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
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Sep 27, 2023
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the contact ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
Lower ball joints must be replaced under a recall. Toyota has told me to contact you to look into it for me and to ask them to recall the part in question for my vehicle. My vehicle is a 2000 Tundra. Models from 2001-06 had a recall for lower ball joints. My truck has the exact same faulty part numbers as the later models. Part numbers are: 43340, 43330 for left and right. This part failing leads ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
Air suspension fails while driving causing vehicle to sit on the bump stops. Vehicle become unresponsive and unsafe to drive. FCA knows about the air suspension pre-mature failure due to inferior components in the compressor and distribution block.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
Without warning, car bump steers going over bumps on a curve of the road. Rear end of car will swing to the outside of curve, right or left depending on curve taken. This will cause a control problem, causing car to steer into oncoming traffic. Car will bump steer on a straight road depending on road condition.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
As I was driving the transfer case and drive shaft dropped out of truck. Broken bolts and no warning.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V413000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
The rear axel beam on the vehicle cracked on the drivers side. It separated at a weld and caused the entire wheel assemble to lean inward (extreme negative camber) and rub against the wheel well. Fortunately I was off the highway when the incident occurred and barely made it safely to my work place. If this had happened at a greater speed I fear for what may have happened to myself and others. It ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The rear sub frame suddenly broke (rusted out) There was a known recall for 2008-2012 Jeep Patriot's, but not 2013 [XXX] I have Photos, but the form wouldn't let me upload them. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Right swing arm/ball joint broke off doing a u turn. Vehicle has been maintained and garage kept.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
UPPER CONTROL ARM FAILURE TWICE , 1ST TIME IT HAPPEN WAS FEB. 2023 THEN LAST THURSDAY 09/21/23 HAPPEN AGAIN IF GOING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPPED WOULD OF LOST CONTROL , 1ST TIME WAS DOING 35MPH THEN 2ND WAS DOING ABOUT 10MPH NO WARNING JUST SNAPPED THE BALL JOINT
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
Noise in the rear suspension
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
In May of 2023, the truck developed a significant shake when driving on moderate road bumps. We took it to the dealer and they replaced the pitman arm and idler arm assembly for over $2200. Recently, the shake started again. We took it to a local mechanic who told us that the upper ball joints were completely worn out and had been for some time, certainly since before the visit to the dealer in Ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
My 2019 VW Jetta runs well, but recently there are two safety incidents cause my deep safety concerns. 1)9/20/2023 around 12:15 pm, I parked my VW Jetta in front of Wells Fargo. When I put shifter in reverse, tried to backwards out of the parking lot, suddenly the car lost control and kept rolling forward, there was a deep ditch in front of my car, but the car kept rolling forward. I was very scar... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
Sept 2022 i bought my 2012 Nissan Juke from Jeff Wyler’s Nissan King AutoMall. April 23 the left, lower ball joint/axle (drivers side) broke. Needed fixed. Almost $2,000. I specifically asked them to check right sided ball joint/axle. Oh it’s fine. We checked it out and it’s all good. Less than 3 months later-the right sided axle and ball joint broke. It only took over 6 weeks and 3 differe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH during a rainstorm, the tires started slipping and the contact had difficulty controlling the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that excessive toe had caused abnormal wear on the rear tires but that the toe link could not be adjusted to the norma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
The driver side rear trail arm broke free from under the vehicle. Vehicle loses control much like having flat tires but more violent fish tailing. Vehicle is hard to control to pull over to shoulder. Photos were shown to local Honda dealer representative, Scott Guyette. (Gustman Honda in Appleton Wi). Scott Guyette at the dealership stated that he has seen this numerous times on the Honda Eleme... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2023
Rear Control Arm broke while driving on the highway. We are lucky the car did not crash and cause serious injury to myself and others.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the handlebar was wobbly and unstable. No warning lights were illuminated. The motorcycle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileag... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Catastrophic control arm failure. The part is available for inspection. Problem confirmed by certified technician at Brake Master repair shop in Santa Fe NM. No visible damage to control arm prior to catastrophic part failure from apparent metal fatigue. Only 37,000 miles on this 2019 Encore. There were no indications of this problem prior to the part failure. The vehicle began making a loud clunk... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Sep 24, 2023
Incident date: May 8, 2023
Death wobble at approximately 60 mph. The truck is absolutely uncontrollable when this occurs. The only way to stop it is to stop the vehicle. This is a known issue with this truck. Will have it evaluated at a shop next week.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
Upper control arm ball joint failed causing me to lose stealing control, luckily I was only driving 10MPH, if I had been on the interstate this could have been more serious possibly fatalities involved, I have read reports this is a common thing, my truck is a 2021 Silverado, I never received a recall notice
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
DEATH WOBBLE! Driving at any speeds from 30 MPH to highway speeds of 65-70 MPH, the front end (front suspension) of the truck will Wobble Uncontrollably in a Vehement and Violent Manner, making driving unsafe with loss of steering after hitting a small bump or dip in the road/highway. The condition is worse when pulling a 30 foot gooseneck trailer. I have replaced the front shocks, steering damper... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
* Drivers side (worst) and passenger side rear lower control arm. Both are available for inspection upon request. * The drivers side rear lower control arm rusted through and cracked near the point where it connects to the rear subframe. The right lower control arm did not yet visibly crack (it's still on the vehicle), but it is also severely rusted. If driven and either completely separated, l... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
Rpm goes up and down to 3 on 10-20 mph. back bed wiggles on 60mph lots of vibration going on! Brakes have some grinding sound.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
Rear driver side wheel was making a clicking noise leading us to believe there was an issue with the strut and/or shock. Due to the nature and severity of the noise, we took the vehicle to our mechanic ASAP. Upon inspection, mechanic identified that the sub-frame had completely rusted through which could lead to other catastrophic issues making vehicle no longer safe to drive unless repaired. Due ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2023
The brake rotors are faulty and become warped at 9k mile I now have 27k and are extremely warped causing braking issues at higher speeds. I have been waiting over two months for new rotors from the dealer with no word as to when they will arrive. If the vehicle is left un-driven for a couple days the rotors will become rusted. Even the brand new vehicles in the Hyundia showroom are covered in rust... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
It smells like gas when I start the car. It's also wasting alot of gas. I have to put gas every couple of days. I spend more money putting gas. The steering and suspension and the tires keep giving me problems to where the brakes locked up on their own and now it drives really bad especially on the freeway. The steering wheel moves alot when I'm on the freeway sometimes feel like I'm loosing cont... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2023
Loss of power while driving 35mph and service traction light along with airbags light keeps showing at random times
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V352000(Steering) and 23V413000 (Suspension) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the ma... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear Upper Rearward Control Arms How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Part rusted out and broke causing severe vehicle control issues while driving specifically at higher speeds. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NA ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
Wheels are significantly misaligned causing tire wear and vibration while driving. Rear struts need to be replaced and are not functioning properly. Rear control arm needs to be replaced with adjustable control arm to achieve proper alignment. Wheel alignment is more that 2 degrees off with normal vehicle usage.
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Sep 22, 2023
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
Driving 2013 Prius V multiple lights suddenly came up on dash Brake System, ABS, Master Warning, SLIP indicator Safety put at severe risk while driving. These defective parts installed were never disclosed, or notified, by Toyota and put in severe risk for consumers to drive as a National Recall was NEVER issued. Toyota was called since this and refused to fix. Toyota acknowledges parts are defect... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated violently. The low tire air pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the front driver’s side tire. The contact was informed that bubbles had developed on the tire side wall, requiring a replacement. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
The power steering locks every so often and I have to forcefully maneuver the wheel and unlock it as I am driving
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
Tesla Model S began making clunking/grinding noise when reversing out of a driveway with the wheel fully turned. It turned out that the front left and right fore links have failed prematurely and caused the front wheels to rub on the wheel arch/fender. No potholes were ever hit to cause the damage. Car needed replacement parts totaling $979. A wheel alignment was also needed. Car only has 97,00... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
Front end wobble at 45+ miles an hour. The front end is not stable. The bike pulls left and right.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
My vehicle developed a squeaking noise and led to a lower control arm malfunction I have searched the web and found that it's a common problem with a specific van My daughter owns one and developed the same problem this could result in loss of steering
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle overheated, lost motive power, and stalled. While driving, there was an abnormal clucking noise detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the axle bolt and spacer were missing. Additionally, the exhaust s... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(1998) - SUSPENSION
Sep 21, 2023
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota 4Runner equipped with an Ironman 4x4 USA, Part: Pro Forge upper control arm. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E051000 (Suspension) however, the contact stated that after calling and leaving messages with the manufacturer regarding the recall, the contact had not received a call back. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota 4Runner equipped with an Ironman 4x4 USA, Part: Pro Forge upper control arm. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E051000 (Suspension) however, the contact stated that after calling and leaving messages with the manufacturer regarding the recall, the contact had not received a call back. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a... Read more
GOODYEAR
FORTERA HL
(9999) - SUSPENSION
Sep 21, 2023
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
As a longtime Honda owner, I've had 6 other Honda vehicles, I purchased this vehicle for my son when he turned 16. As a new driver, he did not recognize the steering problems that I DID the first time I drove the vehicle and this happened :( This is very scary for a parent but I recognize he may not have known different. Soon after I purchased my new vehicle, I noticed the steering seemed "stif... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
1. Air Ride Suspension Compressor and Air Bags keep going out. Yes it is available to inspect. 2. As i was riding coming from 4 hrs away from my home rear air suspension bag went as I was on Interstate 75 at a speed of 63 miles an hr, rear started swaying. 3. Independent Repair Service 4. No 5. An Air Suspension Service light came on then went out only saw it once maybe 3 months prior to the air ... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Sep 20, 2023
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
While hard accelerating from a stop light and towing a moderately loaded trailer (~ 3,000 lbs), I felt the turbo engage and heard a loud bang and felt the rear end get wobbly. The truck pulled violently to the right and I instantly lost accelaration and heard something dragging on the concrete, I coasted into the left turn lane and got out to find my driveshaft had broke at the rear differential... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
The front cap seperates from the frame rail. There is a recall in Canada for the same issue. Transport Canada Recall - 2023087 - THOR MOTOR COACH Issue: On certain motorhomes, the brackets for the front lower cap may not be attached properly. As a result, the brackets could loosen and separate from the vehicle. Safety Risk: A bracket that detaches from a vehicle could create a road hazard for othe... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) - SUSPENSION
Sep 20, 2023
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
My Jeep Gladiator has had the "death wobbles" three different times now. It has been "repaired" by Jeep only to have the issue return a month or two later. The 2nd repair was done more extensively than just a dampener replacement. There is a class action lawsuit on this issue. But the new repair does not solve the problem! My truck has never been modified. It is original.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The rear self adjusting shocks do not work - the smallest bump jolts anyone in the car, even at the slowest speeds (10 mph), NOTHING works to keep bumps from feeling like there are no shocks at all or they are frozen (and I am accustomed a Jeep Wrangler's rough ride). My son has an LVAD implanted in his chest, attached to his heart that keeps his heart pumping, and every ride to the doctor is like... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
I was driving with my family to the local fair a few miles from home. When the steering got loose around a sharp bend at 35-40 mph. I was able to keep control and slow to where I could safely look at issues. Thankfully I was going slow. The mount for the rear trailing arm pulled out of the mounting location on the driver side.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
The rear sub frame on this vehicle was not painted and/or coated to properly withstand the corrosion that is caused by the salt used to treat the roads in the winter. This can cause serious issues.
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Sep 19, 2023
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 06V288000 (Suspension), 13V252000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Structure), and 18V278000 (Suspension). The contact scheduled a recall repair appointment, and after arriving at the dealer, was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. The dealer suggested that the appointme... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
The Ford F350 Death Wobble due to - stablizers and track bar.