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
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2006) - SUSPENSION
Oct 25, 2023
Incident date: May 16, 2023
My 2011 Silverado has a very clean body, but the frame is completley rusted out. If you Google frame issues on these trucks you will see that many people are having the same issue and GM is doing nothing about it. I think GM should have to buy back these trucks as my truck went from being worth $12000 to being worth nothing
Incident date: Oct 11, 2023
The shoulder strap cuts across my neck. While I'm driving I have to take one hand off the steering wheel to push it down, only to have it slide right back up across my neck. Every time I hit a bump or pot hole, the strap cuts into my neck. There will be a serious injury if I'm in an accident. Also, the suspension is so bad on this car that I feel every bump, and pot hole, and my head keeps hitting... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Oct 25, 2023
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Rear shock holder rusted through cross member on frame making top of shock stay forced against bottom of the bed of the truck.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
U-bolts on rear axle passenger curbside that holds suspension leaf spring to axle: One broke completely off and separated into two pieces dropping partial u-bolt to the ground, second u-bolt twisted. These u-bolts hold the axle under the suspension leaf spring. I have parts. Fortunately the motorhome was parked in a campsite. If we had been traveling on the highway, this broken part could hav... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Oct 24, 2023
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
The subframe rotted into rusted into
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
Well, driving truck at speeds of 60 mph developed wobble. After slowing down wobble went away after about a 10th of a mile. Incident does not happen when I travel under 50 mph. Has happened several times. I researched this topic on Internet and Ford claims to fix this problem in the year 2020. They claim vehicles after that year will not have this.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The 2021 and beyond Tesla Model S comes installed with camber arms that cause the wheel to be tilted in and thus wears the tire on the inside to the point of wearing out within 6 months. This is a flaw in the building and pertains to all the model S's 2021 and greater. This is a safety issue and is not addressed by Tesla. I think Tesla should be forced to provide a recall for this.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Oct 24, 2023
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
See attached document from complainant
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the steering column and the front-end of the vehicle started shuddering significantly. The contact depressed the brake pedal and slowed down significantly until the vehicle operated as needed. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure occurred a second time while driving over a bump ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
See attached document from complainant
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
At 27,000 miles, bought brand new the “death wobble” started. I plan to take to dealership next week. I have no known if this issue but from research it’s a major issue in wranglers. This is a safety hazard. No one should be driving this vehicle with this issue. I bought brand new so I wouldn’t have to deal with issues such as this. I’ve never taken it off roading. Only highway.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
2010 Nissan altam the front strut insulators on both sides have really bad cracks on the upper insulators. It's a loud clunking noise going over bumps or just driving on flat surfaces. There's a recall on 09 and 10 maxima and altamas with the same issues but this one isn't showing up for a recall.
KIA
OPTIMA PHEV
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Oct 24, 2023
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a right turn, he heard an abnormal popping sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving over a bump, the vehicle briefly drifted to the right. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an indepen... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2021
The front suspension knuckle has developed a significant crack at the top where a ball joint attaches. This crack will result in a catastrophic failure of the knuckle as has been experienced by many owners of this type of vehicle. (see [XXX] ). This has resulted in serious accidents even at low speed. I found this issue on my vehicle during a routine check before a road trip. the crack is suc... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
The caption and case number is Sowa et al v. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC et al., [XXX] MBUSA has extended the warranty on the rear subframe of several vehicles. The link to this in on your website: [XXX] One the last page of the PDF file on your website it states: When will customer letters be mailed for this warranty extension? The warranty extension customer notifications are scheduled for mailing... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
Have sticky issue . My vin was due for a recall took it in . Like always "couldn't replicate the issue" so no fix was provided . Vehicle was not fixed just cleared from recall. All dealers are going to say that just clear it and say there's no issue . Something else needs to be done . They said my tint was causing the issue but I had the issue was before tint was applied . Has completely nothing t... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Oct 24, 2023
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
I was driving down the road and spun out of control because my rack and pinion steering inner and outer tie rod snapped in half, because of rust from salt water and corrosion on the metal, resulting in my loss of control and front passenger wheel turned 90 degrees inward and nearly ripped the front tire off and under the car, brought the car home and inspected it tthoroughly, and saw the immediat... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
Passenger side broken Rear Spring was uncovered when Audi Q5 was brought in for it's annual service. There were no warning lights or messages indicating the suspension was broken. This vehicle is drive gently, is NOT used to tow, carry heavy loads or go off road.
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2016) - SUSPENSION
Oct 23, 2023
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
Rear struts are leaking hydraulic oil and a knocking noise is noticeable when going over bumps or pulling out the driveway. This is not normal wear on a car that only has 29800 miles. This is not the result of aggressive driving as we only have it for family use and don’t haul absolutely anything. This is bad design and if not fixed, you could start seeing uneven wear on the tires and probably a... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Oct 23, 2023
Incident date: Oct 22, 2023
I almost actually died twice on a road trip when i hit uneven pavement on major interstates and had to come to a complete stop in the middle of a major highway with semi trucks swerving all around me. This jeep has the death wobble and I can't get anyone to recreate the issue to get it fixed.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Death wobble started last week, took in for warranty service today and technician replicated issue. Conflicting info received that replacement part is backorder yet Mopar site says part is in stock and ready to ship. Dealership said to pick the vehicle up and wait for part to be received for repair.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
2 months ago I Bought vehicle for $4300 and found out 3 weeks ago that the frame is broken. The car is very squirrely on wet roads- no wonder? It's very dangerous and it's going to cost more than the car is worth to fix it.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
When driving approximately 45 mph and above the entire car starts to violently shake. I don't know what part causes this problem. I've heard it could be : steering damper, ball joints, tie rods, track bar, front suspension damper cause this. IDK. Until I can afford to take it to a service shop and get it checked and repaired, it sits parked because I'm afraid to drive it. This started ab... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2023
The vehicle was running but in park. I was putting air in my tires and heard something. I looked towards the passenger front and seen smoke coming from up front. The air ride pump caught on fire and melted wires, hoses, and the inner fender cover. I was able to put it out quickly.
Fire
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Oct 22, 2023
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
Front suspension bracket where the crossmember is welded to the frame. The weld failed and separated from the frame. Possible metal fatigue. Vehicle was driving in a straight line at low speeds when it became wobbly and unstable driving. Pulled to the right hard and almost caused a wreck. Components separated causing brakes to stop working, damage to oil pan, inner & outer tie rod, spring, shock, ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
Frame is rusted out under engine above axle housing.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
Live in Indiana where the weather is super salty in the winters and all of the salt in Indiana has really really affected the whole underside of my car. The whole subframe is falling apart and the rust has gotten to everything under the car. I have spent about 4 thousand dollars into this car doing all the work myself to make this car run In pristine conditions. I am very very worried that my whol... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
My rear subframe has corroded and has snapped, which is a major safety issue as while driving when I come to a stop the rear end of the car swags sideways. It do not stop straight.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
I purchased the jeep brand new. At 14,000 miles it started to death wobble. Wheel, and entire front of jeep was shaking violently after hitting the slightest bump or dip in road (nothing outside of normal highway bumps). To stop the shaking I have to pull over and stop. The dealership keeps doing bandaids with dampner,, other stuff but keeps saying that's all corporate says to do. It was brou... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
DEATH WOBBLE Driving 70-75 mph . Speed limit. I hit some some rough patches on the interstate and the truck shook uncontrollably. It’s happens twice in 30 miles. Very scared.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
I bought my 2021 Ford Explorer brand new and at 44,675 miles my shock absorbers went bad. There was no damage to my vehicle that could have caused it, my car was never in an accident. The dealership that repaired them said there was no indication of what caused it and it is highly unusual. Driving without shocks on my vehicle caused the loss of ability to control the rate of weight transfer when g... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
I have a 2009 Honda CR-V that had a recall performed on 9/13/23. After the recall was performed the car is still not safe. But Honda is saying the car is safe even though it will not pass NYS inspection after the recall was performed. I first called Honda on 9-14-23 and they wanted documents from dealership saying it’s unsafe. On 9-18-23 the dealership put the car through NYS inspection and fail... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Oct 20, 2023
Incident date: Oct 11, 2023
I have a 2016 Chevy Tahoe LTZ. It has the air ride suspension. I need all new shocks and struts and a new air ride air suspension pump. Reported this issue when the vehicle had 60-66k miles on it. I was never told what was wrong until about 2 weeks ago. The grand total of replacing these issues is over 6k. I called Chevy/GMC theres nothing they will do as it’s out of any warranty even though the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
It is Acura ILX 2021. The current mileage is 17,480. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? *Driveshaft/suspension is broken after inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? *Intense shaking coming from underneath the vehicle. Worn out u-joints, couplers or carrier bearings can cause the driveshaft to vibrate ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Oct 20, 2023
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to rusted rear trailing arms, bolts, shocks, and coil springs. The vehicle had not be... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered from the front end to the rear end. The contact stated that the failure diminished while decelerating. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the failure recurred increasingly. The contact stated that the failure decreased while decelerating, and... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
Aluminum lower control arms break under normal driving conditions
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
Left front lower control arm broke when parking.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
Noticed severe negative camber on the rear wheels at ~225k miles. Marks Auto Svc, Rockford, IL confirmed the rear k-subframe had rusted all the way through from the inside-out. The frame had completely separated at two places on each side near the wheels - SEVERE SAFETEY HAZARD!!!!! 1. Website forums indicate many consumers conclude this problem is due to inferior design (hole in frame allows wa... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Oct 20, 2023
Incident date: Sep 9, 2023
Front sub frame rusting through that could potentially result in the control arms breaking away from the sub frame and the driver losing control of the vehicle. No incident has occurred from this, but could if not inspected and found. This was found by an independent service center. No warning lamps
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
On the night of September 15, 2023, I was driving home from work around 8:00 pm. I hit a bump on the interstate and my truck started the "death wobble". Having driven a Dodge truck for a very long time, I was aware of what was going on. The vehicle starts to "wobble" uncontrollably until you come to a complete stop. I was doing 70 mph and in the left lane when this happened, it immediately pulled ... Read more
LIONSHEAD
CASTLE ROCK
(9999) - SUSPENSION
Oct 19, 2023
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
Truck shakes violently at 65mph and higher. Replaced tires, rims, suspension, had the ford dealer check it many times. Took it to a mechanic shop and come to find out the driveshaft is making my truck shake. I have video of the rear end/ driveshaft, and transmission/ transfer case and the dealer said my vin number wasn’t part of the Recall
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
I was driving and felt something broke from the driver rear. I had a mechanic look at it and it was the trailing arm. inspector said it not safe to drive. I see there is a recall in Canada but not in America. This is a safety matter. how can we fix this since it the frame?
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
The vehicle is factory stock with 30,000 miles on it. At highway speeds it experiences what is referred to as the "Jeep Death Wobble" - the vehicle and steering wheel shake violently until I reduce speed to below 50 mph. It is difficult to control and slowing rapidly on the highway is additionally dangerous. It is at a Jeep dealer, but they only want to change the steering dampner. This part... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Death Wobble. I did not know this was a thing until it happened to me and I found out its been a problem on Ford Trucks for over 15 years. My entire truck including the steering wheel shook violently on 5 different occasions. I'm scared to drive my 100K truck now. I brought to dealership thinking it came from them working on my truck and they informed me that this has been a issue that Ford refuse... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
The contact owned a 2008 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently vibrated and jumped. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the passenger’s side CV axle seal and lower ball joint failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
Frame has rusted to the point it is dangerous to drive looking at available date this is a problem on most model Colorado and canyon mine is so bad I will not drive it and it looks like most of them are the same. I do not know satitics but I am sure there have been many injury’s or death. These results are all related to road salt.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
I was informed that I have a broken frame upfront in the Kingpin area. I sent this to Grand Design and they denied any responsibility Grand Design Please find attached the pictures that were taken today (will Attach when sending final) and an email below to Blue Dog RV in Pasco show that I was very concerned about the front cabinets rubbing and asked to have them follow up with you. As you can se... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2023
This is my 3rd Altima. The first 2 were amazing. This 1 is not. I bought it used from Shift.com with 73k miles on it. About 6-8 months later I started feeling something wrong in the steering. The shop I took it too said the lower control arms were in the rear were corroded and the bushing were going bad. Tried to get it repaired thru the extended warranty I paid extra for but that was a nightmare ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
Troubling noise from rear suspension/wheel when crossing small bumps at low speeds. It is a clunk/rubbing noise, almost a deep creeking sound. Came on suddenly - first noticed when leaving for work one day. Many weeks to get into dealership.