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: Jan 1, 2023
“death wobble” - axle begins shaking at a very fast pace, causing the car to shake in an uncontrollable manner. If you are going over 45 and hit the slightest bump It feels as if we have little to no control over the vehicle when this is happening. I have taken it in many times but the part is on back over.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
My vehicle failed the state of Maine safety inspection due to a broken leaf spring. I had the vehicle further inspected at a Toyota dealership and they reported the same issue. They gave me an estimate to replace the rear springs for a total cost to me of $2321.00. This an expense that I do not believe should have to bare, as this vehicle is only used for personal use. The heaviest load this vehi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2022
I purchased my F350 new in 2012. Since that time I have experienced a severe wobble in the front end while I am driving. It starts vibrating at about 45mph and sometimes escalates to where I have to almost slam on the brakes to stop it. It has done this probably 12-15 times and since 2022 it is definitely getting worse and worse. Ford says its my motor mounts, but it has done this since it was new... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
I am making this complaint in the public interest The car I am complaining about is mangled and burned and the VIN is unavailable so I have used a dummy VIN to file this complaint. This car has just shown up in the wreckers yard. https://www.copart.com/lot/68650122/2016-tesla-model-x-ca-van-nuys It is almost certain that the occupants have been severely injured or killed. 2016 model Teslas are not... Read more
Crash
Fire
1 injured
1 deaths
Incident date: Sep 17, 2021
The steering components are causing it to be difficult keeping the vehicle in the driving lane; the vehicle wanders from side to side. Two seperate Dealers cannot locate the problem.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Jan 17, 2023
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact felt like the vehicle had fallen into a pothole; however, the rear passenger’s side wheel had detached. Due to the failure, the vehicle swerved to the left and then right. The contact then stated that he was able to navigate the vehicle off the road into a parking lot. The contact stated tha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
I was driving the car about 35-40 MPH when I heard a popping sound. The steering immediately locked up and the car was undrivable and unsteerable. I looked around car and the body of the car was resting on top of the front right passenger side tire. A bolt was found underneath the car. There were no vehicle system warnings, I did not hit anything, nor has the car been in any accidents. The car co... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Jan 17, 2023
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
While driving down the road at 60mph, I hit the brakes to slow down. I heard a pop and thunk from the rear of the vehicle. I thought it was some boxes in the back of my car and forgot about it. I then brought my car into the dealer for an engine computer update and during the inspection they found that the passenger rear control arm mount broke away from the sub frame and that the rear brake lines... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2023
The rear sub-frame mounting point for the rear toe arm failed. Likes like shire metal fatigue. It broke while going 70 MPH on the high way and the car fishtailed almost causing me to crash into the cars next to me. I was able to slow down and pull over. But an in experienced driver would have lost control and crashed. Basically rear drive tire just fell off. Tesla service center has inspected it a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
My vehicle has the death wobble and it is getting worse. When the vehicle is operating over 50mlh and hits a bump, it can begin to shake violently and will not stop until I slow down to 25-30th. This is difficult on trips with my camper and on mountains on interstate highways.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
I was driving approximately 60 mph. There were several small bumps in the road and the Truck went into a Very Violent Shake and Wobble. This is commonly known as the FORD DEATH WOBBLE... Very Scary and Dangerous. The Vehicle was extremely hard to control. Luckily the service advisor at Coggin Ford had warned me about this possible condition. I was told if this wobble ever happened to let im... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
We have a 2014 Audi Q7 with 60K mileage that we serviced and maintained by Hoffman Audi all the time. On December 27th, while on the freeway, the engine was shut down without any prior alert, with a lot of smoke and oil leakage. With our minimal knowledge, it appears the gasket was frozen, causing the coolant to leak into the engine's unwanted part and damage it completely. This is a manufacturin... Read more
MERCURY
GRAND MARQUIS
(2003) - SUSPENSION
Jan 17, 2023
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the vehicle would not accelerate above 15 MPH. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The contact pulled over, stopped, turned off, and restarted the vehicle and was able to resume normal driving. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
This winter I began starting my vehicle and letting it warm up before driving it. After letting it run approximately 10 to 15 minutes, I opened my door and to get in and there was a very strong exhaust smell inside. I would have to roll my windows down to clear the cabin of the fumes. This happened every single time I would let it sit and warm up. There is also something happening with what I bel... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
Front Half shafts keep failing due to extreme angles of operation where bearing races are spalled as a result and could result in a high speed failure. Have had 3 replacements in 25K miles and will need a 4th replacement. Lowering car to bring halfshafts more geometrically in line improves halfshaft life, but in turn cause significant rear tire wear resulting in potential high speed blow outs. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
Toyota did an inspection for frame rust years ago, but mine is now rusting out I believe it should have been swapped at the time of the recall.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
The frame mounted "crossmember" is corrosed/damage and is now broken. 1. https://www.kbb.com/honda/ridgeline/2006/recall/?vehicleid=785 2. https://www.google.com/search?q=2006+honda+ridgeline+soft+frame+under&sxsrf=AJOqlzWYu_EaV-KkW_88UqeKb0u7RSBZLA%3A1673891609643&ei=GY_FY8zyJtmoqtsPqIKp-AE&ved=0ahUKEwiM46OW1Mz8AhVZlGoFHShBCh8Q4dUDCBE&uact=5&oq=2006+honda+ridgeline+soft+frame+under&gs_lcp=Cgxnd... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
Car was inspected by Mercedes Benz of St. Paul (MN). The rear subframe of the car was corroded (inside out) and the crossmember became disjointed from the rear subframe. I could have been in an accident while driving my C300 with a corroded out rear subframe. I was extremely lucky not to be in an accident while I was driving my C300 with a major defect like corroded rear subframe that caused cros... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
I have a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. It has been well taken care of. To my disappointment, this vehicle has been a money pit since day one. We have had to have all shocks replaced two times since January 16, 2020, costing thousands of dollars.The front cross bar was replaced the first time the shocks were replaced. The airconditioning system went out in the summer of 2020, replacement cost over 2... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Cradle and subframe are completely rusted out. This a widely common issue with these cars and am reading it across several forums. Other c300 owners say they have had the exact same issue and request for the MB dealership to fix it. Instead they are given a quote of nearly $10,000 to fix it. MB is responsible for this.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Jan 16, 2023
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
Ball bearings all broke in car. This is a known issue but not until I googled it. It causes horrible noises and potential inquiry if not corrected.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2022
Unknown but the issue is that the vehicle is all over the road swaying back and forth. The steering is super loose. In other models of the same year it was found to be the toe linkage. Also the cross traffic sensor goes off when nothing is even close causing me to slam on brakes thinking something is back there.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
My 2019 F-350 lariat power stroke 23,500 miles has experienced a shaking in the steering on the freeway multiple times previously, it seemed to happen when a bump or uneven part of the road was felt. The last time 1/11/23 it shook uncontrollably on the freeway until the truck was slowed to 20MPH. I had both hands tightly gripped on the steering wheel and could not control it- until the speed was ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
Jeep has a seriously dangerous issue when you hit a bump on the highway, other online call it a “death wobble”, extremely dangerous, started happened around 21000 miles on ours. Only way to get it to stop shaken is to stop the vehicle. I have several videos of this occurring and would be happy to send them, this app won’t allow videos to be uploaded. I called the dealer to have the issue lo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2020
The front end suspension club is very hard when towing and seems to be harder to steer while under load. Fists says there is nothing wrong but there is a substantial clunk when towing.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
Both rear suspension springs broke at approximately the same spot. I am not sure when they failed. I do recall when I was driving at about 15MPH in August I heard a loud bang and checked the outside of my car to see if maybe something had hit my car. You cannot see the suspension springs when you look under the car. When I had my annual NYS safety inspection the mechanic showed me the broken sprin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
I FELT SOMETHING WAS WEIRD WITH THE STEERING ONE DAY SO I WENT TO MAZDA DEALER BECAUSE I NOTICED CORROSION ON FRONT DRIVER CROSS AND REAR COMPONENTS WHICH HAVE CORROSION AND BASEBALL SIZE HOLES. INSPECTED BY LOCAL MAZDA DEALER IN EARLY 2022 WAS TOLD "WE SEE A LOT WORSE THAN THIS" SO NOTHING WAS FIXED OR REPLACED BY DEALER. OCTOBER 2022 FAILED PA STATE INSPECTION FOR SUBFRAME RUST SAFETY CONCERNS. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
This is a 2020 Nissan Murano S. The vehicle has been well maintained and taken to the dealership for maintenance periodically. I usually take my vehicle to either Antwerpen Nissan Clarksville or Antwerpen Nissan Security. I took my vehicle to Antwerpen Nissan Security for a transmission flush and change. Shortly after that service I started to notice an oil smell coming into the cabin. I took it b... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2022
At any speed over 55 mph any bump or irregularity on the road causes the front tires to rapidly bounce up and down from the left side wheel to the right side wheel. There's almost zero steering control. Emergency braking to under 20 mph is necessary to stop the vibration and regain steering control. Sometimes a complete stop in the travel lane of a highway is necessary. The vehicle was purchas... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
The brackets welded to the frame of the vehicle holding the steering knuckle/subframe together was designed in a very poor way. This design issue causes the vehicle to collect excess moisture in a way that is difficult if not impossible to drain, resulting in eventual rust build up in this area of the vehicle at an increased rate. Additionally, this section of the frame did not use thick enough st... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
Car has approximately 60,000. miles. Upon it's state inspection Mercedes Benz service center indicated rear subframe is rusted. Service advisory says it is okay now, but will need to be replaced. Searching Mercedes forums, I've noted this is a n oft reported issue. Many do not realize there is an issue until it breaks and car pulls to one side at rear upon braking. Others have experienced rust... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
The UConnect system in the 2020 Dodge Durango SRT has been compromised. the vehicle has experienced major safety concerns and life threatening issues for the driver. All components from body telemetry to speed control breaking fuel consumption electrical the brain itself the GPS the tracking equipment and software. Somebody a(hacker or Toyota) is remotely hacked and controlling the system just l... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2022
Damaged antifreeze pump this can cause a very severe overheating on the road, transfer box and transmission make a very uncomfortable noise when turning to both sides I don't feel safe when handling rear differential the same problem (I've already replaced it)
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Jan 14, 2023
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
Car was inspected in April of 2021. The front of car started making knocking or clunking sounds on the right side. 2 weeks later, while making a U-turn instead of getting on the interstate, there was a loud crunch/crash sound. It sounded like a garbage can went under the vehicle. Upon further investigation, realized that the right ball joint somehow dropped out of the knuckle. This forced the axle... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Jan 14, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Squeaking noises in the front end sounds like rubbing also when you were at a stop and you turn the wheel from left to right sounds like a rubbing noise just purchased vehicle at the end of summer used started during the winter
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Jan 14, 2023
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
Rear subframe rusted tire bent in word
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
both control arms broke and the front tires were ruined. The tow truck driver said they are lucky , they didn't get hurt because if they were going faster , they would have lost control and rolled the van.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2022
The screen on the the radio keep going out the tire get wore out quick even after rotation and balancing the Suspension makes noise
Incident date: Feb 14, 2022
ESP off ligh comes on and off have to turn suv off to ture light off Had report it to nhtsa twice but no one replied 2/28/22 # 05V119000 2/14/22 #11454471
Incident date: Feb 11, 2018
The progressive rattling/ shaking from the steering wheel has led to some close calls driving on multi lane roads the curve to the left at all. I've never had a single service light turn on even though steering and wheel issues were apparent. Every bump and cranny on the road is felt causing disturbance in ability to steer especially during in town driving.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started to violently shake after driving over a bump in the roadway. The contact stated that once the vehicle slowed down, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the steering dampener was replaced; however, the failure worsened after the repair. The... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Jan 13, 2023
Incident date: Jan 13, 2022
I brought my car into Mercedes on 9/13/2022 and was told my brake lines and subframe were rusting. It's a 2014 with only 80k miles on it. I was told I had a year before it needed to be replaced/addressed. I brought the car in again on December 12, 2022 and they said on a scale of 1-10 the subframes and brake lines were a 7 and were a safety issue. After doing some research, I am clearly not the o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle independently started to steer to the left and right. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that extra effort was needed while steering the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the fail... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
On a highway, 65-70 mph, drove over a rough patch of road and truck front end began to shake violently(death wobble). Happened three times on same day, same trip. On all occasions we were very lucky to be able to stop or slow down without being involved in an accident. I spent $5000 this past summer that was suppose to have fixed the problem.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Jan 13, 2023
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Entered a highway on-ramp, accelerating to 65-70 mph, drove over a rough patch of road and truck front end began to shake violently(death wobble) we were very lucky to be able to slow down without being involved in an accident. I spent $5000 this past summer that was suppose to have fixed this problem.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds the rear end of the vehicle lowered. There was an abnormal roaring noise detected from the wheels. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the failure was due to the run flat tires. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer whe... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C230
(2006) - SUSPENSION
Jan 13, 2023
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
In wet, or snowy conditions, or when driving over a bump in the road, the rear end of the vehicle jerks sideways. New tires and 4 wheel alignment have not corrected the issue. Vehicle feels like it may lose control. Symptoms feel the same as previous year explorer that had a rear toe link issue.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2022
The left rear frame of the vehicle is rusted out where the rear drive line bolts to the body or frame. Causing the rear drive line to have the ability of failing to stay attached to the vehicle. The rear suspension also connects at the same area. Just a huge rotted out hole at the moment.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2022
Frame perforation , front passenger side , bottom part of frame in critical point where weld is , in close distance from rack and pinion . At the dealer while servicing have asked to check the frame as there ben lots of concern from Tundra owners. I'm aware that early models have had frames replaced , perforation was found 7'' long by 3'' wide , vehicle was deemed NOT SAFE TO OPERATE . There is n... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2022
Brand new shocks and steering stabilizer installed. This truck since ive owned it is dangerous to drive. When you hit bumps at highway speeds the vehicles shakes and wobbles to the point it feels it looses contact with the road. You either have to dramatically lower speed or risk crashing due to loss of control. This should be recalled due to the enormous amount of complaints for this issue. I wil... Read more