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: Jul 18, 2023
This has occurred four (4) times already, when driving around 70mph, the truck starts to shake violently making it very difficult to control the steering and avoid other vehicles driving alongside the road. There are no warning lights or any other symptoms of the problem.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
On July 12, 2023 I took my 2018 Audi Q5 to the dealership of Westwood in Audi Massachusetts for an oil change. according to the dealer, the coil mount was broken, and it would lead to coil spring breaking. it is concerning because the car only has 53,000 miles and it’s driven only on the street and it’s not used for off-road and it was never driven hard. Only this dealership ever touched my ca... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
Control arms failed within 55,000 miles, shaking and dangerous conditions for a vehicle less than 5 years of age. Leaking air condition and numerous electrical issues started ironically just after the standard 35,000 bumper to bumper warranty extended. Now my car smells like coolant and worried it’s going to overheat. All my tire sensor pressure gages burn out before 50,00 0 miles and needed rep... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
Driving on thruway at 65 when the left rear coil spring broke. There was a loud bang and pieces of the spring exited out onto the highway where several vehicles ran over them before they bounced off the road.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
The rear coil spring fractured and caused a suspension issue. This is the same issue as reported in NHTSA campaign number: 19V188000 covering the same vehicles built a few months after mine. The vehcile is being repaired now and the issue has been confirmed. The component has been inspected by a service technician and the issue has been confirmed. Parts have been retained for evidence. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
I took car to dealership for recall repair (3) one of which was for front sub-frame corrision While it was there thet called Me and said that the rear sub-frame was rausted so bad it was unsafe to drive and that it would cost $4600 to fix it. It seems to Me if You aknowledge a corrision problem in the front then You would accept responsibility for rear. Mazda said that They would have fixed it i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
I just had my rv at the dealership in December of 2022 for repairs and maintenance on the rv including the suspension system. Within 300 miles the shackle bolt broke twisting the spring and then shearing off the wheel/rim/tire sending it flying down the highway. The rotor dragged on the roadway until I could stop resulting in damage to the rotor and brake line. I have a five year warranty on the s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
I purchased my 1999 Plymouth Prowler in August of 2022. I was told that it has a recall on the front suspension lower ball joints that was issued on 03/28/2003. I contacted a dealership for an appointment to get it fixed and they said they would order the ball joints. They also said it takes a special tool to replace them of which they did not have and the would not purchase on. I contacted anothe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
Due to the subframe rusting on the undercarriage of the car, the lower ball joint completely detached from the car, cause the driver side tire to fall off during operation.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
Rear coil spring is broken. Normal driving conditions and we noticed a significant vibration. Upon inspection of rear suspension we found a broken rear coil spring. I researched this issue and found that VW recalled several other 2015 models for rear coil springs breaking. This is a major safety issue. Currently we cannot use the car due to this safety issue.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
IAfter recognizing some problems with suspension, I went to an independent auto repair shop. Mechanic discovered that axle on front passenger side was falling apart. He took pictures of it. I turned it into a nearest Kia dealer in Garden Grove, CA. They said that they would repair it under manufacturer's warranty after receiving parts. Dealer did not provide a copy of work oder. It was so da... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
Death wobble when hitting any bump whilr going over 55
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Jul 14, 2023
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
I recently purchased a certified 2019 Chevy Colorado z71 on June 26, 2023 from Healey Chevrolet in Poughkeepsie N.Y. while test driving the vehicle I brought to the attention of the sales person that there was a vibration in front left wheel at which time the dealer rotated tires and realigned the vehicle, shortly after picking the vehicle up while driving home the vibration started again and pro... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2022
On June 7, 2023, I took my 2010 Honda CRV to the Honda dealer for two safety recalls. 1. Airbag recall: They repaired the airbag. 2. Rust recall "Rear Frame Brace Safety Recall": When I dropped the car off, they inspected it and said the rust recall could not be completed because of the severe rust. They issued me a rental until they could complete the process for a possible buy-back. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
I have checked and haven't see any recalls for this issue. and i've paid several hundred dollars to fix these issues several time The Sway Bars from Both side of my suspension system have failed twice, as in coming loose and you can hear it clanking loosely 1. had left side it fixed in or 2016/2017 2. had right side fixed in 2020 3. Now having the same issue, but not sure which one it is, becau... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
My rear passenger side coil spring broke. It has 77000 miles. I don’t drive much. Not sure why it would of broke
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Jul 14, 2023
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
My 2018 Audi Q5 has 53,000 miles per the dealer the coil spring seat is broken. Driver rear spring is broken ,rear coil spring mounts are corroded, and if left on resolved my suspension can fail. The dealer also states that this may result in uneven tire wear poor handling in for fuel economy. It is somewhat confusing because all this sounds like a major safety issue since involves the suspensi... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Jul 14, 2023
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the front suspension lateral link was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the fail... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
My rear passenger suspension has multiple part damage. Rear shock bracket failure and other parts.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
To put it as simple as I can describe it is a death wobble. that occurs every time you hit a bump in the road, hole, or pot hole. This truck has always had this death wobble from factory. The reason why this is a safety issue is because it causes the steering wheel to go out of balance and go into other lanes in the road and potentially cause an accident.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while having the tires rotated, the mechanic became aware that the rear passenger’s side axle assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the rear passenger’s side axle bolt had sheared off and needed to be replaced. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Mazda CX9. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been involved in a crash due to a fractured passenger's side lower control arm. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V451000 (Suspension). The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. An independent mechanic... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Ford 2013 F250 Death Wobble, it is real! It is scary! It is unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Something in the design of the front end needs to be fixed ASAP. My latest experience with this happened on 7/13/23. The worst death wobble that I have ever experienced happened today on the freeway at full speed (65mph). The first time today, my truck started to violently shake, prompting me to imm... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF R
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Jul 13, 2023
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
We repeatedly received an error saying “Vehicle too high, drive with caution”, at which point, the suspension adjustment controls would not work and I could not lower the vehicle. The service department has had our vehicle for over 2 months now and I am unsure if they were able to duplicate this particular issue, but we did photograph the warning. We have had multiple other electronic issues w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
While I was driving the vehicle, the front lower left/driver's side control arm broke in half and caused me to lose control of the vehicle.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Jul 12, 2023
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
While turning at moderate speed into a parking lot across traffic, a rear passenger side suspension component (potentially lower control arm) failed, causing excessive toe and camber on both sides of the rear axle as the components shifted around. At this point, the car stopped driving straight, and crabbed to the side aggressively. It seems to me that some suspension component is either at the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Forest River Prime time Crusader equipped with Trailer King tire, tire line not available, and tire size RST28/80r/16. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH the rear passenger side tire blew out and torn the flooring in the RV and the sliding. The contact replaced the tire. The RV was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and stated that a lift kit needed to be placed under t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2022 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 contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to the dealer, the contact was informed that the dr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
The front end of the vehicle and wheels start to violently oscillate at speeds between 50-60 mph. Sometimes it occurs after hitting a small bump and often occurs over smooth roads. This has been described as the "death wobble". I have to slow down below 25 mph for the wobbling to stop. This has put me in numerous dangerous situations on the street amd highway.
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Jul 12, 2023
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Vehicle brought to independent mechanic to investigate popping/creaking sounds from driver's side rear (DS-R) wheel area. While test driving to investigate, the mechanic indicated that the DS-R lower control arm experienced complete failure (rusted through/snapped).
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
I have difficulty maintaining control of my 2016 Ford F-250 (purchased in 2019) after hitting any bumps going highway speeds, and is notably worse if this happens during any non-straight sections of highway. Commonly referred to as the "death wobble," it does truly feel like the front end of my truck no longer has traction with the road and I am unable to steer the truck safely until the "wobble" ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
Frame rail rust holes, brackets wielded to frame supports for leaf springs wields rusted completely through frame making vehicle unsafe due to the potential leaf springs supports to frame of vehicle breaking away from frame dropping rear of vehicle onto rear axles and tires. Frame of vehicle has a lot of rusting and holes due to the excessive rusting.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
The slip indicator light and alarm comes on sporadically, engaging the ABS suddenly and unexpectedly, when we are on completely dry roads. Happens while driving 40-80 mph. And doesn’t matter if I’m going straight or turning.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
Informed by Al Serra at 4200 Bay Rd in Saginaw, MI 48603 that there are holes present in the frame that pose a dire safety concern. This is a known issue with this model year, but Toyota says the recall is no longer valid.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
Engine Sub Frame-AKA Engine Cradle is rotting out. Vehicle was inspected on July 6, 2023 at Jim Rielh's Chrysler -Jeep Dealership located at 32899 Van Dyke, Warren Michigan 48093. The report came back as " FOUND FRONT ENGINE CRADLE / FRAME ROTTED / RUSTED OUT." This vehicle has been well maintained and has been Safety Inspected by the same dealership in 2021 & 2022 and never advised there was a pr... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Jul 11, 2023
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
I think the rear passenger suspension failed causing the car to veer right and hit two parked cars
Crash
FOREST RIVER
CHEROKEE
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Jul 10, 2023
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
I bought this car LATE 2019, from a used dealership. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY ON MY WAY BACK FROM A 1 1/2 HR DRIVE. AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCELERATING.! I WOULD PUSH DOWN ON THE GAS PETAL AND NOTHING. FREEWAY WITH TRAFFIC. IT WAS SO SCARY! THE CARS BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME! I MANAGED TO PUT ON MY HAZARDS LIGHTS ON AND PULLED OVER. THEN WAITED A WHILE, AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT WORKED.... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) - SUSPENSION
Jul 10, 2023
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
My Toyota Tundra has extensive rust damage due to rust and it’s sway at has come completely disconnected from frame. Also there are at least other significant rust issues with the frame that make this truck unsafe.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
Rear suspension control arm bracket rusted, broken off from frame of vehicle makes a slight to moderate sound when driving or going off bumps I avoid rough surfaces, I drive at a respectable speed ,I never came across as long I owed this vehicle.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The vehicle goes into a violent shaking of the front end and steering wheel (Ford death wobble). It has happened many times in the last two or so years. It can start at any time when the truck is traveling over 60 MPH but it is usually associated with a bump in the road. It usually stops when I slow to 40-45 MPH. I replaced the track bar ball joint and the steering stabilizer shock and the truck d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed on the instrument panel to “Service Rear Axle”. The contact then received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V571000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear toe link adjuster failed and needed to be replaced. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
We had problems with axels. After that the throttle control system light would turn on. Now the backup camera doesnt work and we changed everything and still doesnt work. Currently the car starts getting hot when we drive in the freeway and the AC blows hot air
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
During left-hand curves, even at slow controled speeds, the vehicle decreases engine power and the brakes begin to pulse. Eventually, the vehicles engine light illuminates, throws trouble codes for the VSS (VEHICLE STABILITY SYSTEM), and goes into "limp mode", which gives the vehicle a limited amout of power and speed, in order to be able to reach home or service center. Dealership techs were able... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
I thought I needed new brakes put on because my brakes sounded like they were grinding and they were going to the floor so I had new brake pads out on but my Mechanic said the brake pads were fine he replaced them anyways. I went to have an oil change and a different mechanic said that I needed and alignment but my entire back end frame was rusted and corroded. He said if I got an alignment my bac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
While driving the front end suspension slips, bounces up and down very harshly, tires slip, squeak, and slide in an hard to control way, sometimes into oncoming traffic when in slightly damp conditions an on roads with any amount of bumps, to the point that I need to drive extremely slow to avoid danger which in turn puts my and my passengers and my kids in danger by goin to slow in regards to the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
Rear K frame is completely rusted out. You investigated the front frame rust issues on these cars which resulted in a Mazda recall. However, the rear frame with the same structure weaknesses was left out. As a result Mazda is refusing to fix or replace thousands of vehicles. Mazda forums are full of drivers with this same exact issue. If these frames start to fail while being driven I see th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
Vehicle has a bad wheel bearing. While replacing wheel bearing noticed that the rear subframe was completely rotted/rusted. The corrosion on the rear subframe is far worse than the rest of the vehicle. This vehicle is unsafe to drive in its current state as the crossmember could collapse causing a loss of control of the vehicle. Upon doing some research it is clear that Chrysler knows that this is... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
We are trying to make it out of the mountains of Colorado and back home to Missouri. We have the most horrific shaking on our truck. I am scared to death. This "death wobble" is TERRIBLE! I want someone to know now in case we die! We have a horse trailer loaded down with 4 horses and 2 dogs. There should be a recall for this!!!! Signed [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Jul 7, 2023
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed on the instrument panel “service rear axle”. Additionally, the contact stated that she received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the vehicle was taking to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear differential clutch failed and... Read more