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 7, 2023
The front left control arm (lateral link) of my Model 3's front wheel just came completely off (bolts unscrewed) without any incident. It fell to the ground and preventing my car from steering properly and was dragging on the ground. The car couldn't drive properly and needed to be towed to the Tesla service center. This could have easily caused a fatal accident by causing the car to suddenly n... Read more
HYUNDAI
SONATA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Apr 7, 2023
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
Suspension has a defect from factory that prevents proper alignment. Per alignment shop the car cannot be aligned to factory specifications. Premature tire wear is potential safety hazard.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
The contact owns a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel jerked, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lowe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
I picked up my Tesla Model 3 Performance less than a month ago and from day 1 it has been having vibrations from 40mph all the way up to 80-85 mph. I haven't driven it faster than that due to safety concern. I took it to Tesla and they said they needed to balance the wheels (why wasn't that done on a brand new car already?) Anyways, I take the car back and I was still having the same issue. Tesl... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Apr 7, 2023
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
SEVERE frame rust where suspension bolts to. Safety hazard.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Apr 7, 2023
Incident date: Mar 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after making a left turn, the vehicle jerked in the opposite direction, and then the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and she crashed into a parked vehicle. The check engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, she noticed a fluid leak underneath. The vehicle had not ye... Read more
Crash
TOYOTA
RAV4 PRIME
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Apr 7, 2023
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
The main bolt that holds together the wheel and body on the driver side fell off while driving, resulting in wheel falling off and car not able to operate safety. The bolt is marked with kxv109. This caused damage to the entire subframe assembly. This could have been a very terrible accident if I was driving at a higher speed. On October 27, 2022 I noticed an odd sound from my steering wheel which... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
On March 15, 2023, I was driving on clear, dry pavement at approx. 50 mph when I heard a loud bang from the rear of my Honda CR-V and almost lost control of my steering. I maintained enough control to stay on the roadway and brought the car to a stop after about 200 yards. I had the car towed to my regular mechanic who told me that the suspension had fallen away from the frame of the car and it ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
Our 2023 Jeep Wrangler has the "death wobble" which causes the front end of the vehicle to violently shake and the steeering wheel to almost cause loss of control. Jeep knows about this defect, as does the NHTSA. Jeep need to be mandated to do a recall and fix the issue.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10-15 MPH, the rear subframe assembly failed inadvertently. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side wheel appeared to be caved inward. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe and rear wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
Steering feels like it sticks when making micro adjustments on highway speed and when it finally budges, it over-exaggerates the adjustment and you end up wandering in your lane or going out of the lane, causing you to swerve out of the lane. Been taken to the dealer 2 times in less than a month and was told they’ve had multiple complaints from other owners about the same problem and have felt i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
My car is have problems with wheel blance I don’t know why 1 year I have to took my car for alignment 2 or 3 times. It is something really wrong with the spring and the wheel blance.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Bought my 2021 Ford Escape a year ago, since a month after purchase, grinding noises Only when backing up, rain or shine or cold or hot. Getting worse within this year. Brought in 3-4 times, every time mechanic said nothing was wrong it was normal for this type of vehicle. Brought a few months ago to a different (not dealership) mechanic something Not right and needs fixing asap. Also noted crack ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
Left rear coil spring failed and is not available for inspection. The car was difficult to control when the spring failed which put driver safety at risk. The car was brought to an independent service center and confirmed that the failure was a left rear coil spring which required replacing both the left and right rear coil springs. The component was not inspected by the manufacturer. There were n... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
I was driving on the freeway and had to hard brake due to unexpected stopped traffic. When I braked the vehicle veered hard to the left and almost lost complete control of the car and nearly caused a serious accident. I drove immediately to a local MB dealer and they confirmed what I was afraid and suspected which was the right rear subframe needs replaced. This car was recently sold to me by a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2023
I was trying to see if I could get a recall for a new motor because my motor makes weird popping noises when driving and reversing also a recall for suspension front and back shocks and springs because those are also making bad horrible noises
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
With about 47,000 miles of use the suspension became rough, mostly in the rear when driving. It is like you are driving with little to no shocks. The smallest bumps in the road you feel it and bounce in the seat. It used to be a very smooth driving car and very enjoyable to drive. This suspension problem is making it less than enjoyable and more difficult to drive. I spend more time looking a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
I drove thru a groove in the pavement at bridge at 60 MPH and it started shaking violently, I almost lost control of the truck.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2023
I have experienced three occurrences now where the vehicle suddenly begins to violently shake while driving between 50-70 MPH. All three times I was able to pull off the highway and stopped to inspect. Tires, lug nuts, brakes, and steering all appeared fine, so I cautiously resumed my trips without further incident. I have done some research and it appears that this is a well known issue, and is ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
There is rust on my crossmembers, they said it happens from the stuff they put on the roads? I don't know but I do not have money to buy a new vehicle. They say it's on both sides in the rear that are rotten but they were fine not too long ago.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The Front sway bar on my truck where the welds are rusted out. yes its available for inspection. independent service center has not been inspected no warning lights
Incident date: Apr 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Soon after hearing the noise, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the passenger’s side CV joint was replaced out of pocket. Recently, the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer for ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
Our 2007 FJ Cruiser when brought in for annual inspection has been deemed unsafe for use due to crack in frame due to corrosion. The vehicle has no other mechanical issues and runs as if new. We invested in 5 new tires and now find ourselves possibly having to purchase a new vehicle. We witnessed all the other Toyota vehicles frames being replaced due to the recall regarding insufficient undercoa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
My 2008 Jeep Patriot with 100,000 miles on it both front and rear subframes are completely rotted and unsafe I need some help I can't afford all this repair I'm disabled I'm working with my local mechanic I need you guys to help pay for some of this
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6 . The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph and drove over a bump and lost control of the vehicle and crashed into another vehicle. The contact stated the disc off warning light was illuminated. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact was towed to h... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
Driving truck and pulling horse trailer at 70-75 mph and crossed a bridge on interstate highway which caused a bump and then front end of truck began to shake very hard and the truck pulled hard to the left. Managed to get it under control and moved to side of road and called dealership...who advised to continue trip and keep speed under 55. No further problems on that trip while staying under 55 ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
My car only has 36,400 miles. I went for an oil change at a third party garage and was told my front control arms are cracked and need to be replaced. I went to the dealer who confirmed this and also said there was a recall on the rear control arms. I have talked to numerous mechanics who said that the control arm should not be failing at 36,400 miles. I contacted Nissan asking them to help me wit... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
The entire rear frame is rotted and broken off of the body. This happened as I was going slowly up my driveway. Body Shops have told me the car is not repairable. The car cannot be driven as the wheels are no longer connected to the main frame.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
Driving on a residential street around 20 mph as we approached a stop sign , heard a loud “thump.” It appeared to come from front wheel well area. Worried we hit something we circled back around back around but there was nothing. Car began making a loud noise everyone we turned the wheel. Got the car back home (we were only a few miles away) but it is sitting slightly lower on right side i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
We recently looked at this vehicle at Toyota of Ann Arbor car lot. After taking the vehicle to a private Professional Certified Car Inspector we were told that that the passenger side Frame had a catastrophic Crack that ran 7' from front to back and over the forward facing Rear Leaf Spring Shackle Support making the vehicle unsafe for any driving. They showed us the frame damage and showed us how ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2022
All four sway bar links went bad at once.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
Excessive frame corrosion, making fuel tank dangerous
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
Driving and all of the sudden you get a death wobble, truck bouncing/ rattling making it hard to steer and won't stop until you slow down or stop. More than one date bit the one I will add below is most current
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
The contact owns 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was immediately driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear driver’s side suspension coil spring had fractured also causing damage to the rear axle and rear differential. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The m... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Mar 31, 2023
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
My suspension was damaged and my car froze and stalled during winter storm and caused my car to go to several shops and I spent lots money on repairs
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Mar 31, 2023
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, the contact experienced a flat tire due to a nail in the tire. While the driver side rear tire was being removed ... Read more
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Mar 31, 2023
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Fleetwood Fortis 34MB built on a 2020 Ford F-59 chassis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RV was vibrating. The contact pulled over, and upon inspection, she noticed that the bolts were loosened on the rear stabilizer bar attachment brackets. The contact's boyfriend purchased the bolts from the hardware store and replaced the bolts on the r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was a grinding sound coming from underneath the vehicle; followed by the vehicle shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the front axle and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
the rear subframe is rusted out and this is a big saftey concern by mercedes benz for 2008-20014 and they know the problem as there are alot of complaints. there were recalls in europe for this and not in USA. This needs to be taken care of by Mercede-Benz.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
This truck has a “death wobble” at 55 mph on the highway when we hit any road bumps.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2023
The entire front suspension feels as though it is going to fall outward at any moment. I have had this inspected by two separate dodge dealerships. I’ve also had this inspected by friends that are mechanics. I also have knowledge and I know something is not right with the control arms tire rods, ball joints. The front suspension is horrible. I worry every day. I’m gonna runoff the road or I’... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2023
1-Powertrain wobbles and vibrates at 70MPH / Safety issue and can cause shaft failure/accident due to a weak/worn-out mounts and cause the drive to loose control. 2- Control Arms/Ball Joints Defects at Factory - Going thru bumps the front-end will produce noise and vehicle will shift/skip-jump of the pavement. Safety hazard and can/will cause driver to loose control.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
3.5L ecoboost timing chain failure at only 58,000 miles (code P0016 possible turbo problems TBD Front suspension springs are broken. All of these are common threads on many forums. Ford should be held accountable even though mine is 10 years old, the mileage is the issue. FWIW, they completely redesigned the engine a few years later, but never notified anyone to watch out for these common problems... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2013
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH the rear of the vehicle lowered and the rear of the vehicle started to bounce, and the suspension warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the suspension system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2023
Driving on freeway at approx 55mph when sudden severe, violent shaking and almost uncontrollable steering began. I did not brake, but took my foot off the accelerator and held tightly to steering wheel which listed to the left. Incident lasted approximately 10 seconds and then returned to a normal drive.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
I was backing up from the parking lot and heard a clank. I immediately got out to check what happened and saw that the suspension had completely detached itself from the wheel (see pictures). The wheel immediately started to go sideways. If I was on the highway or on the road this would have 100% caused an accident and quite possibly my life. Tesla says there is no recall and is blaming the proble... Read more
FREIGHTLINER
114SD
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Mar 29, 2023
Incident date: Mar 22, 2023
The rear and drive unit is having issues loud popping sound when driving this is a major safety concern, and seems to be a huge problem across the board as I’ve been reading about on Hyundai forums
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving an oil change, the contact was informed that the suspension was fracturing and detaching and needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the rear seat pivot lock failed, and the passenger’s side control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
Rear axle cracked where bracket that was installed during previous recall. Van is not drivable and could have been a bad accident.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
Rear subframe has rusted to the point car is no longer safe to drive. This is apparently effecting many Mercedes’ vehicles and many unsafe cars are currently on the road.