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: Apr 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F53. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and started shaking significantly, from side to side. As a result of the failure, the contact depressed the brake pedal to diminish the wobbling of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred without warning. The dealer was notified of the failure a... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
My vehicle has only 36000 miles and I drive on paved roads in suburban settings. I have noted rattling noises in the front of my vehicle on 4/12/2023 and took my vehicle to the local Infinity dealer. My vehicle turned out to have failed shocks and loose shock/strut mounts requiring complete replacement of the parts
Incident date: May 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Tiffan Open Raod. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22v731000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
Per the technician: "the rear subframe is rusted out and the lateral strut arm is starting to break away". Because of this issue, the car unknowingly presented a safety risk to occupants and other drivers. A failure of the subframe or connected components could have resulted in a serious accident. Photos are attached. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. There were ... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at speeds over 45 MPH, the vehicle experienced the death wobble with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken ba... Read more
GRAND DESIGN
REFLECTION
(2018) - SUSPENSION
May 16, 2023
Incident date: May 11, 2023
The vehicle fails to maintain stability at either a right turn, and at left turn angles. The vehicle makes a clicking sound on either turn and loses power when you complete the turn and attempt to drive straight. This poses an incredibly unsafe driving experience.When this occurs the traction message light turn on, as well as the passenger airbag, and the upwhill light turns on.
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving approximately 35 MPH, the front passenger’s side wheel stopped while the front driver’s, the rear driver’s and passenger wheels continued turning. As a result, the vehicle stalled; however, the engine remained revving. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
*The rear sub-frame assembly nearly rusted through. Steering and Handling noticebly effected with rear of vehicle feeling soft and sluggish in turns. *The vehicle is available for inspection and was brought to my attention when the mechanic was beginning rear brake maintenance. *The mechanic is a licensed mechanic and the Repair shop is a licensed service facility. *The mechanic called me and aske... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2023
Brought the vehicle in to dealer for oil change, and tire rotation. Dealer found that the rear toe links on the Traverse were corroded. It only has 36970 miles and is not covered under warranty which expired 36,000. This is a recall on numerous GM vehicles and GM should cover and issue recall on the traverse as well.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2023
My vehicle has an electrical problem due to the recall. I took it into the Buick dealer. They could not find an electrical problem. But there is an electrical problem. And has been since I bought it at Jim Riles in Washington Township Michigan.
Incident date: May 3, 2023
The front passenger side control arm ball join was found cracked open with the car under 34K miles (around 4 years of light use) during a normal routine maintenance.
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2022) - SUSPENSION
May 15, 2023
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound while going over a bump. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the driver's and passenger’s side front lower control arm needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
A major safety structural defect has developed in the rear axle beam. About 50 percent of the welds failed where the passenger side swing arm attaches to the rest of the axle. The lack of support ended up creating about a three inch stress crack across the width of the swing arm tube. This could have led to a complete failure of the swing arm, had I not found the problem. Had this failure occurred... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
My 2018 Model 3 was purchased brand new direct from Tesla with no other drivers or accidents. In Feb of 2023 I heard a creaking sound from the front driver wheel. The steering wheel felt like it was shaking when going into lane changes. I brought it into Tesla and they found that both lateral link bolts were loose, subframe damage. The exact issue was recalled under #23V-235. I showed them t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
Death wobble uncontrollable shaking any time I hit a pot hole or some major bump have paid over $2500.00 this far buy new tire rods, front tires due to wear, etc attempting to fix the problem.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
I found out about the Mercedes Subframe failure issue after having problems on the road, that could have killed me, and being warned not to drive anymore by an authorized repair shop because my vehicle was not safe for me to drive. This has caused many other issues with my cars mechanics due to this defect from the Mercedes factory.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2023) - SUSPENSION
May 14, 2023
Incident date: May 14, 2023
On April 26,2023 we were traveling home from Florida in our F250 towing our RV. Suddenly,( after we hit a rough patch of road) our truck started violently shaking. It was HORRIBLE. My husband was driving and I was the passenger. It lasted about 20 seconds during which it took all his strength to hold the steering wheel so we would not die in a horrible crash. THIS IS NO EXAGGERATION. When it stopp... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
When im driving down the road and the slightest bump is on yhe side of the road, the truck feels like its not connected to the framing or the wheels or something because when i hit the bump it jerks the wheels to the right and that's the only side it does it on and it does it so abruptly at times it almost pushes me into another car or it jerks the steering wheel out of my hands. Im not sure if th... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2023
Traveling at between 65 and 70 miles an hour I hit a small bump in the road and the front suspension and steering wheel started to violently shake. Pulling me all over the road and almost off the road. Fortunately I was able to avoid other drivers. And keep it out of the ditch. I am now terrified to drive my truck. After speaking with the dealer they will repair. Using new parts identical to the o... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
My rear passenger side rusted right out completely and the strut mount is not attached to any part of the body. It caused my vehicle to swirve off the road almost hitting another vehicle when it was raining out also in the snow this occurred several times where my rear end jerked sideways pulling my truck into a complete circle.
Incident date: May 14, 2023
while running errands, a woman pointed out to me that i had dropped the rear passenger side control arm. she was very concerned about me driving it. i assured her i understood. and that with a mile to drive, i would use flashers and drive slowly. the following day my Compass was brought to my mechanic. i received a phone call i never expected! the rear crossmember was rusted out, and the subframe... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2021) - SUSPENSION
May 12, 2023
Incident date: May 12, 2023
I had a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder that was “bought back” by Nissan after 6 years of use because of a “rusted frame” and now once again I have a 2010 Nissan Pathfinder, where the rear sub-frame rusted through and caused the wheel to give out and track wrong -causing a life-or-death situation. I do not need an independent or dealer to confirm, it is obvious. There was no prior warning, thank Go... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
While driving I was unable to come to a complete stop….while breaking the vehicle would pull to the side and keep moving into traffic 😞
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
The Jeep has had a deadly death wobble. it has been awful to drive Jeep has parts on back order for 6 months. it continues to throw me off the road or into oncoming traffic.
Incident date: May 12, 2023
The lower torque Precision control arm. Driver's rear suspension is Worn out, able to move by hand side to side. Causing this truck to fish tail & wiggles on interstate / highway speeds during release of gas pedal. Tires are dry rot size 285 60 20 currently on during the test drive. Brake rear rotors been turned, specs for replacement in question as thin rotors. Brake fluid old for Brake s... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2016) - SUSPENSION
May 12, 2023
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
The factory installed air suspension has failed more times than I can count. It’s has been going on for years mainly during the winter months, but so far this year with the warmer weather it still fails probably at least once or twice a week. This issue puts everyone in danger that is around these trucks while the are having these issues with the suspension air bags deflating when on public road... Read more
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA HYBRID
(2021) - SUSPENSION
May 12, 2023
Incident date: May 12, 2023
UNKNOWN, squeaking in rear when going over bumps and uneven roads
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA HYBRID
(2021) - SUSPENSION
May 12, 2023
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Issue regarding a persistent creaking noise emanating from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The noise has become increasingly loud, particularly when driving over bumpy roads, indicating a potential suspension problem. This matter has gained significant attention among Tesla users through a widely viewed video: YouTube Video: Creaking Noise from Front Passenger Side (link: https://www.you... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Subframe rusty and broke while driving car went left almost causing a head on coalition
Incident date: May 11, 2023
Recall on brakes says it's fixed. My brakes fail alot suspension chunks all the time and steering feels like tire is falling off
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - SUSPENSION
May 11, 2023
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
There’s was a recall on the control arm… I took it in to Nissan and was told mine was not affected.. so it was not fixed. A year or two has passed and my whole suspension needs to be replaced.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension); however, the failure occurred after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made squeaking and popping sounds. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
Basing complaint on NHTSA ID 11439582 4/25/2023 Started vehicle on this morning and ride height was normal, while doing daily intown driving, noticed that ride became extremely bumpy. I drove to my neighborhood Midas shop for inspection. There was no code but there was a dash warning with my chassis, "Drive Moderately". Midas instructed me to contact my nearest BMW Dealership in the Woodlands (T... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2022
When turn I hear a rubbing grinding sound and the right front wheel shudders and vibrates when driving
Incident date: May 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that on four separate occasions while driving approximately 45-70 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and the front end of the vehicle started to shake violently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was known as an extended vibration. The con... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Back in December of 2018 when I got my truck it only had a1000 miles on it and it has been down shifting hard it jerks hard I have reported it to the mechanic at the dealership at Mitch smith in Cullman Alabama and that said oh it’s supposed to do that well now it’s out of warranty and they said it needs this that and the other
Incident date: May 11, 2023
I get an intermittent power steering and Stabilitrak warning when driving, and the warning causes my power steering to shut down. The fault clears when I stop the truck and shut off the engine, but it reoccurs at regular intervals ranging from once per week to twice in one day. I took the truck to my local Chevrolet dealer, and they did a programming upgrade to the power steering module and a fr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
I purchased the vehicle from a Dealer. During a test drive I noticed a shake in the steering wheel that represented a wheel balance issue. The dealership acknowledged that, according to their techs that it was a wheel issue. A new set of tires was ordered mounted and balanced. I have been dealing with the issue of sometimes excessive steering wheel shake and a feeling of unstable suspension issues... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
The Passenger side Rear Lower Control Arm broke in half while driving down the road. There were no potholes or rough road conditions present when failure occurred. The failure caused instant loss of stability of the vehicle, but luckily did not result in an accident. Where was no warning before the failure occurred. The event occurred in Iowa. There is currently a Nissan Service Campaign (P932... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2023
My steering rack and pinion as well as my power steering pump have gone out completely potentially put me in harms way By impairing my ability to drive defensively. by greatly reducing the vehicles reaction time . A worn steering rack can cause you to lose partial or complete control over your car steering wheel, which can lead to fatal accident. That goes without saying that steering rack is a ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2022
There has not been an incident yet but i don’t know who else to talk to. I am a FedEx Delivery driver and driver the largest Delivery truck made for FedEx and am fine with it ask day. However, the steering on my car is down right dangerous. My car drifts all over the road. It is ten times harder to keep my little cat on the road than my big work truck. So hard in fact that i have resorted to thi... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Rear suspension not holding air. Rear suspension went flat while driving in highway. Had to pull over due to sudden rough ride
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
Frame is massively rusted and is hazardous. Need full replacement.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 20 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact met his daughter who had pulled over to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle. The contact noticed that both rear tires were toed outward. The rear passenger’s side tire was toe... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2023
Driving down i70 in Colorado and hit a section where there is concrete. One of the cracks in the concrete caused the steering wheel to vibrate uncontrollably until the speed dropped below 50 mph. During the incident braking made the vibration worse and it felt as though the front of the truck was bouncing at a rapid rate. Steering in any direction was nearly impossible. I have a service scheduled ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
I was driving home on March 10 2023 well out of no where my Toyota Tacoma something on the front end suspension broke it looks to me the recal that Toyota fixed before I even got the truck well sent me into 3 trees head on 55mph no airbag deployed I didn't have a chance to try and stop the vehicle I thought I was going to die I know the road I was on isn't the best shape I need help
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 7, 2023
Driver's side front wheel assembly separated from the vehicle. It was hard to tell exactl what happened but I am told that it may have been a ball joint failure. I was driving in the middle lane on the highway with cruise control set to 70MPH. All of a sudden, my truck jumped up and my truck starting pushing towards the left median. I thought I had a tire blow out. Luckily there wasn't anyone in... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2023
Driving at speeds over 60 mph I have experienced a wobble in the steering. It is at the point that I am unable to control the vehicle. I am forced to slow down considerably to regain control of the vehicle
Incident date: Dec 8, 2013
Mossy Nissan El Cajon, didn't report an accident that the car was involved in prior to the sale of the car to me. This car sustained front end damage. Resulting in a repair to the frame/sway bar. Thus effecting the steering and suspension of the car. This car was repaired and paid for by an insurance company. However, Nissan didn't disclose this information, so that the end result was the sale of ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 24, 2018
Description from Ford Dealer is in quotes, plus I added more details: "Rear sub-frame" (F1FZ5035D Cross Member) "broke in half" (due to rusting). "Unsafe to drive at this time." Good thing my wife questioned the new clunking sound that was emanating from the rear of the vehicle when going over bumps. We were able to proactively catch this before it resulted in an accident. I believe these par... Read more