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 18, 2023
I’ve experienced 3 nearly identical incidents: after driving over bumps in the road or uneven pavement, my F350 went into an uncontrolled wobble, violently shaking, causing total loss of steering control. In each case, the uncontrolled wobble only stopped after I slowed the vehicle to under 15 mph. Because these incidents occurred on major freeways with fast moving traffic, a significant danger ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
Rear Axle . Fell on the highway split in half while I was driving on a state Hwy 71 at 45 mph. Cracked rear axle. 2002 Ford Windstar part of a recall for Rear axle. No warning was given and didn't know about the recall until after it happened. Inspection was preformed by a mechanic. I could have flipped or rolled or caused a major collision as this highway is very heavily traveled.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Driver side rear lower suspension broke while driving which caused a wheel misalignment and tire worn within few weeks. Nissan is not recalling any cars but instead they extended the warranty but only fixing the cars when the arms corrode. https://www.nissanassist.com/campaigns/certain-my-2013-2018-nissan-altima-and-certain-my-2016-2018-nissan-maxima-rear-lower-suspension-link
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The air ride control module under the spare tire in the rear of the vehicle has deteriorated and the connections melted so I had to disconnect the module I noticed smoke from underneath the rear of my vehicle I believe if I did not disconnect the module there would have been a fire i have the module that I can send pictures to you of the plug the connection and the deteriorating module these vehic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Left rear control arm (Tesla referred to it as Upper Rear suspension link and integral link) broke from the joint causing the wheel to fall off and damage the halfshaft, air spring and bushings. Fortunately I was barely moving at the time of the accident. Had this happened on the freeway I could have been killed. Looking online and at other comments on here this does not appear to be an isolated... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shuddering. The contact stated she heard abnormal creaking and cracking sounds. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become more frequent. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independe... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Apr 20, 2023
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and was vibrating abnormally. Additionally, the tires experienced a loss of traction while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the CV joints twice; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the ste... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
I was driving on the freeway yesterday, about 70mph driving conditions were good, it was sunny and warm, and traffic was flowing regularly, and I felt as thought something gave way or loosened up because the car and steering ability were not in synch. I was then approaching a congested area and needed to slow down but the brakes did not brake as fast as they should of and I almost smashed right in... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
MY NAME IS [XXX] I HAD A NISSAN SENTRA 2017 MY CAR MALFUCTIONED THE DOORS HAD LOCKED ON MY I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR BUT MY CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES WAS A TOTAL LOSS. SOMEONE PLEASE CALL ME I NEED ANSWERS AND HELP INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Fire
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Tow links from my vehicle is going bad. Vehicle fish tails a little on the highway when traveling on uneven surface. Knuckles have been replaced and Link-Stabilizer on both side by my mechanic. Ford STATED they replaced in May 2022 (never did) I had the original parts that came with vehicle. Ford refuses to reimburse. I'm concern now that the tow links are going bad and vehicle will soon be unsafe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
Steering wheel is sticking when moving steering wheel/driving. Steering wheel locks while driving.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
The front suspension has problem I noticed recently the sway bar and front studs of the car is not reliable and also the fuel tank also has issue even if the tank is not fuel it refuses to take more fuel
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Grinding from turning. Numerous Radiators, Transmission problems over and over. Jerking not pulling. Stalling in the road.Control Arm needed again. Brakes and Rotors grinding.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
NHTSA Campaign 09V124000 (Hyundai Recall #089) - excessive corrosion, thinning of the metal and perforation of the front sub-frame steel, due to road salt, resulting in separation of the forward mounting of the lower control arm increasing the risk of a crash. The recall was issued in 2009 for 1999-2004 Hyundai Sonatas. The present owner purchased the vehicle in 2014 with no knowledge of previou... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
The rear subframe rusted prematurely and broke off important mounts for the suspension and steering. I was driving and had to hard brake. This cause the back end of the car to swerve and almost lose control. I then heard a knocking sound when I pressed the brakes, prompting me to take it into the shop. There I was informed the the subframe was rusted and the vehicle wasn’t safe to drive. I filed... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
Nothing has failed, but I've determined the Suspension in all Ford Mustang Mach-Es from 2021-2023, excluding the Mach-E GT Performance is flawed. At first I thought it was just unengineered and terrible, but i've come to the conclusion that it's possibly dangerous. Driving yesterday on a city street and the road had a slight transition from left to right and at that very place , the road also has... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Apr 18, 2023
Incident date: Apr 1, 2016
At 50,000 miles the upper control arm/ball joint on the driver side came apart with no warning causing considerable damage to the suspension, tires, wheel, and front bumper. About two months before at approximately 48,000 miles the passenger side control arm/ball joint came apart again with no warning. Warranty has just elapse and GM has denied any responsibility and will not cover any of the re... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
Unusual amount of oil consumption. Faulty cylinder 3. Gaskets cause the oil to leak into the spark plugs causing the engine light to come on with loss of power. Changed cylinder 3 spark plug at least 10 times or more since purchasing the vehicle in 2021. Oil also drips onto the alternator, replaced it twice in 9 months. Wheels and steering wheel shake when hitting the brakes. Replaced brakes a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2023
The suspension (the front half shaft) has repeatedly failed and has been replaced multiple times by Tesla. First it was replaced under warranty and now we are paying for it as it is no longer covered under the warranty. The part failure is a safety concern as it has lead to unstable handling, nearly resulting in a crash several times. The parts have always been discarded by Tesla but a full expl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started wobbling. The contact then stated that the vehicle suddenly changed and drove as if the vehicle was merging, while intending to drive straight. The stability track warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear suspension toe lin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
My daugther and myself were sitting at a stop light and the car would not move forward or backward. All of the transmission fluid was on the ground. I had to call the police for safety from being hit. I had the truck towed home.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Apr 18, 2023
Incident date: Apr 11, 2023
Maher Chevrolet of St. Petersburg FL is refusing to fix a recalled item. They fixed the left control arm under warrantee in 2019. I brought it back the next day still hearing a noise and they said only the right side was bad and I was hearing a seat noise. I took their word for it although the noise never went away. Now 3 1/2 years and 10k miles later Tire Kingdom noticed that the left control ar... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2023
The front lower subframe cracked where the driver's side front wheel attaches to it in our 2011 Subaru Outback. This resulted in loss of steering control of vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by independent mechanic. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance agent. It is available for inspection at [XXX]. There were no warning lights when this failure occurred. INFO... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
I have. Toyota 4Runner the frame is very rusty I ask the. Dealer few times for recall and he said no. Recall. It is very dangerous to drive. The buddy is very nice just the frame is very rusty. Want ca I do need help
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Truck was repaired June 2019. They welded the jam nut which made it impossible to get an alaignment.Been having a open claim with Chrysler Jeep and Dodge going on 2 years per claim #78469040 Front Suspension Track Bar Frame Bracket ( vehicle recently started to do the death wobble again)
Incident date: Apr 16, 2023
rear control arm rusted , broke off
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
This vehicle is designed to be a flat tow vehicle for a class a motorhome. No one made me aware of the death wobble and this caused an accident which could have been deadly. We did 13,000 dollars in damages to my motorhome and jeep. After hours of research i found this to be a common problem from Jeep. i contacted the local jeep service department and they were not aware of this. Come to find out ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
The paint on the hood is peeling/flaking and is degraded. Right air shock is leaking causing the vehicle to continually pump up. I have the tow package, and with the air shock leaking, it does me no good. My air conditioner has not been cooling for a while. I started noticing it when it was hot in December, 2022. Would have thought it was a simple leak. The port valves have been changed. Air... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for unrelated repairs, the mechanic determined that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V604000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate fail... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2023
When traveling on the highway going 65 mph hit an uneven spot on highway and the truck started shaking vigorously and had to hold on tight and slow down in the middle of the highway. No safety lights came on. I have an appointment at a dealer to look at it. A goggle search on the problem names it as DEATH WOBBLE
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
The control arm joints of the Model X started to squeak under warranty. Under warranty, they "Reseal Area Around Both Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joints With Urethane (Model X)" which they knew didn't fix the problem from looking Tesla forum. It just masks the problem for another 1-2 years and when the car is out of warranty, they now offer a fix which is to replace the entire control arm joint... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
Spring hanger welds full of porosity , rear section of frame was spliced poorly welded with a visible half inch gap . You can see light through tongue gusset welds .
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Stabilizer makes loud noise I had it repaired before at southpointe chev.tulsa ok that bill was 700.00 dollars I'm having the same problem again can you pls help me
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
08 Apr 2023 vehicle hit a pot hole and we almost went into ditch when it began to wobble uncontrollably. We were traveling on the hwy and almost caused an accident to the vehicles behind us. Very frightening. 16 Apr 2023, hit a small pot hole vehicle began to wobble uncontrollably, took us again almost into the ditch. It occurred four more times trying to get home from airport. We scared traveli... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Car started shaking uncontrollable after driving 45 mph over a small pothole. Carmax (ca care) replaced steering damper but steering wheel stills vibrates when driving over 45 mph.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Front suspension steering damper defect
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
While driving on I-25 south of Denver on 4/13/2023, I drove over a pothole in the interstate. Immediately the front end began to violently shake resulting in me applying the brakes and rapidly slowing from 65 mph to ~30mph before the shaking stopped. I was then able to continue on. Today (4/15/2023) while traveling to Boulder CO on US Highway 36, the vehicle again began to violently shake as I dro... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
The frame of my truck has rotted through. The strap that holds the gas tank has nothing to connect to, i think the tank could fall to the ground under the right circumstances. The frame has a large whole in it and i fear it will break very soon. I had to remove the spare tire because i feared it would fall off the truck. I had to replace both connectors that held the leaf springs to the frame,and... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
My brake line broke in three pieces while I was driving on the highway visiting my son I almost lost my life the brakes did not work all of the fluid came out thank God I didn’t die there was no sign on the dashboard also my brakes even when I change the pads the rotors and calipers they always make noise. I change brake pads every year and that’s not right I don’t think so. I always buy the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
I was driving at low speed when I suddenly felt a very loud pop and snap. I thought I had a flat tire. The car pulled to the left. I had trouble pulling over and thought I was going to hit someone. I was able to come to a stop abruptly. I checked for a flat and had none. I called Tesla after limping the car home because I could not see a flat. The car had a broken control arm and had completely... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2016) - SUSPENSION
Apr 14, 2023
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
Had previously felt some shaking in car as accelerating on roadway. Did not realize at that time the my rear subframe was rusting out. When Murano was parked in driveway noticed that the back wheels where turned inward. After inspecting car found that there was a lot of rust on my rear subframe making it unsafe to use this vehicle anymore. Cost of repairs are well over 2,000. This vehicle had j... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Apr 14, 2023
Incident date: Apr 11, 2023
Like apparently the majority of this model year C300, the rear subframe is completely disintegrated. This is a known issue but Mercedes has not communicated it nor fixed it. I was told, and as the photos clearly indicate, this very likely could have resulted in a catastrophic or fatal accident as the entire rear is corroded. I have photo and video support as well as the inspection from a mechani... Read more
SAFETY 1ST
ONBOARD
(9999) - SUSPENSION
Apr 14, 2023
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
While going over speed bump, left Rear trailing arm broke off. Large amount of rust was noted to frame. Our CRV had to be towed to our local Honda dealer. There is a current recall for this same issue on vehicle years 2007-2011 but none to cover our 2012 CRV.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Front strut leaking fluid. Needs replacement. Seals worn out below 36,000 miles.
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Apr 14, 2023
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
I’ve been dealing with an alignment issue since last June when I took in my 2021 Tahoe z71 with air ride suspension. It’s chewed up the stock tires at just 25,000 miles. It’s came out of alignment 3-4 times since then and Chevrolet is doing nothing about it. I’ve spoke with others that have the same vehicle and the same problem. I just purchased tires for $1,100 just over a month ago and I... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2017
Initially I noticed an issue with notchy steering, which is typically caused by faulty u-joints in the steering column. I took the vehicle in for service on 2/14/23, and the service center confirmed the issue and replaced the lower steering column. Almost immediately after picking up the vehicle from service, I noticed a loud creaking sound coming from the suspension when the steering wheel was t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2023
The rear trailing arm became detached from the unibody due to rust/rot. This caused the rear tire to shoot sideways and backwards causing the vehicle to no longer be drivable. The vehicle has spent its life in Wisconsin, New York, and Vermont. As it happened on the road close to my house it was not assessed by any service center, but it is very obvious what happened. I pulled the vehicle back to m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2023
PERSISTENT GROANING AND CREAKING FROM FRONT END SUSPENSION. DEALER REPAIR SHOP COULD NOT DIAGNOSIS ISSUE HOWEVER THERE IS A REPAIR BULLETIN PUBLISHED ON THIS ISSUE AT GMREPAIRINSIGHTS.COM WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE SUSPENSION OF THIS CAR AND OTHER SIMILAR MODELS. THE DEFECT AS DESCRIBED IN THE REPAIR BULLETIN MAY LEAD TO MECHANICAL FAILURE OF IMPORTANT PART OF SUSPEN... Read more