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: Jun 16, 2023
I have spent numerous (more than 3 major problems) For example, a lot of dollars fixing water pump. The design is messed up where they place the water pump. Thousands in labor. The electric driver control malfunction and tire pressure is always lit. This occurred on drive home from brake recall fix. The engine stalls and also leaks. The seat moves sometimes without me wanting it to. The emergency ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local service center who replaced the steering column and rear suspension tow link. Recently while driving approximately 40 MPH, the power steering failure reoccurred, and the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
Ford Dealer reports 3 toe link recalls are for 2013-2017 Ford Explorer are not on my 2016 Ford Explorer Limited but my toe links are out of spec and unable to be adjusted. Private mechanic (independent service center) reports this condition can lead to a crash. Vehicle was purchased and driven in New Jersey. Vehicle is available for inspection. No warning lights or messages.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Jul 26, 2023
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
When disconnecting trailer the suspension automatically goes into "tire jack mode." After the most recent incident, the suspension is stuck and not adjustable to normal, making driving on the highway difficult. The back end of the vehicle is raised up and the front is down low.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
It might be comparable to the Jeep recall that is now in effect, except it might be in the front. The noise is coming from the front driver's side and am experiencing the exact same problem. Every time I reverse, do a three-point turn, drive straight, or make a left or right turn. My Jeep produces a cracking sound as though it's ready to break. In addition to hearing it, I can feel it on my feet a... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E320
(2003) - SUSPENSION
Jul 25, 2023
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
Took 2017 Q7 to dealer to check brakes. Dealer found both rear coil springs broken. Will cost $2k to replace. Searching internet I find many examples of this same safety related failure. The VW ATLAS with the same frame does have a recall for this issue. Why is the Audi not included. I have the inspection video and will attempt to add here: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
The ABS, brake, and traction control lights come on when the slightest bump in the road is hit. I am being told by the Honda dealership technician that the issue is a $2000.00 sensor that must be replaced but however is on back order. I am told that this very sensor controls the steering, traction, and brakes. I am told that the brakes can disengage or not engage at any time.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
Rear passenger shock mount rusted out completely
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
My car, a 2020 Honda CR-V EX 1.5T AWD, was totaled in a fatal accident on a rainy night on an interstate highway. It spun on the highway a couple of turns, hit the highway barrier at all of its corners and sides, caused the airbags to all came out, and eventually deadly stopped in the middle of the highway on a rainy night. My wife and I were in our undrivable vehicle, watching countless coming ve... Read more
Crash
1 injured
BRIDGESTONE
DUELER H/T 684 II
(9999) - SUSPENSION
Jul 25, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
upon return trip home from camping seemed like trailer was riding lower than normal and swaying more. looked under trailer and leaf springs were flat. This could have resulted in broken spring which could lead to crash. The trailer was not overloaded. sticker on side of trailer shows dry weight is 4360lbs, GVWR is 5500, GAWR is 5100. inspection shows label on axle is 4400 lbs and each leaf sp... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Jul 25, 2023
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
On 7-25-23, my wife and I were riding in our 2011 Nissan Versa locally and noticed a banging noise coming from the front end of the car, especially when hitting bumps or uneven payment. When we parked the car at home, I noticed a small piece of metal shaped like a coil spring on the road where we usually park. I phoned our mechanic at Ryan Automotive Goodyear in Moon Twp and asked him if he had ti... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
My power steering gear blew its seal on the passenger side losing all power steering fluid and almost making me crash into a car next to me, and Toyota refuses to cover it stating that I hadn't had the steering gear replaced prior to whenever their dates were this is clearly faulty equipment and faulty machine work on the steering gear itself. why won't Toyota cover it? I tried contacting One To... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a loud clicking and rattling sound coming from the front driver's side wheel and both rear wheels. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Jul 24, 2023
Incident date: Jul 24, 2021
Right rear air bag twisted and got against the exhaust which caused the vehicles suspension to drop or not hold air. I was told it was the compressor leaking through and had compressor replaced. It is not the compressor and the vehicle right rear suspension continues to loose air. When the vehicle was looked at again the airbag was untwisted and had a burn mark from exhaust. This is definitely a s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2017
At approximately 55,000 miles I started to experience intermittent heavy vibration at Highway speeds. According to the Volvo technical journal this is a known issue called the Ghost Shaker. There we no warning lamps or car messages that displayed while the shaking occurred. Typically, the car would shake when above 45 MPH, especially on interstate. While the Ghost Shaker is happening, it was very ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2021
left front clunking, knocking after driving for about 30-45 mins and temperature above 70 degrees (F). this happens when driving from small or large bumps on the road. after a three hour interstate the noise was almost constant. i have three recordings while driving of the sound.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
While driving at a low rate of speed, turning or speed bumps the vehicle starts to rattle in the front end and steering wheel. Engine feels like it slips while rattling from the front. Seems like a motor mount, suspension, tie rod or some other component. Brakes are very hard and make lots of noise. When starting the vehicle on an incline it Lunsford forward out of control.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2022
-transmission sporadically slams into gear while changing gears. Feels like you got rear-ended. -Issues with front drivers side metal grinding noise.... Had it fixed @ the dealership.... 6 months later it's back.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact swerved to the left to avoid another vehicle and the steering had stiff. The contact stated that the front driver’s side wheel then collapsed inside the wheel well. The contact lost control of the vehicle and the vehicle skidded off the highway and onto the right shoulder. The contact stated... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
Bolt connecting lower control arm to the sub frame fell out as it wasn’t torqued/fastened properly during manufacturing. This caused suspension to rattle and cause wheel alignment warnings to go off.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
My 2.5 year old, 2020, 7 x 14' Cargo Mate Tandem cargo trailer is not a great product nor even good product. It is a faulty product with a major manufacturing flaws. This unit was not manufactured square and should have never been sold like this and should not been put on road. The axles are not square and is wearing out the left rear tire before the others. The inside edge has worn out (see photo... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Jul 23, 2023
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Driver's side rear suspension, toe-link arm broke while driving at approximately 30mph and I nearly lost control. After towing vehicle home, I found the toe-link broke completely off at the weld closest to the wheel hub.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
We have consistently had issues with severe wheel oscillation, which I’ve seen referred to as the death wobble, that causes the entire cab of the truck to shake violently and feels like the front tires are bouncing back and forth laterally on the road, when driving over 55mph and hitting any sort of uneven road or bump, especially after bridges. We have spent thousands on replacing different par... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
Another issues with this truck and ram needs to do a recall! Besides shutting off now I have major suspension issues! I have gotten an alignment pretty much every other month. Been through three sets of tires due to this suspension issue. Truck is maintained and has always been to dealer.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
Total Erosion of front and rear subframe. Replaced front 2021 rear rot 2023 so bad mechanic shop wouldn’t let me drive it after needing a inspection sticker( couldn’t get). Never was notified for extended warranty about replacing this part. Huge safety issue.
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Jul 22, 2023
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
I purchased a used vehicle in NH from a private seller "as is", repaired tires and brakes, passed MA state inspection and dropped the car off to address the recall, which I had researched via a VIN number search. The dealership informed me that the body had corroded beyond repair, and they cannot perform the required repair for the recall. While the dealership has been helpful, this looks like a m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2023
Loss of steering control, violent sustained steering oscillation at 60 mile per hour. Twice on the same day on the freeway entrance ramp from Phoenix Oregon to Medford Oregon. June 9th. Mileage on vehicle 26,432 Once on June 16th between on the south bound entrance ramp from Medford Oregon.
Incident date: Jul 21, 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 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
Incident date: May 3, 2023
Dealer inspection states my Jeep needs to be repaired as described in 23V-413, however the parts are on back-order with no ETA. I opened case #867-835-10 with Chrysler.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The rear subframe is corroded to the point of about to fall off and subsequently anything that is attached. Mercedes has extended a warranty on the subframe which is excellent, but only the subFrame? What about the touching bits like the bolts and screws among other items that are connected to it. So now because I cannot afford the $5,000.00 needed for the other rusted pieces that are brittle and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
I have taken my 2018 Honda Pilot several times to the Honda Dealer, and they have failed to fix what appears to be a transmission problem with the vehicle. The transmission is burning transmission fluid. The vehicle makes a grinding sound when you shift gears. The gears feel like they are catching when you change them, The transmission gears shift appears to be delayed, slipping/jerking and pul... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
Vehicle is in the shop at 191,000mi for Rear Shocks, Front Struts, an alignment and oil change as of Wednesday (07/19/2023), at approximately 16:14 EDT, the shop contacted me and notified me that the mechanic, when he was installing the new driver-side shocks, went to secure the shock, only for the entire sub-frame assembly that holds the exhaust manifold, fuel tank and shock in place, "shattered"... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
The rear axel bolt sheared off. I started to hear a rattle called ford to see when I could get my truck in to get it looked at. Got an appointment set up 2 months down the road was the soonest they could get me in. While waiting for that time truck stated to vibrate. I decided to try a tire rotation and I had the rear axel bolt drop to the ground. Not sure exactly when I started hearing the rattle... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
Inspection of vehicle exhibits extreme front subframe crossmember deterioration where condensation from air conditioning leaks onto and sits on crossmember. Afftected unit shows severe corrosion only on one side. This appears to be a very common issue surrounding vehicle model generation. Can lead to the front right control arm becoming unsupported and leading to loss of control of vehicle and f... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
Death wobble. First experience was September 2019
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLB 250
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Jul 20, 2023
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
(Please check the attached full complaint letter) I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning matter regarding my experience with the American Honda Motor Company. As a loyal consumer and a law-abiding citizen, I believe it is crucial to address issues that impact consumers and the general public. Since 2013, I have been trying to resolve a critical is... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
I was driving and slowing down to 45 mph going through Corrigan, TX on 59. The truck all the sudden accelerated pulling to the left, then all of a sudden slammed to the right and went over a curb. I had no steering control and my foot was all the way down on the brakes to try and stop. I'm lucky it didn't happen 20 min before when 75mph was speed limit. The a frame broke, Ball joints, broke rack a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I brought car in for oil change and was told the R front axle was leaking. Brought it to dealer for repair and told Both that both front and rear axles needed to be replaced along with PTU. Was informed that the that was ordered was cancelled b/c 800 people across the country were looking for the same part. There were no safety warnings. I was told very unsafe to drive b/c front axle came out of... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
my son-in-law went straight off country road and into a tree car burnt to ground was burnt to death date was [XXX] sheriff Spokane county investigating teal front suspension repaired 1 month before at local Tesla shop Spokane wa INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6
Crash
Fire
1 deaths
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
I took the Rav4 to the dealership for a oil change and wheel alignment 0n 6-6-23. On 6-9-23 I took it back because on the freeway sometime it would start wobbling. They check it out and said the tow arms have play and movement. I said you gave it a 4 wheel alignment and didn`t see that. He recommend to change both rear tow arms and wanted to charge me $1,000. I did not think that was right after 3... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
At less than 10,000 miles, on a curve, my truck began shacking uncontrollably, putting me in to oncoming traffic and into a ditch. I was able to control it enough and an accident didn’t occur. I contacted my salesman and he said it was known as the death wobble. He told me to bring it in. I took it in and they explained that they can put a steering damper on it, but it wouldn’t fix the problem... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
I was driving my 2014 Hyundia Equus on the interstate going 65 mph when my from suspension collapsed. The air ride suspension failed as I was driving. The car became unstable as my safety and the safety of those around me could have been catstrophic. By the Grace of God, I was unharmed and able to get off the road without harming anyone in the process. The turning Ratius was cut to 1/4 of its full... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
Power steering issues light came on right before it happened
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
SAFETY RECALL GLK REAR LOWER SUSPENSION ARM No.1 CERTAIN 2010 MODEL YEAR HS250h was done previously in 2016 and epoxy was put on the lower control arms rendering the suspension not being able to be aligned by conventional means. The car is now out of alignment in the rear and cannot be adjusted due to the epoxy. Dealership states that once a recall is done it cannot be redone for free and it wou... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Jul 18, 2023
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Lower rear driver side control arm broke. A pop was heard at the stop sign only yards away (40 approximately) from my destination. Vehicle was placed into reverse to back into a driveway. The vehicle got stuck in the middle of the road and required a tow to move it.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
Purchased vehicle May 22, 2023 at Direct Auto Sales of Orlando, Florida. Approximately two and a half weeks later the subframe broke away from the support arm rendering the vehicle in an inoperable and unsafe condition. A local mechanic said this vehicle should not have been driven. He said we could have been in an accident and suffered severe injuries or even death. Mercedes Benz of South Orlando... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2021
The front control arm bushings are failing. The RF link is broken to the suspension too.
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Jul 18, 2023
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
I have less than 30,000 miles on my 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. I was told by the dealership both my lower front control arms need to be replaced. I have been hearing this squeaky sound for a couple of months I did not expect anything like this. The Dealership said this is not Safety Problem. When does it become a Safety problem?
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Jul 18, 2023
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V413000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ma... Read more