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 6, 2023
The sway bar was received in July 2023 and the sway bar was manufactured too short to fit the suspension of the 2008 Hyundai Elantra. The vendor was RockAuto and this is another defective product they sent.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
The sway bar was received in July 2023 and the sway bar was manufactured too short to fit the suspension of the 2008 Hyundai Elantra. The vendor was RockAuto and this is another defective product they sent.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2020
While driving, the rear right suspension trailing arm got sheared/broken apart into 2 pieces at about 1 inch away from the bushing and the welded spot. The car lost control while breaking.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
There were original rear struts on the vehicle. When we purchased it. We replaced the rear struts about 4 years ago. Drivers rear was clunking and leaking. We are in need to replace again now. Clunking but also bouncing around which scared me terrible on Highway. I just don’t think in 9 years and 85,000 (approx) miles. You should have to have three different sets. I think there is a problem... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Jul 6, 2023
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
My wife and I were traveling on interstate and hit a rough section of road outside Nashville when the truck started to shake uncontrollably, and we nearly hit the center concrete barrier. We had to completely stop before the violent shaking stopped. The next day the same thing happened on another rough section on the interstate. We had cars on both sides of us so could not immediately move to the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
My SUV has been jerking really bad when I accelerate it almost feels like whiplash. Every time I take it to the dealer they tell me there's nothing wrong with it. It makes this knocking sound coming from the engine and when I accelerate it doesn't pick up speed.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
My rear sub frame has major corrosion and is broken on the driver side, the passenger side about to go soon. My vehicle only has 154000 miles on it.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Jul 5, 2023
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
Passenger side rear lower control arm snapped when backing my car out of the driveway. Through inspection looks like driver side is starting to crack. There are recalls on the USA for this problem up to 2013 and in Canada for 2013 and 2014.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
The control arms on the vehicle malfunctioned and had to be replaced. I typically lost control of steering causing the vehicle to jerk in one direction or the other. This was repaired almost a year ago. I had the vehicle serviced at a independent service center. It could have possible caused an accident had I not been able to counteract the loss of steering. I am currently experiencing this same i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
The control arm fore links of the car failed after 6000 miles
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Drivers side rear shock/suspension has clunking noise.
CRUISE CAR
MOKE
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Jul 4, 2023
Incident date: Sep 28, 2021
Power Steering completely out of my car, making turning in any direction difficult. Causing Safety concerns as it has already caused exterior cosmetic damage while turning into the driveway and not being able to turn in as quickly as I was needing to get out of the traffic cause me to scrape approx. 12- 16inch onto my driver's /left sidebumper/fender. I have also felt loss of power, or a struggle ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
The Toyota bz4x have a large crash rate, because the Car Computer System is different from the Driver mind on the Highway. Cars cannot be a Driver or Substitute on Streets for Now. Any Changes of the lines on the Highway need Signals before, If you don't, your Car bz4x can't changed your line. In the work zone, the bz4x have a large probability of crash, because of NO STRAIGHT LINE IN THE WORK ZO... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
My 2005 F350 Diesel Pick up has suffered from the Ford death wobble on and off for the last 15 years. While navigating a left hand corner at speeds over 40 it begins to shake uncontrollably after hitting a small bump or pot hole until speed is reduced to 30mph or less. I have replaced bearings, uppper & lower ball joints, torque arms and other suspension parts without finding a cure.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Rear struts failed at approximately 36, 000 miles - the vehicle was unsafe driving down the interstate at speed due to the bouncing. Independent mechanic confirmed rear strut failure on driver and passenger side. Additionally, front driver side strut failed. In addition to bouncing, this made rear brakes wear out unusually quick. Steering became light due to the front strut. There was no warning ... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Jul 3, 2023
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
Right lower control arm broke while I was driving
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
Taking left turn, heard a loud sound and complete loss of control of vehicle. Currently being inspected by Lexus dealership, although car was initially towed to dealership service center from which is was purchased. They mentioned lower control arm of rear suspension bolt was lost/missing and rear struts were shot and vehicle is unsafe to drive. I then paid for a second tow from dealership to Lexu... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
The main chassis frame rusted through on both sides in the rear just ahead of the rear axle
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
We recently purchased this camper and in preparation I crawled under it and looked around and what I saw made me cringe. The welding on the frame was the worst welding I've seen in years on a product for sale the main beams that tie the camper front to back were only welded on one side of the beam and there are four sides that could be welded. And upon further inspection found the weld on the main... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Complete rust through of frame of my 2006 HUMMER H3.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Jul 1, 2023
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
Vehicle owned since December 2018. Squeaking noise from suspension June 2023 with no precipitating event or incident . No alert or messages. Previous front control arm replacements done. Per Tesla Service inspection, Correction: Links - Compliance - Lower - Front - RH/LH (Remove and Replace) & Correction: Links - Lateral - Lower - Front - LH/RH (Remove & Replace). Suspension issues.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2019
Please check for all of the recalls on my car
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
2021- Reporting a clicking sound coming from the passenger's rear. Reported several time unable to find reported clicking noise. Service Manager and Serice Tech rode with me to try to locate noise - on two occasion noise was heard and services were done (brake and tires) only to have the noise return the next day. Ownership of vehicle is now into the 3nd year and noise is still heard. I suggeste... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
The Rear Self Leveling shock absorbers are making a clunking noise and appear to have failed. Very stiff suspension which causes handling problems. Kia dealers are unresponsive in fixing this issue.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
shock towers are disintegrating so the shocks would not be connected to anything.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud bang followed by a rattling sound coming from the passenger’s side rear tire. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and parked. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the suspension spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
The rear suspension became corroded and one of the coils or bars broke off while driving. After the coil from the suspension broke off, it punctured a tire, which blew while driving. Thankfully, I had just exited the interstate, otherwise this would've happened at high speeds. This is a known issue that has previously been reported in a recall (113). The vehicle is registered in Ohio and has bee... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
Vehicle rear frame broke while driving and had towed to Brown Honda in Toledo Ohio to look at it. At the same time Honda recall 23V228 came out from the NHTSA where Honda acknowledged this rear frame issue and under that recall the dealer was required to either repair the vehicle or purchase it from the owner. Brown Honda verbally said the vehicle was non-repair able and they weren't going to do a... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The ball joint separated from the upper control arm on the front driver side while the vehicle was in motion in a parking lot. There has never been any abuse or misuse of the vehicle and it only has 31700 miles on it. This could have been much worse had this happened while traveling down the road at much higher speeds.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Rear Sub-Frame Failure almost caused a head on collision at slow speed. Hit brakes and my car fishtailed completely sideways.. - Many many complaints similar to mine on same issue, all on Mercedes C300. Some have reported to this website in hopes for recall and correction by Mercedes. It is extremely dangerous, and expensive to fix. You also do not know there's an issue until too late. Subfr... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
The truck has developed a shake that can be felt in the floor boards, seat, and steering wheel at highway speeds. It’s has spent several months at dealerships without being fixed. I have replaced tires, wheels, shocks, upper control arms, and the transfer case without success.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
The coil spring on the right front of the vehicle broke off while parked. Unable to control steering. The strut and mounts were broken during the process.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Driving and hit bump in road. At that time the front-end felt like it was coming out from under the truck. Almost caused a wreak but was able to stop. Found no issues but did it again when next bump was hit. WS told it is a know issue with what is called the death wobble. How are you allowed to sell a truck with a death wobble
Incident date: Jun 25, 2023
While driving the Nissan Altima listed about my daughter began to experience severe vibration to the steering. It was so bad she had difficulty keeping the car on the road and was able to pull into a parking lot. After being reviewed by a repair center it was determined that the lower control arm on the drivers side was broken and caused the upper control arm to be damaged. It was further found... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER SPORT
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Jun 28, 2023
Incident date: Apr 15, 2019
Mercedes 2015 C300 crank case ventilation hose has a defect and it is well-known to the manufacturer. This causes recurring engine and exhaust problems for a large number of car owners, and it should be part of a recall.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel started vibrating violently, causing the entire vehicle to shake. Upon reducing the speed to 10 MPH, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure recurred. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was able to duplicate the failure. T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The vehicle has been in repair 4 occasions for shaking and hard vibration over 55 MPH. They have replaced the steering damper and track bar, condition still exists.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at a very slow speed, there was a loud sound coming from the front passenger’s side before the vehicle abruptly stopped driving forward. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger’s side axle had fractured. The mechanic also discovered that the driver’s side axle w... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Jun 27, 2023
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
Since purchasing the truck new I have experienced a VIOLENT shaking of the truck after hitting a small (1-2 inch) bump on the freeway. The shaking did not abate until I slowed to about 15 MPH. This has occurred about a dozen times over the course of the last three years. It also occurred while my son (a police sergeant and driving instructor) was towing a boat to the lake, nearly causing an accide... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2022
My control arm ripped completely off my fram on the passenger side due to excessive rust putting me and my family and any one else on the road at risk of something catastrophic.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
2022 TIFFIN ALLEGRO OPEN ROAD 34 PA- Consumer submitted copy of letter sent to Ford Corporation about experience with NHTSA recall- 22V-731-Ford F-53 chassis rear stabilizer bar attachment. Consumer states: "Even though parts needed to complete the recall repair would not be available until the first quarter of 2023 we started the search for a suitable repair facility in our area. We contacted the... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Jun 26, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Tie rods detached from frame, along with steering parts became unsafe on minor highway speed turnes
Crash
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Jun 26, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Vehicle suddenly started having problems while driving. Loud whining noise and shaking and scrubbing sound while driving. Was driving fine before sudden issues. Quotes by three different mechanics stated possible issues that incuded wheel bearing, ball joints, water pump, fan clutch, and brakes. Was told that all parts under vehicle were loose and close to becoming unraveled.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Jun 26, 2023
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
My 2018 Audi S5 Prestige with 59K miles meticulously maintained by the dealer had the Suspension Warning light came on about a week ago. I brought it to my local Audi mechanic and they found the right rear spring had broken about 1/3 of the way from the base and the shock had been damaged from the spring breaking. They attributed it low quality steel being used in the springs Audi is using. Luckil... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Jun 26, 2023
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
THIS IS ON RECAL SB-20-31-006 R3. THE BALL JOINT OF MY TESLA MODEL 3. SQUEAKS/CREAKING, WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, WHEN I DRIVE SLOW, DRIVE FAST, HIT ANY BUMP, TURN. THE NOISE HAS GOTTEN LOUDER. I WAS TOLD BY TESLA TAHT MY CAR DOES NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE RECAL DUE TO MY VIN#. REQUESTING ASSISTANCE TO GET THIS FIXED.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2023
The frame above the RT rear tire has rusted completely through. It's where the rear end bolts to the frame, at a wedge welded to the frame with bolt holes in it. It's like it wants to flip over and darts left or right every time there's a dip or rough spot in the road. I chained it and put a tow strap around everything I could to keep the rear end from coming out & killing me or someone behind me
Incident date: May 23, 2023
The driver's side front suspension control arm (aka "fore link") spontaneously snapped. This occurred when I started the car in the garage, and began to slowly back out. The terrain was level and smooth, and my speed was under 5mph. One piece of the assembly fell from the car and is in my possession. The car was rendered undriveable.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
Front suspension makes rattling noise when driving over small bumps. Additionally, the suspension system makes loud knock sound when coming to a full stop.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Hit bump,death wobble.hard to control truck,would not stop until came to complete stop 12650 miles on truck, hard to get out of traffic. Drove rest of trip a 45 mph won't drive truck to scary,taking to dealer for checkout,no warning