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
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Feb 8, 2023
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -Front Driver Seat and the rear subframe. Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -Seat moves around while driving. The subframe is bad, which if it broke could be dangerous. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -No, my husban... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
During Virginia State Vehicle Safety Inspection in January 2023, the inspector noted a problem with severe rust in the rear Cross-Member (part 28-800A). The rear Cross-Member is severely rusted and crumbling at fastening and stress points. The driver side (left side) of the cross-member that secures the top of the (left) coil spring is so deteriorated that the left stopper (28-111B) became unattac... Read more
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Feb 8, 2023
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
When I took my truck into the dealership to have an oil change and tire rotation done the dealership found that the bolt that holds the hub onto the rear axle had broken so there was nothing holding the hub onto the axle and that the hub and tire could of come off the axle while driving. The dealership said that they had been seeing this issue on other truck
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
Rear tires were down to steel belt after replacing August 1, 2022 and less than 10,000 mile wear. I took the car to a dealership for diagnosis. The rear subframe is completely corroded and failed causing extreme wear on tires and a DANGEROUS DRIVING SCENARIO. I’ve researched and see this is a common problem on these Mercedes cars. Why is there no Mercedes recall or accountability for this common... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was bouncing and pulling to the left and the right. The contact stated that the steering wheel was vibrating. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front strut and radia... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2022
The component is the rear subframe has rotted to the point of the trailing arms breaking free. This is a know problem with the same part on the Nissan pathfinder but for whatever reasons the recall was not extended to the infinity jx35
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2016) - SUSPENSION
Feb 8, 2023
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
DEATH WOBBLE!! VIOLENT SHAKING OF FRONT SUSPENSION. WHEN TRAVELING HIGHWAY SPEEDS 50- 65 HIT VERY SLIGHT BUMP AND STARTS SLIGHT WOBBLE WHICH THEN INCREASES TO UNCONTROLLABLE VIOLENT SHAKING OF FRONT END. ONLY WAY TO STOP IT IS IMMEDIATE HARD BRAKING TO SLOW TO 45 MPH OR LESS. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH HEAVY TRUCKS BEHIND AND BESIDE. I AM SHOCKED THAT NOBODY IS DEAD! MOST RECENT WAS... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
When at highway speeds 50+mph, and I hit a bump, vehicle begins to shake in varying degrees of severity. Slowing down, stopping completely, or something another bump will stop the shaking. Vehicle is stock, not alterations have been made. Has been brought to the attention of service techs at Olathe Jeep. Informed issue may be with steering stabilizer, part on back order. Noticed issue at 5000 mil... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2023
I have experienced the Death Rattle with my 2018 F250-SD on 3 occasions: First was in late summer of '22, the second time was in November of '22 and the third time was on Feb. 5, 2023. In all 3 instances the weather was clear, no rain or snow on the road and I was traveling at 65 mph. The first & second time I thought it was due to a rough patch of road surface on the highway. On Sunday I was hau... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2023
I heard that the mazda 6 was recalled for a front end suspension issue with rust.My mazda 6 had a problem with rust on the rear crossmember.It rusted out and came apart. I noticed the car was leaning to one side,had it checked out and the crossmember was rusted and broke. I am in the process of buying another car.Mechanic told me not to drive it very far.If the car was recalled because of rust on... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2014
The contact owns a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, his wife indicated that the vehicle was not driving in a straight line. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front driver’s side suspension lower control arm had fractured due to subframe rust and corrosion. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no ass... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
Tesla has a repair bulletin out for the half shafts of the Model X/S. There is significant stuttering/shuddering when accelerating moderately when the vehicle is in normal ride height or higher. Some folks experience it on the lower settings as well. This is a known issue that owners should not be responsible for payment/fix wise even if our of warranty as it’s a manufacturer defect that cause... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
The individual has a 2013 Ford Explorer with two active recalls for rear toe link fracture and reached out to Alton Blakely dealership in Somerset, Kentucky, to have it repaired. However, the dealership refused to repair the vehicle and directed the individual to find another dealership. The reason given was that in the past, they have conducted the repair and left the vehicle in worse shape than ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
After breaking hard the vehicle started to pull left and the rear felt like it had locked up. I took it immediately to my local mechanic who diagnosed a prematurely rotted out subframe. I am in the process of having MB review and quote for the repair.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH or at various speeds, there was a delay while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was also pulling to the left and the right while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the suspension was loose while driving over bumps in the roadway causing the v... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Feb 7, 2023
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
For now nothing happens but im frustrating about recalls and my dealership is finding the ●braking▪︎ problems, the maker me unsafe also by 02/06/23 check ●ENGINE LIGHT▪︎comes on. And they gave me appointment in 42 hours. And also my maverick has a lot oil comes out front oil filter, that's my dealer unprofessional services.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
While driving my vehicle into the garage, I placed the car into the P(park) gear and the car continued to roll. I had to hit the emergency break to stop the vehicle. The fuel line keeps cracking although it has been replaced multiple times causing gas to be leaking from the vehicle even after filling the car up.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 4, 2023
I experienced the Jeep Death Wobble on 5 occasions. All five happened at 60 mph or above. The car would suddenly shake violently and felt like it was falling apart. I feared i couldn't steer it, which I had a hard time doing, until i calmed down and started braking. When i got to a slower speed it went back to normal. The front track bar was replaced and an alignment was needed again at 12,000 mil... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
Rear left sub frame is found to be broken due to corrosion and rust. Right side is near to be broken. Driving under such condition is very dangerous.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
This vehicle has 17,000 miles and has developed a very scary vibration that starts at 50mph. The vehicle is very unsafe and cannot be taken down the road. Nobody should be driving it! Local ford was called and really don't care and booked my vehicle 6 weeks out from when I called. I have had many problems with this vehicle.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
Air suspension system failure, while driving at highway speeds the rear end of the truck dropped into entry and exit mode no warning light came on until I came to a full stop after hitting a bump in the road and getting knocked off the road, temperature outside was 13 degrees farenheight. The truck remained in a sagged position until the temperature rose above 35 degrees. Dealer states I need to r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the warning message "Service Sway Bar" was displayed along with an audible alarm. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the sway bar was faulty and needed to be replaced. The sway bar was replaced, and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2017
The contact owns a 2023 Ford E-450. The contact stated that while driving after a cold start at approximately 2 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The rear wheels were spinning and smoking was detected. The driver depressed the brake pedal but the trailer fishtailed and crashed into a parked Toyota Venza Hybrid. There were no reported injuries, fire or air bag deployment. A po... Read more
Crash
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) - SUSPENSION
Feb 6, 2023
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
While driving on route95 in Christiana Delaware I hit a bump and my car start shaking uncontrollably I had to slow down this has happened on several ocassions. This is called the death wobble
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while pulling out a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion, the contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the c... Read more
FREIGHTLINER
CASCADIA
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Feb 6, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
On January 6, 2023 I was backing out of a parking space and turning slightly. There was a deafening squeal. The car did not initially make noise when driven forward, but the noise did return with braking, and then also with turning while in Drive. The Tesla service facility has advised that the car needs new lower control arm(s) and fore -links therefore also an alignment because of the new p... Read more
THOR MOTOR COACH
WINDSPORT
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Feb 6, 2023
Incident date: Feb 5, 2023
Traveling on highway with no load and no passengers at the speed of 53 mph the trucks steering wheel began shaking violently when I hit a rough spot in the road. At this point I had to bring the vehicle to a complete stop in the middle of the highway. Motorists that where behind me were doing all they could do to stay clear of me and one driver actually waited to be sure everything was alright. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
vehicle has a front rusted subframe in two spots on passenger side it will not pass inspection. it is Dangerous to keep driving it it looks like there is a recall on this issue in 04/2009, but it says 0 unrepaired recalls which is obviously not correct Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY Mfr's Report Date: APR 14, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V124000 EA08016 NHTSA Action Number: EA08016
Incident date: Feb 5, 2023
Safety recall was never done passenger presence module has a code
Incident date: Feb 5, 2023
Driving and suddenly the entire vehicle will start to shake until slow or near complete stop. I think it’s called a death wobble
Incident date: Feb 5, 2023
On 7/22/2022, our 2015 Nissan Altima began to shake heavily while being driven at approximately 30 mph. Please note that our 16 year old newly licensed son was driving the vehicle when this occurred. The traction control light came on and the vehicle was unable to be driven safely. Thankfully, he was able to get to the side of the road and we were able to have the car towed to our mechanic. It was... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
Death wobble: extreme vibration, uncontrollable shaking from side to side when going high speeds and hitting bumps, but also happening at lower speeds now and not large bumps. It will only stop by coming to a close stop, slower than 10-15mph. It is happening much more frequently, and the Jeep only has 26,000 miles and has never been off-road. I bought this Jeep brand new. Ordered it myself. Dealer... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
The main body frame is completely rusting through from under the drivers side door back past the fuel tank. It is rusting through on the passenger side as well. The large amounts of rust have caused other issues throughout the entire body of the truck as well as rusting of other components. The frame of this truck will need to be replaced as there is no way to repair it or the vehicle becomes s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
Same problem that many others have reported. Took car dealer for a battery. Was told subframe is rusted and about $5000 to fix and that if not fixed could lead to car failure. 1) Why has Mercedes not informed the many thousand 2010-2014 C-Class and E-Class drivers affected by this dangerous defect. Many do not take their cars to the dealership for service anymore and could miss the problem until... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
The passenger side Air Bag indicator has been on since 2019, was not aware I could report it here. I have not taken it to a Dealership because I can't afford to have it fixed. In 2018, I had to replace the CV joint and front rocker arms. A piece was cracked, and when I would turn I would hear a loud POP & TICKING sound from the front passenger side tire area. Again I paid over 1500.00 to have it... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2020
Jeep develops a severe WOBBLE at speeds above 50MPH. Sometimes at a lower speed if you hit the smallest of bumps. The JEEP shakes BEYOND BELEIF. It shakes so much that you CANNOT see the instruments. In order for it to stop shaking you need to almost stop the car.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
Rear Subframe control arm broken and rusty and dangerously to drive and Mercedes refused to make it as recall.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Feb 3, 2023
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
- The passenger rear lower suspension link became corrode and separated at the bushing joint area. The car is available for inspection. - Loss of control as the back of the car started moving from side to side and off the side of the road. - Nissan opened a case# [XXX] and noted that my car is not covered by issued service bulletin (P9324) and recommends that I get it repaired. - This happen ... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Feb 3, 2023
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
I have experienced the death wobble 4-5 times. The dealer says they have already replaced the steering damper once already. I am concerned there are more issues with the steering system on this Jeep.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
I was merging on to I-94 from Grand Avenue in Gurnee, IL. I felt the rear end of my car hop. One merged, I noticed my steering was at 2:00, vs straight. After exiting expressway and hitting bumps in the road, I noticed my car "floated". Parked the vehicle and went to work. Left early to avoid traffic. Made it 1/4 mile and the car had a horrible hop to it. Parked the car to investigate. The rear ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
Steering stabilizer defective, causes severe wobble when you his any type of bump (like a bridge seam) when traveling over 30mph. Wobble makes the car uncontrollable and only goes away if you slow down to under 30mph. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive on anything except city streets. The wobble shook the vehicle enough to cause secondary problems with the alternator and suspension/bearings.
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Feb 2, 2023
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
The Frame which connect the Main Beams of Frame to the Axle had the welds brake and frame twist not allowing the suspension to connect to the frame. Talked with manufacturer and in their words "You are not the only one dealing with this issue on this model"
Incident date: Dec 10, 2022
In short, Kia is putting inferior rear self leveling shocks on at least their Telluride model with tow packages. We are one of many (per Kia blog posts) who have been forced to drive our vehicle for thousands of miles with ceased shocks. Kia has been aware of this safety issue since the model was released in 2020 but done nothing aout it. Then they're just replacing with the same inferior shocks, ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
When driving a faster speeds if I hit a bump my car starts shaking rapidly feeling like my tires are gonna fall off and doesn’t stop until I pull over, took it to the dealer while under warranty and they told me there was nothing they could do about it or find the issue
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
My 2006 R-500 is leaning from the (front and back) passenger side, causing the vehicle to be unsecure to drive... It feels like both side tires are TOTALLY FLAT. I'm not a mechanic, but it looks like the AIR SUSPENSION IS MALFUNTION
Incident date: Dec 8, 2021
On 1/27/2023 at approximately 1215pm I was driving my 2014 Ford f250 Diesel on route 743 between Hershey PA and Elizabethtown PA. I was going about 55 mph I was going on a right curve and hit a small bump in the roadway. My truck began to violently shake and I feared that I was going to wreck and lose control. One this happened this death wobble accorded 4 more times within the next 20 miles.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
Death wobble at highway speeds in a 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4 door with full stock equipment and roughly 3,500 miles in October 2022. No previous experience or difficulties with vehicle but when temperatures lowered to freezing for the first time, the vehicle had significantly diminished performance on stability. After the initial death wobble, carefully driving the wheel continued to pulsate when hit... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
Unknown. Not sure is the alignment, or steering wheel. The issue is been reported to The insurance, body shop, and Toyota. The car is not safe on the road. And I believe it shouldn’t on the road. The car also been I car accident on the highway before. The car is parked . I haven’t drove the car . Since I don’t feel safe driving the car. I
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
is the subframe, engine cradle under recall for rust?