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 25, 2023
when driving at a high rate of speed typically 70-75 mph on an interstate, the entire vehicle will randomly start violently shaking this is typically triggered when the vehicle hits a bump or a overpass transition on the road. You have to hit the brakes and slow down to at least 45 before the shaking will stop and you can resume driving again. I was between two semi one time this happened. There... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
Im getting new tires on my car and was told the alignment cannot be done due to the rear tow links needing replaced. I was told it's a known issue with Acadias and should be covered under a recall I called my dealership and it's not a recall.
AIRSTREAM
FLYING CLOUD
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Jun 24, 2023
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
Experienced the death wobble on the freeway. I was forced to pull over on the shoulder of the freeway. I thought I had a blow out. It scared the heck out of me. Once I reentered the freeway the wobble was gone. Now when I hit rough spots on the road the front end vibrates like it is loose.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Jun 23, 2023
Incident date: Apr 5, 2021
Ball joints are coming apart and leaving me stranded on several occasions leading to costly repairs.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
On or around 7/02/2022, while on a trip out to the black hills, during a stop I noticed a crack had formed in the side wall of the Keystone coach. After some investigation, this appears to be a known issues with Keystone fifth wheels as indicated by the Keystone KSB -180328 Sidewall Crack Repair instructions. Over the past year, I have had varying responses from Camping World, my extended Warran... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
This is for 2017 model s, with vin: 5YJSA7E1XHF190080, but your form didn't allow it. Front lower right forward control arm, hairline crack in the portion that holds the ball joint to the hub. Can only be visible when taken off car. When discovered early you only hear a small clicking sound in the car when steering in certain angle over a pothole or similar. When allowed to be continued used, crac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
Car experiences what is called a "death wobble" when it goes over a small bump in the road. The steering wheel shakes uncontrollably. Happens when traveling between 40 and 50 mph. I loose complete control of the vehicle. I've taken the car to two experts who both confirmed the problem which started without warning or symptoms about mid May 2023.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
I was driving the vehicle at a normal rate of speed and stopped at a traffic light getting ready to change. I applied the brakes and when doing so, I heard some horrible noises and felt certain that parts had fallen out of the car. I knew something was immediately seriously wrong. I put the car in park (but it was effort and a grinding noise to put it in park) and stepped out to look under the car... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The rear subframe fractured while driving nearly causing a wreck. The rear of the vehicle jerked violently to the right. If this had been on the highway I believe it would have cost the car to spin out. At the dealership it was found that the rear subframe was rusted out where the recalled to link attached. I tried to get part from the dealership but they said it was already disposed of i do have ... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Jun 23, 2023
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact placed the gear shifter in the park and the restart message was displayed. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. While making a turn, the vehicle was difficult to steer. Additionally, the key fob was inoperable. There was an abnormal rattling sound detecte... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Taillight on back passenger side won't work, steering has been bad since I had, steering linkage and suspension failing, emergency brake doesn't work, cruise control won't work, oil pressure always reads high, airbag light stays on n seatbelt light stays on if I don't turn key on n let sit for an few seconds before starting jeep, gas pedal sticks , power steering fluid is leaking bad, steering lin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
Left and right lateral links were blown. Increases the chance of a vehicle crash. Tesla has identified the issue in my vehicle and replaced both parts. There were no symptoms, the technician found it by inspecting the suspension due to an unrelated noise reported by me, the customer. There have been multiple recalls in the past for the Model 3 and Model Y manufactured in 2018 and 2019. Tesla h... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2023
On 5/2023, my ‘15 Kia Cadenza broke down due to the front right coil spring breaking. I was driving 25mph on a flat surface. After it broke, there was continual clicking to the right side of the vehicle, a loud airplane-like noise, and the sound of metal grinding. Nobody was hurt, more scared. No messages appeared on the dashboard. The coil spring breaking caused a domino effect of other damages... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2023
Since I purchased this vehicle, it has always had a bad shaking in the steering wheel/front end when I hit a bump at high speeds. I took it to ford in 2019 and they replaced one of the steering components (track bar ball joint) and told me it had resolved the issue. It didn't. I took it back and they said it was a known problem and that there is nothing they can do for me. It is still happening an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
Rear Control Arm Broke off of the rusted Rear Sub Frame assembly which was confirmed and inspected by my mechanic.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
The Suspension Subframe Crossmember (Front) Part Number: 544B2-EG300 Supersession(s): 544B2EG300 Fits Infiniti G35’s (2007-2009) Have issues where it starts to rust on all areas of it . This includes the joints of the cross member and support areas. The rusting that occurs definitely impacts the structural integrity of the part and it can very well be a safety issue and a fatality waiting to ... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2023
The truck brakes or something locked up and cause me to crash the truck. Police report was filed and insurance company has appraised the truck. No warning lights or anything came on.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 21, 2023
lower control arm of front passenger wheel cracked and came off while backing out of driveway. rendered undriveable, required tow to fix.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2023
Vehicle was diagnosed as needing a new drive shaft i see a recall for 2016 dodger chargers how do we have this covered?
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
Unable to fully align tires specifically rear camber of the wheels. There is no adjustment only option presented is an aftermarket solution.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
The tires keep coming out of alignment which causes vehicle vibration, a pull to the left and premature wearing of the tires that then have to be replaced every 10-20K miles. Lexus is aware the IS series cars wear tires this way but state its bc this is a high performance vehicle. The vehicle vibration and driveline issues can get bad enough that it could pull a vehicle into a different lane po... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
Front control arms caused extremely difficult steering. No warning of failure displayed in vehicle. Suddenly noticed difficulty steering with squeaking and clunking noises. Tesla service replaced upper and lower control arms June 2023 and claim it’s a common repair in their vehicles with low miles. This vehicle has 37,100 miles. Sway bar links also repaired May 2022.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2010) - SUSPENSION
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact initially received a recall notification from Hyundai Motors of America for an underbody corrosion preventative service. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was provided a list of repairs that needed to be performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where pictures were taken to document the s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
Bought this vehicle from Carvana.com and have been trying to get it repaired since then. There is something wrong with the steering/braking/suspension system. According to License Mechanic Derek Hartfield at Monroe (248) 980-3262 after a road test - told me the vehicle is not safe to drive. He attempted to repair vehicle and Carvana denied the repair. Carvana instructed me to take car to Dea... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
I recently purchase 2010 Mercury Mariner. There is a few errors appearing on the screen in front of the steering wheel. One of the error is "CHECK FUEL LINES." It also has an error about the tire pressure sensor. It also rides roughly, but the wheels are like new, so it feels like the suspension or shocks have something wrong with them. Also, there is a lot of play in the steering wheel when drivi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
I am a ASE Master Mechanic and I do my own servicing. Recently I had some bad tires and bought new ones. Since I had the wheels off, I performed a wheel bearing and brake inspection. The rear left wheel had some small wobbling. When I took off the bearing cap I noticed hardly any grease. I took the hub off and there was hardly any grease on the inside bearing also. And I do mean hardly. It was lik... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on a bumpy road surface, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and the rear suspension shuddered and shifted to one side. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the front and rear shocks were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it... Read more
FOREST RIVER
CHEROKEE
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the power steering failed to operate as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact also stated that when the Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Automatic Steering was engaged, the function independently disengaged, a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
while backing out from the garage at speed below 5 MPH I heard loud snapping sound from the front suspension, then immediately rubbing sound of the front passenger tire against the wheel well. Had the car towed to Tesla dealer in Burlingame CA, and upon inspection has been advised that Front Fore link assembly left and right have to be replaced at my expense since vehicle is out of warranty, ye... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2023
Control Arm failure with tire separation from vehicle
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
I brought my 2008 Toyota Tacoma in and they did an undercoating recall. Since then I've had to replace a broken leaf spring and brake line, and a few weeks ago, brought it in to a Toyota dealership to have a wheel bearing/ axlereplaced that had rusted. On the paper documentation nothing was mentioned regarding the frame deterioration. Recently brought it in for an exhaust replacement and was shown... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Jun 19, 2023
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
The rear subframe attaches to the unibody has rotted and almost fell off the car
Crash
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
A few day ago I noticed a knocking sound coming from the read driver side suspension when driving over speed bumps. After a visual inspection nothing was found. After a few days of the issue continuing, the vehicle was taken to a garage with a hydraulic lift. The vehicle was lifted and a full inspection of the suspension system was done. What was discovered was a bit nerve racking. The front mount... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
Rear lower control arm broke as was backing into the garage. Traction control light was turned on on the dash.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
The "rear frame deterioration" recall was performed by the Dealer, Honda of Keene, NH, within the requirements set out by Honda. However, the service manager at the dealer tells me the same corrosion that initiated the recall is severe and still does not allow the vehicle to pass safety inspection in my state. Therefore, I cannot use the car and is has no resale value. Per the intent of state s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
When we turn to the left, there's a "popping" noise from the front suspension When the vehicle is turned back to straight the same pooping sound is made. I found a recall for this same vehicle but the years 2014-2016 (NTB15-062c).
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
The right front suspension "Lower Fore Link" broke under braking. The Fore Link broke/separated from the ball joint connecting it to the right spindle/upright, causing loss of directional and braking control. The damaged Four Link is available for inspection. Once the Fore Link broke, any braking caused the wheel to move rearward and contact the body wheel arch liner. Once the body contacted th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
Before the safety recalls for the rear suspension the vehicle made a loud noise almost like helicopter blades from the rear. It stopped after the recall was fixed but has started again. The air bag light has been on since about a month after I bought the vehicle. After about 9 attempts of taking it to the ford dealership for them to look at it with no luck I believe it’s due to a broken seatbel... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
Steering wheel gets loose and loud clonking noise from rear of vehicle, back window shattered while car was parked with no one around. Brakes have been grinding since day of purchase.
Incident date: May 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle sporadically swerved into the right lane. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Gerald Nissan of Naperville (1575 W Ogden Ave, Naperville, IL 60540) who informed the contac... Read more
MERCEDES-MAYBACH
S 580
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: May 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle veered to the right. The contact steered to the left and kept turning the steering wheel to the left in to bring the vehicle back into a straight lane. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive back to the residence and had the ve... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
It appears the rear axle separated from the vehicle. This appears to prevented braking ability. My conclusion is from skid marks at the crash scene. Also Front wheels disengaged. I have photos.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
While driving down the highway at 75 I hit an uneven bump in the road and the vehicles front end started to vibrate and quickly became violent shaking of the trucks front end causing me to lose control of the vehicle and almost cause a major multicar accident on the interstate. I ended up almost hitting the guard rail on the side of the road but everyone was ok. I thought the whole front end came ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GL450
(2008) - SUSPENSION
Jun 15, 2023
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
As driving down the interstate. My car was on adaptive cruise as well as lane assist. It was like a nightmare! The car took total control. Throwing me from right to left to right to left and finally into a concrete barrier. The vehicles suspension on the drivers side both front and back failed. It was a nightmare you could not wake up from. I could have easily rolled the car over. And easily hit o... Read more
Crash
1 injured
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Jun 15, 2023
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
Steering wheels coupler problem
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Jun 15, 2023
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
The self-leveling rear suspension on this vehicle has failed twice at approximately every 20,000 miles. I do not tow anything or haul heavy loads. It is a family transport vehicle that is primarily operated on smooth, flat paved roads in a suburban environment. The service writer at Don Moore Hyundai in Owensboro, KY advised that this is a very common issue due to poor design. The components requi... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Jun 15, 2023
Incident date: May 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating and shaking abnormally. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the tires to be balanced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had been informed ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front driver’s and passenger’s side strut bearing assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but conti... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
2011- check engine light was illuminated. Toyota dealership attempted repairs 11 times but could not find a cause. They replaced 7 different sensors, replaced gas cap, charcoal filter.. still could not get light to go off. refused to continue servicing same issue with no fault. Since 2011, I have had to run diagnostics on a regular basis to ensure there are no other mechanical issues. 2022- gas ta... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
UNKNOWN 35+ MPH noticeable bounce in front end also 70+ left then front end sometimes begins to wobble and becomes unstable. Dealer 1 checked and found wheels not balanced properly front the factory. Both front and rear wheel had three weights added for balance. Advised bunch is still present and is “normal”. Issue persists. Dealer 2 inspected. Found no issue with wheel or tire with mea... Read more