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 20, 2023
While driving on the highway I drove over a bridge bump and the truck started to wobble uncontrollably forcing me to slow down to 30 miles per hour before it stopped. This happened two times. We brought it to the dealership who replaced the steering damper and it happened again so they adjusted the camber of the alignment and said it should fix the issue. I have an email from the dealership where... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
Hitting a bump when greater than 50 mph the front end would begin "death wobbling". I would have to slow down and pull over to the side to prevent losing control of vehicle. Took car to shop and had front end alignment and this did not fix problem. We then took the jeep into a specialist shop and they stated that they had not seen this on a non-modified jeep but had heard that the issue was happe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2022
Loud noise from driver-side rear while driving. I discovered the rear crossmember (aka subframe) is badly corroded and there is a complete break/failure of the unit. This is unsafe. I have worked on cars for over 40 years and I have never seen such an inexcusable failure.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
My Jeep steering is extremely loose, and very difficult to keep between the lines on the road. If the wind is blowing, it is nearly impossible. My biggest concern however, is the wobble that occurs when on the expressway. This has now happened to me five times while traveling on the expressway at around 70-75 miles per hour. The Jeep begins to wobble back and forth and you literally loose all ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2021
The Body Control Module has failed and there are no replacement parts available except used parts. The BCM is hard coded with the VIN. If you use a BCM from another car, certain safety systems are deactivated such as the air bags. The BCM is central to the electronic architecture so all other systems are at risk. The unit can be responsible for the car not starting, the headlights not working, the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan modified by Eldorado Mobility Amerivan. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear side of the vehicle was leaning towards the driver's side. The contact was able to drive to her destination; however, the contact stated that she stopped driving the vehicle as it was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, who inform... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
My vehicle is a bit low in the back so I wanted to install Timbren FRF53A Suspension Enhancement System (SES). This issue applies to F53 chassis 16K and 18K. Higher GVWR are fully compatible. The problem occurs on the driver's side because the rubber flexes on the metal brake line. That will weaken it over time and it will break. I do not know if there has been an accident but it is waiting to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
When you drive the Jeep on the highway, if you hit a bump, crack or pothole, the vehicle violently shakes, through the steering wheel and tires. The entire vehicle begins shaking uncontrollably and pulls me to the right and off the road. Have had into the dealership for 7 times, and they held vehicle for over 30 days, still not resolved. Very dangerous
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Feb 22, 2023
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
Driving on the highway and I hit an uneven spot and started to vigourly shake. I had to slow down to make it stop. Very dangerous and hard to control
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Feb 22, 2023
Incident date: Jan 24, 2023
On 11/26/22 while driving on the interstate at approx 65-70 mph, my left front tire hit a bump in the road. This caused my truck to violently shake side to side with the front axle. The shaking was so extreme that i thought i was in an accident and could barely hold on to the steering wheel. The shaking only stopped when I reduced speed to about 5 mph. I was almost rearended by a vehicle behind me... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
While driving 45 miles an hour down a 3 lane highway I hit a pothole with the left front tire only the truck started to shake uncontrollably I had a hard time keeping it straight and veered into the left lane had to aggressively apply the brakes To get the vehicle to stop causing the vehicle behind me to swerve into the other lane no accidents occurred fortunately This is the 1st time it has happe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that his son mentioned to him that an abnormal squeaking noise was coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that a rubber piece was sitting underneath the rear driver’s side tire. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the wheel well was sitting on top of the rear driver’... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2008) - SUSPENSION
Feb 21, 2023
Incident date: Feb 12, 2023
On 2/18/23 I took my car into the repair shop to investigate a clunking sound upon braking. The control arm was broken and the level of corrosion is extensive. I am the original and only owner and the car has never been out of Florida or on the beach or immersed in water. Toyota of North America in Plano, TX said they could not receive my pictures and that there was no one at Toyota that I could s... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I was accelerating to get on the freeway and there was a slight bump or crease in the pavement and my front end started to bounce and warble uncontrollably, fortunately I was able to pull off of the on-ramp and come to a stop with out incident. This was not the first time I noticed this, but it was definitely the worst.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at high speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the rear suspension was unstable and felt loose. The contact pulled to the side of the road before continuing to drive. The contact notified an independent mechanic of the failure and was informed that the rear subframe needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not diag... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Feb 21, 2023
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
THIS IS EXTRACTED FROM A LETTER THAT I SENT TO FORD ON 24 JANUARY 2022. They never responded. I was horrified and shocked to see multiple (16 parts weighing in at about 6 pounds) components missing from the mounting hardware on the rear sway bar suspension. From my layman’s understanding the front and REAR sway bars are a SAFETY CRITICAL component for the safe handling of such a large vehic... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
Caulk and paint is being used to hide bad welds and holes in welds. Suspension parts were not welded on completely and there are cracks everywhere and tires keep wearing out prematurely. Factory welds are not certified welds, there are holes in the beads and the beads are not adhering to the structural framing. A certified welder stated that this was caused from not preparing the surface and non c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel and the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact pulled over on the side of the roadway to check for a tire blowout. The contact found no failure with the vehicle or the tires. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the vehicle had experienced the death wobble, but th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The car makes noises when stealing, really rough on freeway and noisy, stealing shakes. Not acceptable for a car at this price range and claimed quality.
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Feb 20, 2023
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
Ran over a small bump at highway speeds almost lost control as the front end started to wobble and shaking steering wheel. Every time I go over a bridge span or a small bump going freeway speeds front end shakes and have to slow down for wobbling to stop.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
While driving severe shaking (wobbling) of steering wheel. Had to break and pull off road. Had heard of ford death wobble before , first time for me.. Really frighting, luckily no traffic.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
Death Wobble, the steering wheel shook violently. I could not control the vehicle and had to stop in the middle of the road to make it quit. This has happened before. It was serviced for this problem once.
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Feb 20, 2023
Incident date: Feb 19, 2023
from time to time, when stepping on the brakes the whole front end shakes . when this happended i took the 2020 tucson back to the dealer to be checked out. I was told there was nothing wrong with it. and i was just not use to abs. I"m not stupid. i've had many , many cars and suv'''s, trucks with abs. this made me mad. and guess what, it still locks up. i
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
Driving own I95, heading south in Maryland, hit a bump and vehicle started shaking/wobbling, almost lost control and had to slow down until vehicle stopped wobbling. This happen 6-9 times that day. Also has occurred several times in NJ on the turnpike and 280. Contracted Jeep HQ, told to contact a dealer.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
1) Back up camera goes blank periodically. A few times the monitor would not come on at all. Frightening when I am using it for directions. 2) Service System 4WD light has come on. Jeep dealer said it is a Disconnect Acetutor (?). I have appt to repair but am concerned it might not be safe to drive. 3) Cannot figure out how to get high beams to automatically turn off when oncoming vehicle is app... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
On 10/30/2019 as I was driving down the highway at 75 mph, my front right coil spring broke and punctured my tire. Fortunately, I was able to get to the side of the road but was not in a safe area, putting others at risk. The faulty coil spring breaking and puncturing my tire could have caused a dangerous accident. Given my high rate of speed, I am very fortunate this did not cause an accident and... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2023
Having problems with my ABS Module antilock brakes system,took my truck to Dealership , and there respond was this part was in back order and no recall, its being 5 months .my issue is for the Safety of my Family and myself on the Road,I dont want to have and accident and get somebody Hurt or worse,and my family Im very concern of Driving this truck every day. need MFG to correct this PROBLEM.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
The car had a slow ticking noise that was very faint in the front for about 20 minutes 20 minutes later the noise continue to get louder about 45 minutes later six gear was lost in the car in about an hour and a half later the engine failed and the car Came to a failure lock down procedure all lights on the front door shut on steering wheel locked on friendship Road exit 8 and the vehicle had to b... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 19, 2023
I was Getting on I-95 N from Benson, NC with speed limit of 70mph. While I was still accelerating and just merged in traffic, going about 65-70mph, my 2014 F250 started doing the death wobble. The section of highway I was on has no shoulder or anywhere to pull off because they are doing construction on the shoulder and have concrete blocks maybe 6inches past the line. So I had no choice but to put... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2023
High speed wobble in front end Goes away of You slow down Getting worse Very scary, pulls steering wheel out of my grasp Wife refusing to ride in the truck
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
2019 ram 1500 bighorn 5.7 slowed down truck started shaking really bad , throttle actuator mass airflow, stability control come on. Tried to start it quit and tried again engine started to turn over and stopped no lights nothing local shop said cylinder #8 gone engine locked needs engine 76,844 miles not under warranty had 2 other rams up to almost 150k no problems
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Feb 18, 2023
Incident date: Aug 17, 2021
Steering failed rack and pinion
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
When going over 60 and hit a bump or pot hole or ripples I’m the rode and ect, the tires and steering wheels start shake oh i controllable have to slow down immediately to under 30 miles per hour. This happens when on the highway or any road and Safety is at risk because you can not control the steering during this time and those you from lane to lane and even worse if having a trailer. A... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
Power Steering, Brakes, Turn Signals, Monitor Screen. The Cars steering will lock up and pull to the right hand side and the brakes get mushy. This could be deadly to myself and other motor vehicles. It happens suddenly with out warning and if there is a vehicle in the right hand lane, you will crash into it. I am waiting to take it to the dealer but prior to the steering and electrical, I told th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
The electrical system per the on-dash guide shows a voltage of 13.8 V or less than the 14.2 V and when it is less than the 14.2 V the car drives choppy, braking causes the car to jolt around even after brake work. The radiator was recently replaced and new hoses were replaced and it still has not been remedied after new brakes and new serpentine belt. The dealer did not clean all remaining radiat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
The vehicle exhibits an unmistakable thump noise when going over a speed bump or while typically driving at low speeds over cracks in any road surface. Naturally took the vehicle into the authorized dealer, technicians instantly replaced the sway bar links, However the thumping noise from the front end over bumps is still present. A noticeable "creaking" noise can also be heard from the front end ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2016
In 2016 left front coil broke and took damage to tire Hyundai took and replaced it for your charged only one coil was replaced on the car in 2019 the other coil broke customers charged $966.30 to do the repair and replace the tire Hyundai says there's no recall on the springs for this vehicle yet I did find a recall saying there was but they're telling me that the serial numbers was no recall on t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact started losing control of the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V608000 (Suspension) and advised the conta... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started bouncing without warning. The contact stated that after several seconds, the vehicle stopped bouncing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front shocks were leaking, and that both front shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The jeep has what people refer as “ the death wobble” When hitting a bump at freeway speed the steering wheel and front end shakes violently. The jeep has 13k miles and has not been off road. Jeep has been notified. Does not sound like the have a solid fix. You have to pull off the highway and stop to regain control of the vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and drove off the side of the roadway. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who discovered that the rear axle had fractured due to severe rust. The vehicle was not yet repaired... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2023
Steering wheel airbag cover cracked without pressing on the horn or any force. The lift gate will go up halfway and instantly come back down without pressing the button to make it come back down. And, the front passenger tie rod has been replaced twice in 18 months.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2021
My F350 has had multiple occurrences of the front wheels violently shaking back and forth to the point the steering wheel is uncontrollable, literally shaking from my hands-a phenomenon many refer to as "death wobble". Steering control of the vehicle was lost. The only resolution was to stop the vehicle in the midst of traffic following me. vibration in the truck was so violent that it actual... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Suspension How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Its giving head ache and body pain, driver & passengers are jumping / shaking / feeling very uncomfortable Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Dealer mentioned all good, it ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2023
Vehicle developed a clicking noise when accelerating/decelerating. Noise also present when switching between drive/reverse. Ford dealer found that driveline was flexing. Closer inspection revealed that the bushing for the single bolt rear subframe mounting to rear differential was broken. Had this not been caught, the bolt would have broken releasing the rear driveline from the structure of the v... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F59. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V731000 (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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a f... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
Subframe of the car rusted and rotted from inside out. to the point of rear suspension completely detached from subframe. it caused my car to fish tail and lose control under even slow breaking conditions. once we discovered the problem we were told the car was a death trap and was absolutely unsafe to operate. we found out this is a common problem for this MB model type. the problem was already... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) - SUSPENSION
Feb 16, 2023
Incident date: Feb 16, 2023
The front struts are going out on these vehicles. I know of another one that had the same issue and only had 38,000 miles on there Denali. This issue makes the front of the vehicle very stiff. Which when we were on the interstate and every time we hit a bump or a bridge crossing it would almost take the steering wheel right out of your hands. I live In Minnesota, and with the weather we have he... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the front driver's side A-arm separated from the vehicle and the vehicle stopped abruptly, causing the contact's body to slam against the steering wheel. The contact sustained back pains and received medical assistance. Upon towing the vehicle, the contact noticed that the entire subframe was severally corroded.... Read more
Crash
1 injured