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: Aug 11, 2023
Front suspension arm dislocated while driving (at 15mph). Could have been fatal had I been on the highway. Bolt connecting suspension was not broken, must have just come loose. I believe this is similar to the recall notice 21V-835, but that only covered years 2019-2021. My car is a 2018, one of the first ones released. This should have also been included in the recall. Tesla told me my car is o... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
The tie rod (steering) randomly disconnected causing loss of steering at 10mph.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
Severe rust to the frame of my 2004 Toyota Tundra SR5 double cab. There are holes through the frame. Took it for an oil change and the mechanic told me to be careful. Crawled under the truck and couldn't believe how bad it was.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Aug 10, 2023
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
These cars have severe issues with their frames and they rot. There are TONS of recalls in Canada and I am wondering why the same recalls are not in the US - this is equally dangerous regardless of location - especially upstate NY where the climate is extremely similar to Canada. I have had TWO LIFE THREATENING INCIDENTS recently - one with the front axel completely breaking several months ago, an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
I bought the SUV Used in January/2023 from a Ford dealer. It had brand new tires on it. 6 months later and the outer tread of the tires are bald, that’s when I realized the toe angle was pointed in. I went to Discount Tire to get new tires and an alignment. They put new tires on and then they told me they couldn’t do the alignment on my truck because it has a recalled part on the rear suspensi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
On 08/09/23 at 1108 hours, I called Langdale Honda in Valdosta, GA. I told them of the current recall on my vehicle. It was verified via VIN, and then I was discouraged from bringing in the vehicle. I was told that the recall applied to northern cars that suffered from salt and snow exposure, and that my vehicle should be OK. It clearly states in the recall notice that mud can also be a factor. I ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Aug 9, 2023
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
Both rear toe links and alignment. Vehicle has had a slight clicking or clinking sound coming from back. (Very quiet). During high speeds, such as highway use, vehicle appears to move back and forth more than expected while driving, and feels like its "rough running" as if something on suspension system is working harder at a higher speed. Dealer said this can cause excessive swaying of vehicle... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
Severe steering wheel shaking at Interstate speeds. Appears to be the Ford Super Duty "death wobble".
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
Loud thumping while turning was the symptom. The front chassis frame crossmember rivets were loose (Other marked above = chassis). The same area that the front leaf springs and steering were connected to the frame. This also cause the sector shaft in the steering box to get loose and have excessive play (over 1/4 inch). If this were to fail completely, the steering would no longer be functional... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder that we own just had the subframe rust and collapse. The car only has 120,000 miles. This is not even close to the expectancy of how long a subframe should last.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLS 450
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Aug 9, 2023
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
Severe shaking of front end at highway speeds (55-65mph) causing inability to control steering causing immediate reduction in speed to avoid accident and stopping. No warning lamps or messages prior to vehicle shaking. Road was dry and normal conditions. Did not hit any hazard, no potholes, or debris causing damage or explanation as to why truck began to shake. Safety of driver and passengers ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
rear leaf spring mount separated from the frame due to complete rust -through of the frame. felt a "thump" during normal acceleration.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
The component that failed was the air ride suspension. When outside air temperature drooped to 0° then the air ride suspension lowered to the bottom and would not inflate. With this the wheels are out of alignment, tires scrape on fenders when turning and there is no suspension, spring action. I had the truck taken to the Ram repair center, they reset the computer and kept the truck in a warm sho... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
The Rear Frame Suspension Cradle Subframe Crossmember has corroded and my mechanic at Jimmy's Tire and Auto in Granby Ct. says it is unsafe to drive. This corroded part is available for inspection while I wait for a used part to be delivered to complete the repair. No-one else has inspected the part. The condition was discovered when I had sent it in for general maintenance to replace the shock... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
2019 Audi Q7 rear spring broke despite having only 28,000 miles. I heard a loud banging noise when driving on highway which I initially thought was a loose exhaust pipe. Took it to a service center which diagnosed a broken rear spring with high risk of tire puncture. Never driven off road or with heavy loads (heaviest thing in trunk has been my 50 lb dog). Vehicle was only 3 months out of 36 m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
At speeds over 65 mph the truck vibrates violently. We have had it to 3 different repairs places, new tire’s balanced, new front parts and it still vibrates.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2010
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the passenger’s side rear wheel started wobbling, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound while experiencing the failure. The contact pulled over safely and then drove back to the residence. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the contact noticed that the wheel became stiff and was unable to turn. The contact attempted to pull over but crashed into the side of the road. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was unaware of how fast they were driving at the time of the crash. The contact sustained a shoulder and neck injury from the seat... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 27, 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. The local dealer was contacted. 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. The contact had not expe... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
Vehicle was taken in May to have the corrosion recall procedure completed. while at the dealership it failed the inspection and was told it would be bought back. After 10 weeks and many phone calls received an offer that was a slap in the face for an offer. representatives were dismissive in nature and dodged my questions. faced with either the option of accepting a low offer or spending money out... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
ODI #11516361 I bought this 2009 Toyota Tacoma with 20,990 miles on it on 11/22/2019. Then the pandemic hit the USA and the truck sat for many months. Then in April 2023 I brought the truck in for repairs and the mechanic told me t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
The contact owns a 1999 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the alignment checked by an independent mechanic who determined that the passenger’s side subframe was extremely rusted, causing the vehicle to be out of alignment. The mechanic also advis... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Broken rear suspension coil spring 08/2023- found part laying on the ground under my car-
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
This 2011 Subaru Legacy would pull severely to the right when braking, nearly jerking the steering wheel out of the drivers hand. The car was taken to a private auto repair shop where it was found the motor cradle (part #50527AJ00B) was completed rusted out so the A-arm to the wheel was unstable. In trying to locate a new part, online and from local dealers, it was found the part was on backorder... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The vehicles infotainment or screen often malfunctions creating hazardous conditions. The monitor that is the only way to access certain vehicle setting and systems, intermittently shuts off completely, changes screens or settings, disconnects from cell phone or distorts audio and changes audio volume to inappropriate levels. The suspension during weather changes makes loud creaking noises and dur... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from an undisclosed location of the vehicle. The contact veered off the roadway. The contact notified a tow truck company and inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or r... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2000) - SUSPENSION
Aug 7, 2023
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was receiving routine service at the dealer, he was informed about a recall on the rear coil springs. The contact stated that parts were backordered for over thirty days. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after leaving the local dealer and driving approximately 35 MPH, the rear coil springs detached. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
I went to get my 02 tacoma tires balanced and was called and told that where the frame was cracked. Upon inspecting it myself the crack is where the manufacturer welded the frame together. I'm the 3rd owner of this vehicle and there original owner didn't get frame warranty recall done. Which led to it running out. Now Toyota corporate has a frame case number ([XXX]) and was told that there's nothi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
A/C drain line located above the crossmember(Engine Cradle-#9L8Z-5C145-A) caused it to prematurely rot on the passenger side of the vehicle. Issue was discovered during a routine oil change. Crossmember rot is directly above lower control arm attachment point. In the event of total failure, it would result in loss of control of the vehicle. The driver's side of the crossmember does not have any si... Read more
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Aug 7, 2023
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
No complete failure has happened as I chose to not drive the vehicle as I feel it is unsafe. The rear trailing arm body mounts rust to a point that I feel the structural integrity is compromised. At first glance the mount appears intact but after tapping lightly with a small hammer pieces of the mount fall off leaving a large portion of the mount missing. I have attached pictures of the mount befo... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
The driver side front left suspension lateral link fasteners (bolts and nuts) completely fell off, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame. This occurred at low speed attempting to turn into my home driveway and resulted in the front left fender resting only on the tire. Significant body damage was incurred, with the fender and the driver door coming in contact and obstructing ini... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
Was informed during inspection the subframe is rusted very badly and could fail. In doing research the 2009 Ford escape has had these recalled for this specific reason that the subframe components were not properly coated causing rust and failure. My VIN isn't on the list after speaking to Ford. My next step is to address you to see if it needed to get added as it is exact nature of the original ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Truck won’t pass inspection frame is rusted out like so many other 2006 Tundras. Some web searches showed this year was covered on recalls. In 2015 had a recall for corrosion on frame .. you mean RUST! However those don’t show up as recalls.. WHY? How do all of us affected do another class action law suit? Truck has 147,239 miles way too young to be no good! Can’t afford another car! Hey TO... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
Sustained steering oscillation on two (2) occasions. July 16th and Aug 4th. Had to slow down both times for it to stop.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
Severely rusted out and corroded front subframe, only noticed it on accident very recently, and my car is the last year of a generation that was recalled for this very issue within the Salt Belt- I live right at the bottom outskirts of the Salt Belt in NKY, and my car is the only year not recalled for subframe corrosion. It's bad and I'm freaked out and can't afford it unless I figure out how to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
I have an odd bounce/vibration front suspension both tires intermitting bounce on flat roads. It feels similar to drive on washboards raises on the highway. Suspension bouncing extremely fast. Transmission issues: Some owners have experienced jerky shifts, delayed gear engagement. On and Off Noise Click In dashboard.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
My vehicle was receiving a PA state required annual mechanical safety inspection by an ASE certified mechanic. I was informed that the "sway bar" which stabilizes the steering system had failed, and as a critical part of the steering operation, the vehicle could not pass a PA state mechanical safety inspection. I had the "sway bar" replaced with the GM re-designed part at considerable expense to p... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
I have a 2022 Can-Am Ryker 900 sport. when I purchased it around a week or two later, my left brake and wheel started squeaking loud. I returned it to the dealer. One of the service men said its brand new brakes and tires give it time to wear down.low brake warning came across the screen and my handlebars started feeling loose,a lot of play. I returned it again. They checked my handlebars and fixe... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Check engine light P0776 Pressure control sol B. Recommend replace CVT unit due to internal failure. Mileage: 109,422 This vehicle was covered by the extended warranty to 84 months or 84,000 miles. It failed at 109.422 miles. This is shocking and unacceptable and expensive! Approximately $6,000 to repair/replace transmission which made the vehicle more costly than its trade in value. Repair e... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
-There is a loud clicking sound from the rear wheel that could be caused by the rear wheel bearing/final drive. As a result, I am very worried about riding it because a failure could be catastrophic. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. -It is my concern that the Information System has been designed in a way that BMW Motorrad to show that Recall obligations have been fulfilled tho... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
I had no prior knowledge of this problem. When backing my van out of the garage my front driver side tire blew out. This was caused by the strut spring breaking and poking a hole through the sidewall of the tire. I also discovered that the bottom control arm needed immediate replacement as it has rusted so much that a failure was imminent. I also discovered that the sun-frame mount for mounting... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2023
The dash board in the vehicle is cracked and none is able to fix problems. The engine misfire and to figure out the problem cost lost of money. The lifters goes bad on vehicle. Suspension works always need.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2010) - SUSPENSION
Aug 4, 2023
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
Steering suspension has been failing over and over for months. Several severe incidents while driving 70+ mph down the road. Complete loss of control of the vehicle, uncontrollable death wobbles. One incident put me in a ditch, while the others were near collisions. First incident - was no longer able to drive above 30mph without sever death wobble. After “repairs”, recreated the issue at 75... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
The original tires on this car needed to be changed around 20k miles. I asked the dealer to align it in 2021 after getting new tires. I barely put 8k miles per year on this minivan. Recently when I went for a rotation I was told that they are wearing unevenly. I went to get an alignment and was told that the rear driver Camber was out of spec and the rear passenger toe was out of spec. The proble... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
Subframe rusted only on passenger side front where the weld is to hold/ support the passenger front wheel. It snapped and wheel was completely free/ had no control over it and causing the front axle to snap.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
Experience steering wheel vibrations between speeds of 60 mph and 80 mph - have taken vehicle to dealership and they have confirmed problem but said it was a characteristic condition of the suspension on vehicle. It is highly distracting when operating a motor vehicle at freeway speeds and with out warning the steering wheel starts shaking back and forth. Dealership has rebalanced and rotated ti... Read more
COOPER
DISCOVER HT3
(9999) - SUSPENSION
Aug 3, 2023
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
2022 Honda Ridgeline, problems started around 8K miles. When traveling at or above 45 mph and slowing down to a complete stop at stop sign and lights, steering wheel would shake aggressively and at times pull the truck to the left/right. Took it to dealer and they said they didn't notice anything wrong and could be "just how the truck is". Please help!
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
Loud squeaking noise inside cabin while driving started immediately after warranty expires and software update. Steering shakes with bumps. Almost felt like something is falling apart. Tesla service said known problem and since out of warranty customer will be charged. Wonder why all problems started immediately after warranty expires. Pls investigate if this part ( control arms and suspension) ca... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
Experienced what people are calling the "death wobble"
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
RV- 2022 Thor Miramar 34.5 With 2021 Ford F53 Chassis I appreciate your attention because this is the BIGGEST issue and safety concern. We spent over 160k on this class A that doesn't even feel safe to drive. As the driver or passenger, we are white knuckled. There is no stability when driving. The steering wheel is all over the place. A gust of wind pushes us off the road, every bump completel... Read more