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: Feb 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Vanleigh Vilano. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V588000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not expe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2022
Rear suspension knuckles damaged. Make loud clunking noise when entering/exiting vehicle and anytime I ride over bumps
Incident date: Mar 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that on various occasions, while driving at various speeds and making turns, a squeaking noise was heard in the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the braking system needed to be adjusted. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
The jeep shakes violently when you hit rough terrain. It shakes and the steering wheel starts shaking. It is the death wobble. You have to slow down way below speed limit or stop to get it to stop shaking violently.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
I've been informed by my mechanic of excessive rust on the rear suspension. The car will not pass state inspection due to safety issues related to this. An appointment has been made with the Honda dealership to confirm. Honda has put out a recall/buy back for the same issue on the Element and the CRV in Canada, where there are areas of high salt usage. Honda has done the same for the CRV in north... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
For about 4 months now my steering in my Honda has been not keeping my vehicle straight going down the road and pulls to the left alot. The dealer said it was nothing but I do remember many years ago I had problems with another vehicle and it turn out the Rack wasn't working propertly and the dealer seems to not know anything proper in steering of a vehicle. There have been many times it seems jer... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was veering to the left and became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated there was a loud banging sound underneath the vehicle when the brake pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Vibration or rough idle in drive and reverse. Shudder while driving Lack of engine RPM Low performance, lack of acceleration on take off. Mechanic found and replaced the following. Broken Transmission Mount, Replaced Front & Rear Engine Mounts. Transmission is not shifting correctly and the Mechanic stated that the oil was black and smelt burnt.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2023
The rear subframe has been rotting for some time before being discovered. The driver side sway bar link in the rear has broken. joint points are ready to break as well. Tires leaning inwards. The contact stated that the manufacturer has not provided any assistance for this vehicle or for the one they owned previously.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump in the road and the steering wheel became unstable. The vehicle was driven to the local service center who diagnosed that the rear driver’s side lower control arm on the front suspension mount had separated from the unibody frame due to corrosion. The contact was informed that... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
Rear passenger suspension arm broke while driving from what looks to be corrosion. Was able to make it safely due to 1 bolt holding in place the car is not drivable. Had I kept driving the whole wheel would have came off causing an accident .
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Apr 12, 2023
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact then stated that the vehicle failed to deactivate from exit mode and the air suspension system compressor had frozen. Additionally, the contact stated that he waited for several minutes to start the vehicle. The contact also stated that after the vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
I purchased this vehicle new in 2016. It currently has approximately 49,000 miles. It has never been involved in any collision. In Feb. 2023 I took it to a Les Schwab Tire Center to have the drag link replaced & alignment done. When the repairs were completed the technician informed me that I may have a rear axle misalignment as he noticed the rear axle appeared to have shifted to the right of th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
I'm the only owner of this vehicle. In Dec 2021 (@ 61000 miles) I had problems with steering my vehicle. I went to break and could not break on the expressway. I was on a 55 miles expressway during rush hour traffic. I came to a stop on the side of the road and when I try to engage the accelerator to get off to the exit the car will not move. It kept stalling and making grounding sounds. The ste... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
We bought our truck brand new in 2018 and within two months I started experiencing violent shaking and an inability to control the vehicle when hitting even uneven payment. I reported this to Ford and they told me everything checked out fine. This happened again 2 more times and at that point was being told that my warranty was expired and there was nothing they could do. The 4th time I nearly cra... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Apr 11, 2023
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
The left rear trailing arm mount is very rusty as is the inner rocker. This is a problem with both the CRV and Element ,it's a safety issue because the mount can detach and cause a accident. This vehicle has had a yearly inspection in my state and has passed I am concerned it won't in the future because of trailing arm rust. The element are built on the same platform as the CRV witch is being rec... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2023
FRAME RUSTED -OUT ALLOWING RIGHT FRONT WHEEL A -FRAME TO COME LOOSE. ALLOWING WHEEL TO MOVE REARWARD INTO WHEELWELL STOPING ROTATION. IF I HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE ??? MAYBE YOU WOULDNOT BE READING THIS??? [XXX] USCG retired INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
Suspension did not meet yearly state inspection standards. Service advisor/technician stated “control arm bushing deteriorated- excessive play”. Rear control arms could be moved with hand pressure excessive play. They stated that this is a very common problem with this make of car at this mileage (41,633).
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQS 450
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Apr 11, 2023
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
I took the Chevy Equinox to the Chevy dealership to have the oil changed. The House Technician said it was unsafe to put it on a lift. The entire frame was corroded. On 02/28/2023, I had the dealership do a Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection. This is their findings: #1-1010: INSPECTIONS INSPECT/CHECK inspect due to customer request Inspected unit due to customers request found excessive re... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
My husband was driving down the road and the trac bar bracket arm separated from the weld causing the steering wheel to move freely and made him feel like the jeep was.falling apart.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
My car shifts into neutral while I’m driving. This is the same issue that I see recalls for but it’s stating that my car is not effected. Also, the rear suspension makes a loud grinding noise for no reason. It’s weird because other 2014 Land Rovers have these exact same recall warnings and my vin number comes up clear on the internet. This vehicle only has 45k miles on it.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2023
I bought this 2014 RAM December of 2022. I drove the truck from Charlotte NC to Cleveland Ohio and back with no issues the week after I purchased it. At the end of January this year the FACTORY AIR SUSPENSION started giving me trouble. The Air bags deflate and will not pump back up and it becomes almost un drivable because it bounces violently and it slams down hard on the bump stops so hard it li... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Apr 10, 2023
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
I was driving and the car went out of control. I had the steering wheel straight, but the rear end started to fishtail in and out of the oncoming lane of traffic. As this happened I had to quickly jerk the steering wheel to get it out of the other lane of oncoming traffic. I had to slow down to 10 mph to get home with the flashers on, all the while it continued to swerve both left and right on it... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2003 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made squeaking sounds. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear lateral link had detached from the rear subframe, and that the rear strut was leaning against the rear driver's side tire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
The vehicle became very difficult to steer while on the freeway and then the steering system completely failed. I was able to safely get off the freeway, but I was lucky. This could have been devastating. There were no warning lights until the system shut down. The system issues match exactly the complaints of those who experienced issues with the rear toe link. I live in California, in the Sier... Read more
LINCOLN
CORSAIR PHEV
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Apr 10, 2023
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
Spacer between U-Bolt and Leaf spring which binds front suspension system with steering axle has sifted towards front side I have two units with same problem on both of those in brought in 2022 march . Same alike unit bought by one of my friend gets same problem attaching some pictures of both unit to get more specific. Thanks
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
Noticed a scraping noise after new, recommended tires installed on my stock truck. Checked the door label to ensure correct tires installed, they were, returned to the tire facility and they recommended I ask a repair facility to investigate. Found that the tires are rubbing the upper control arm when fully turned left or right (both sides affected). Went online to discover that this is a commo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
While driving down a two lane highway suddenly a large boom occurred. I stopped in the road as I thought I blew a tire. Rather it was the right rear coil spring that popped suddenly and broke off the vehicle. The coil hung behind the tire and wedged with the bumper. Back wheel was unable to move. This occurred on the right rear passenger side. The whole vehicle dipped and dropped down. Because of ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Apr 10, 2023
Incident date: Mar 2, 2023
Driver side strut popped through housing, and penetrated front hood. Confirmed by Hyundai dealer on 10 April 2023, and also confirmed by another mechanic - which will make the repair, on 10 April 2023. No warning lamps. Alerted by rattling/rubbing/popping noise that occurred soon after taking the car to a Hyundai dealer in Springfield, VA to resolve a safety recall anti-theft matter. Mileage ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
Honda has issued a recall for 2007-2011 CRVs due to rust leading to failure of the rear trailing arms. Manufacturer Recall NumberXDZ NHTSA Recall Number23V-228 However, Honda has limited its recall only to 22 states and DC, claiming only those use road salts. This is overly limited. Many states use road salts in parts of the state, including California and Nevada, where I live. The official Cit... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
Trac bar bracket weld separated from axle
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
To whom it may concern. I’ve purchased a second hand vehicle from New Jersey I live in California. It is 2002 Subaru outback H-6 3.0 with 52,000 miles. Upon delivery I took it to orange coast Subaru for general inspection when it was brought to my attention that there’s an open recall from 2004 stating excessive corrosion in the rear sub frame. It applies on vehicles in cold wet states wher... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2023
The rear subframe of my vehicle failed at the lower trailing arm mounting point (passenger side). This resulted in the car swerving to the right when I applied pressure to the brake pedal, which was worse at higher speeds. This had been getting progressively worse for a few weeks until I almost spun out on the highway while braking. The next day, I randomly got a flat tire on the rear right side w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
Car hit pothole and rear left suspension broke away at mounting points
Crash
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
There is a squeaky noise from the suspension, shock absorbers or somewhere in that area. They have fixed the issue multiple times. Kept my car in the workshop for days multiple times but it’s not getting fixed. They probably sold me a lemon. I need help in rectifying this issue.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
Experienced “the death wobble” going 68 mph on a highway after hitting a small transition.
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Apr 8, 2023
Incident date: Mar 21, 2023
Hello my name is [XXX] . Approximately [XXX] my 2015 Kia Sorento practically stopped performing on [XXX] highway nearly having to dodge an accident. At first, I noticed a burning scent which I thought was just in the air until my car started to slow down by itself followed by coming to a complete stop amid 70 miles per hour traffic. I had my car towed in to the nearest Kia dealership which was loc... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
The control arm that holds my tire in place completely broke apart. It looks like the ball joint severed from the rest of the unit. I didn’t hit anything - not even a pot hole. I was driving in a residential area going 25 mph. I thought my tire went flat so I checked the car and didn’t see anything. I continued to drive the car and turned on the main road and my car almost veered me into ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2022
There is a recent recall for suspension related issues with this model. Recently there is a suspension related knocking sound coming from front drivers side area that seems suspension related. I am unable to schedule appt for inspection/ repairs due to another unrelated scheduled service. Tesla requires scheduling through the Tesla application and does not allow scheduling for service when anothe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
stabilizer bars broken Honda dealer reports frame is badly rusted
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
The suspension has completed rusted through. My mechanic can stick his arm all of the way through. There was a recall on other VINs but not mine so far. There needs to be one since I wasn't told about this safety problem until my mechanic went to replace other parts. I was never told this through any means. Jeep needs to do better. I am now out of a car and will have to pay thousands just to get t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
The whole underneath sub frame, floor which it connects to, the left & right frame rails are completely rotted away so the shocks are hanging without a piece of frame on them.Completely unrepairable. Not worth fixing. What shall I do? This is a significant safety issue & concern . My mechanic will not give this an inspection sticker until it is road safe.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2023
The airbag light came on intermittently but now has stayed permanently. The suspension of the car become almost uncontrollably bouncy with the slightest dip or hump on the road. The bouncing continues for a couple miles and at times does make steering difficult. The tires are 4 months old and the car has been serviced at regular intervals.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Apr 7, 2023
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
While driving at highway speed, rear of vehicle suddenly became uncontrolled and caused vehicle to swerve dangerously. If a vehicle would have been in the adjacent lane an accident would have occurred. Upon initial inspection, the left rear lower control arm failed catastrophically due to rust rendering the vehicle undrivable. Driver and passenger were put at risk as a result of this incident.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH over a bump in the roadway, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact slowed down to regain control of the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving to his destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the shock mount fractured with the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken the dealer where the mechanic discovered severe corrosion on the crossmember. Additionally, it was discovered that the trailer hitch had nearly disintegrated due to the corrosio... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
Front sub-frame rusted through. Local mechanic said unsafe to drive. Insurance will not cover claim because this is "prior issue" not accident related. Subaru dealership confirmed safety risk and will repair for >$3000.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Element. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal rubbing underneath the vehicle. The contact was able to park the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rear driver’s side trailing arm had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not conta... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle became very unstable, and the vehicle fishtailed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed a rear wheel alignment, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campai... Read more