test was performed,... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Oct 31, 2023
Incident date: Oct 31, 2019
At 4k miles hit small bump, jeep vibrated violently this has happened on multiple occasions at highway speeds & was very dangerous. Dealer has vehicle in shop for over 24 hours blame’s tire alignment, they had just rotated tires.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was taken to a Tire Store, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle was corroded and had fractured from the upper side to the lower side. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Oct 30, 2023
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at highway speeds, the front passenger’s side wheel was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined that the battery was faulty. The bat... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
I noticed a metal on metal noise when I would hit a bump in tge road. I had it checked thinking it was likely a tailpipe rattling. I was shocked when the technician show me the Crossmember SubFrame Assembly was rusted so badly that a hole had developed. When I researched this issue on line I discovered that this is a common issue for Nissan. Having purchased the car new and maintain the car in ac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the tire pressure monitor warning light and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the thermostat, and head gasket needed to be replaced. Additionally, there were other mechanical issues with t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? CONSTANT CREAKING AND CLUNKING OF FRONT SUSPENSION Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME YEAR AND GENERATION HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE Has the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
Had cv boot and control arm work at 30k miles caught it in time in 2021 and dealer fixed it. 2 years later same issue if i had bot taken it to dealer and just did oil changes myself cv boot and control arm would break during operation. Seems like they have serious issues with cv boots and control arms at low miles. I only have 50k miles to have a second replacement.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Iam writing to express my deep concern regarding safety recall N759v2 issued for 2014-2016 Range Rover L405 vehicles in the United Kingdom and Canada. It has come to my attention that this safety recall has not yet been formally announced for the same vehicles in the United States. I am the owner of a 2015 Range Rover HSE, with the VIN: [XXX] . As a responsible vehicle owner, I prioritize the saf... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Oct 29, 2023
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Around 50-55mph, shake can be felt in the steering wheel. Possible needle bearing? Common complaint yet Toyota states it is operating "normal". Steering wheel shake is not normal. This has occurred since I purchased the vehicle.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
I was driving and left rear trail arm connecting wheel to frame broke loose. upon inspection I noticed the frame was so rusted in that one spot causing trail arm to break loose which caused me to lose control of vehicle very dangerous!
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Oct 29, 2023
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
Same as the recalls for Honda ELEMENT of Canada and American Honda CRV of America In Honda’s words: SUMMARY: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2007-2011 model year CR-V vehicles. In salt-belt states where de-icing agents are used to maintain the roadway, the de-icing agents, along with mud and water, could enter the rear frame through drainage/positioning holes when th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2015
On the October 28, 2023, at 2pm, I, was in the process of performing a backing maneuver into my driveway. As I was reversing, I suddenly felt a strong vibration and experienced an inability to move the vehicle further. I promptly exited the vehicle to inspect the situation. Upon examination, I observed that the issue was attributed to a complete failure of the Passenger Side (PS-R) lower control a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
My low beam headlights very low ,so low seems like they aren't on,have to drive with high beams on, there was a recall in 2022, that I wasn't made aware of also the control arm front driver and passenger side is cracked and my car has never been wrecked. Brought it brand new off the Nissan dealership lot. Had issues from the start with the interior they call themselves fixing ( but did not).
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
The REAR subframe has rusted out pretty much completely, but the total failure of the right rear spring mount has allowed the spring to punch through the frame, being stopped only by the top plate which has now turned sideways and is lodged between the spring and the floor pan. I understand this is a common problem with this and a few other model years, and has not been addressed by Mazda. I am ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
Frame of this vehicle completely rusted through. Holes on passenger side right where the front door ends. Hole is approx 12" long. Frame also has a hole in the left front core support. Advised that the vehicle is no longer safe to drive by my Toyota Dealer and personal mechanic. . There were no indications of this until a few weeks ago when the gas tank strap had come off and the gas tank was lea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
When turning right or left from a stop, the steering wheel jerks sharply in the opposite direction as soon as the car starts to accelerate. Diagnostic tests and inspection determined that the steering gear is loosing voltage causing the jerk in the steering wheel. The gear has the latest calibration and needs to be replaced. Cost estimate to replace is $2035.63
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
Car was owned by school govement it has been worked on several times for bad suspension.and documented.ball joint bad suspension front and back.back dating 2 or 3 years.no accidents just bad suspension
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
Tie rod ball joint snapped and broke at 15mph causing vehichle to loose control and forced off-road into a fence post. No Collison warning or lane departure warning. I had the vehichle towed back to dealership Nissan Wesley chapel. I was in process of possibly purchasing vehichle. Couldn’t find financing for me so received a letter rescinding their transaction. My ins agency Esurance concluded i... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
My vehicle has a delay in taking off from a complete stop. The car also looses a little power while driving intermittently. There was times that the car wouldn't even go at all I had to turn off the car and restarted to be able to go. That has been happening more and more the check engine light has been on the whole time. Also the rear shock or strut went out but the part that is apart of the susp... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2020
One of the bolts connecting the rear sway bar broke and fell out. Vehicle has been repaired by an independent service center, but is available for inspection. Reduced effectiveness of sway bar could cause loss of control. Other than service center the vehicle has not been inspected by other entities. I noticed the issue when conducting routine inspection of the vehicle. There were no warnings noti... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
Our right rear lower control arm broke off at the outer end. The wheel and hub dropped and cambered out away from the vehicle and the vehicle could not be driven. Fortunately this occurred entering our driveway at low speed. The car was taken to Tesla and we believe should have been repaired under service bulletin [XXX] detailing this exact issue. However, they are presenting a bill for about $70... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that after his daughter reversed the vehicle, bolts from the vehicle were discovered in the driveway. Upon inspection, it was discovered that two bolts from the driver's side suspension arm had separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet re... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2017
Insurance claim never received the check for repairs. Vaughn Toyota horrible.Seat Belt broke,did not want to nor be of service for policy.No salesman with like license,but I.No inspection on car,just drove.
Crash
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
DRIVING MORE THAN 70 MPH THE TRUCK STARTED TO MOVE SUDDENLY AND I COULD NOT CONTROL IT UNTIL I GOT OFF THE ROAD, UNTIL I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE TRUCK BY REDUCING THE SPEED TO 20 MPH
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY SPORT
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Oct 26, 2023
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
It’s doing the death wobble and has almost made me lose control on the interstate and seriously could have had my 9month daughter and I killed.
MITSUBISHI
LANCER
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Oct 25, 2023
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
ABS activator system and stability control out. Dodge has replacement parts but are not replacing or releasing at this time
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
See attached document from complainant