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: Oct 24, 2022
The entire underneath of my car is rusted out. I was driving to work one day when someone pulled out in front of me and I had to hit the brakes. That resulted in the subframe and front drivers axel to break as I’m driving! The sunroof leaks when it rains and half the time the electricity doesn’t work on the sunroof button. My doors have completely stopped auto locking and my hazards will rando... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2004) - SUSPENSION
Nov 23, 2022
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
My jeep does the death wobble anytime I hit a small bump in the road, pothole, Lane marker...etc. it is very hard to control at that point and seems as though it might flip if it gets any worst or hit a big enough bump. It is very hard to control and to get to stop once it gets going. It poses a huge safety concern for myself and others being that I have to get the truck to stop when it does the d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
so I recently purchased this truck thinking it was all safe, the pictures were too good to be true thats for sure, When I brought the truck back the old owner even drove with me knowing what he just sold me. The next day I was so happy so I get it registered and insured and I was so eager to hope in and drive around in my new "safe" truck I also went out with my loved one and it sickens me that th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
Driving about 50mph on dry country road, good visibility, when suddenly car pulled hard right. We went onto a grass embankment, I managed to pull left back onto the road, but car fish-tailed uncontrollably, we hit crash barrier, and finally came to a stop. Badly shaken but no injuries. Examining car, besides body damage, most notably rear drivers side wheel was mis-aligned with car by about 15 deg... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
I was driving at approximately 55mph when my Ford F-250 started violently shaking. I had a difficult time steering it and almost crashed.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
First incident 10-15-2019 (purchased used vehicle 09-30-19) Exiting freeway at 55mph and suddenly brakes stopped working( was able to pull aside) then brakes worked normal again. Took vehicle to check breaks and nothing wrong was found. Second incident 02-17-2020 Driving son to school at 35mhp brakes stopped working while doing a right turn and ran over sidewalk to avoid hitting vehicle in front. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
The contact called in for a client who owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact works at an independently owned auto body shop. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed into the body shop for inspection. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the driver’s rear toe link had fractured. The contact stated that while the owner of the vehicle was driving at an undisclosed spee... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle, he discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The contact then took the vehicle a dealer where he was informed that the recall was serviced. Less than two months later, the contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel began to shake as he be... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
FRAME IS COMPLETLY RUSTED THROUGH AND EVERY F-150 IN THIS YEAR RANGE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. HUGE SAFTY RISK TO ALL. TOYOTA HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND WARRANTIED THEM ALL THIS IS NOT SAFE AT ALL
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
We have experienced 6 episodes of severe “death wobble” in our 2014 350 diesel between mid Sept. and Nov 21, 2022. The truck shakes violently, 4 times while driving by around 60 mph on highways and twice while going slower on other roads. We have taken it into Ford Paso Robles twice: first time they could not identify the problem. The second time they said it was a “death wobble-Ford hates... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
While breaking in heavy freeway traffic the right rear tire began to wobble heavily causing loss of control and nearly causing an accident. Took the vehicle to a dealership repair facility and they took a photograph and advised me of the “extremely hazardous” nature of their findings. A bracket support bolt was missing and the second bolt had never been connected to the bracket. Since the v... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
“Death wobble” is happening on Highway when going over 65mph. Took it to the dealership and said there is nothing wrong with the Jeep. Steering wheel shakes violently causing entire vehicle to rattle. Very scary and hard to control
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the front air strut needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 65,000.
MERCURY
GRAND MARQUIS
(2003) - SUSPENSION
Nov 23, 2022
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
Almost had accidents because lights failed, headlights and taillights failed at night, including dash lights today, creating safety hazard. Seat tilt failed, and body mount frame bushing failed. Mirror tilt switch failed. Fuel filler neck leaks when filled. Very scary especially at night. Please recall and fix before we get hurt.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
tHE WIPERS WILL STAY ON. THE REAR SUSPENSION IS RATTLING. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT IN MY TRUCK. THERE WAS NO INCIDENT WITH MY TRUCK. THE DEALER AT BBMOTORS CONFIRMED THE SUSPENSION RATTLING THE LAST TIME I HAD SERVICE THERE.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Nov 22, 2022
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle was shaking while shifting gears. The contact stated while shifting from four cylinders to eight cylinders, the rear-end was shaking violently. The hood latch warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the tire... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Both rear lower control arms broken
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH over a shift in the pavement between the end of the road surface and a bridge, the steering wheel started shuddering violently. The contact stated that as she depressed the brake pedal and veered to the side of the road the failure stopped. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure had been reoccurr... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Nov 22, 2022
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
--Rear sub-frame broken. Part is available upon request. --Rear of car swerved when turning and breaking, probably due to control arm dislocation. --Dealer is aware of problem and has in fact replaced many sub-frames. --The dealer has inspected the sub-frame and determined that it is broken. --No warnings prior to failure.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
Front control arm failed on car. Which snapped the front axle and sway bar link on right side. Found out it was a known issue that was taken care of by dealer. Waiting to see if they will cover repairs.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
I crashed car because is park according with transmission and car still moved and hit fence, I contact ford for this incident and still waiting someone contact me. So I decide lawsuits against Ford
Crash
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
Uncontrollable steering wheel shake at highway speeds after hitting bumps on the road above 45 mph. Above 45 mph the front wheels oscillate making the vehicle uncontrollable until slowing down to under 45 mph.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
For numerous years my 2014 Ram 1500 Laramie with 4 wheel air suspension has been failing. 1: When it fails it mostly drops the complete left side and the steering wheel is off center to the right approximately a 1/4 turn and alters the steering behavior pulling the truck to the right while driving. This alters the alignment of the truck. 2: The truck also at times drops all of the air out of the s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
Drivers side rear trailing arm separated from chassis. This occurred while backing out of a parking spot causing the left rear wheel to turn outward. When this happened I had to turn the steering wheel left to keep vehicle going straight forward and this was at an idling speed. we had just a few days prior returned from an 1800 mile trip. Had this occurred at interstate speeds it most likely wou... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2022
P2859Clutch Apressure. Vehicle lost all power in the middle of the highway driving. No. No.No
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud popping sound near the front passenger’s side wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the lower front lateral link, assembly left and assembly right link, all four-ball joints and sub frame needed to be replaced. ... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Nov 21, 2022
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that he had noticed oil leaks on his garage floor. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that all four of the struts on the vehicle had leaked oil and needed to be replaced. The service advisor also informed him that the warranty provider was contacted and informed the dealer that the cost of the repair would not ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
My Jeep is experiencing the death wobble when driving in the highway. Which causes the jeep to violently shake the right side of the front wheel. I have taken it to two jeep dealerships and was told that it can be due to the suspension or differential. I have not drove this jeep on rough terrain or 4 by 4. The dealership is looking into the suspension system for the death wobble problem. The jeep ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2019
In a parking lot when going over a speed bump air suspension failed causing the car to become lower in the front and frequently rubbing against uneven ground. In Tesla model S and X vehicles sent to China, there has been a recall of approximately 30,000 vehicle recalls of these models of Tesla vehicles for faulty air suspension.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The front end of the vehicle shakes uncontrollably at speeds of 45 mph or higher—issue is often referred to as “Death Wobble”. The vehicle currently has less than 9,000 miles and I have brought it into the dealer where the vehicle was purchased brand new in February of 2022. The dealer informed me that it is a common problem, but that the manufacturer allows each dealer service department to... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
front and rear crossmember assembly rusted through car available. acknowledged history on this and related models of Chrysler products resulting in a additional 10 yr warrantee on these components which was not communicated to original owners and has now expired. vehicle has the potential to lose driver control and cause injury or death. no warning but rust has been visible for years but consumers... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2010) - SUSPENSION
Nov 19, 2022
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
Frame cross member has broken off on one side where the shock mount is located. Cross member is now rest on fuel tank that it is supposed to support which could possibly rupture.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
my wife and I were driving on a freeway each time this happened. After driving over a bump in the road, the front end vibrated violently to the point we had to slow down drastically and pull over. It controlled okay after slowing down to a very slow speed. This has happened approximately 5 times. We are scared to drive this vehicle. It causes the steering wheel to vibrate. We called the dealership... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2022
Going over unsmooth roads ,or very little change in road height,vehicle shakes violently have to come to complete stop and risk getting ran over in middle of highway interstate or whatever couple close calls but no accident,YET
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2016) - SUSPENSION
Nov 19, 2022
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
I had a coolant leak and needed to replace the water pump. My control arms were corroded out at 67k miles and needed to be replaced.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
Noise cracking when I make right my car has 57,000 miles I took the car to the dealer they were charging me 90 dollars end the day they told me that parts it’s not corvette the warranty
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
1st incident occurred October 19 2022.while driving 45 mph all of sudden vehicle lost engine power, can not accelerate. vehicle would not restart. towed vehicle to hyundai dealership service center.vehicle was repaired on November 2 2022. 2nd incident occurred on November 17 2022. while driving on highway speed limit vehicle engine lost power. vehicle would not restart. towed vehicle back to same ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2022
My RPM'S reaved up real high while driving 60mph and all the sudden the car down shifted and I had to put car in neutral in order maintain control. The traction control light and heck engine lights came on same time, lost power to the car the navigation and radio and dash lights, had no power to drive train, had vechile dinogstic check done at O'Reilly auto and they told me it was a PCM power con... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
A state inspection identified that the rear subframe is rusted through. Per the service advisor, the failure of the rear subframe is a safety hazard because it effects steering and braking, and complete failure can cause loss of brakes. Service advisor advised not to drive the vehicle until repairs are made due to safety concerns. Vehicle failed inspection because the issue is a safety issue.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2018
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at speeds exceeding 50 MPH, the vehicle would shake violently shake and vibrate after driving over changes in the pavement of the road. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to identify to cause of the failure. No service adjustments were made to the vehicle. The contact indicated that the failure continued to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Greetings, have a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica that at 43k miles started making a front end noise. The steering wheel now sometimes locks into place for a second or two while turning. Dealership states it needs a needs rack and pinion. Contacted Chrysler as this was a CPO vehicle that supposedly was checked out drastically to be able to receive the CPO warranty. Issue started less than 1k miles after pu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
Went to get my state vehicle inspection and had heard a noise actually from the time I picked the car up new at dealer. The noise sounded like something rattling in the "frunk" down by front driver wheelwell. I thought nothing if it until the state inspector at the Tesla focused shop in Londonderry NH called me from waiting room and showed me on the lift what the noise was. He showed me what I no... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated THAT while his wife was driving at unknown speed, she heard an abnormal sound and a part detached from the vehicle. There was also an abnormal rubbing sound. The contact pulled over and examined the vehicle and noticed that there was a metal part hanging underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not di... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2021
The truck is currently at a service station as it developed a "death wobble" while driving down the freeway a shimmed so hard I couldn't control it but managed to get it to the side of the road and finally to a stop. I did not receive any type of warning. I am being told by the mechanic at the service station it is going to require a rebuild of the front suspension. After checking to see if thi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
The front end got a hard vibrate i replace the shocks two times and its not fix the problem seem like something going too brake off like a wheel or something dont feel safe driving it
INNOVATIVE SPECIALTIES
INNOVATIVE SPECIALTIES
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
Nitro 28 foot enclosed car hauler trailer. 2-7000 lbs. Dexter torsion axles. The axles are mounted by inserting a hex head bolt in an aluminum "T" slot. While driving cross country at (approx) 6500 miles the axles came out from under the trailer. The trailer is currently at my residence and can be seen upon request. If the failure happened on the highway or one of the mountain roads we traveled so... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 17, 2022
In 2020, Dodge repaired a recall by welding the steering linkage nut to the drag link. This recall (V06) prohibits me to have the vehicle aligned by a tire repair/replacement shop. Additionally, the ability to align the vehicle relies on the dealer to break the weld, replace the nut and re-weld the part. This repetitive process in turn causes metal fatigue to the drive link, presenting another MAJ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
The Rear Subframe is rusted through and cracked making the car almost undriveable. This is a known problem at Mercedes Benz. Nothing else on the vehicle is rusted and has a perfect undercarriage. The vehicle is available for inspection and has been inspected by a reputable German repair facility. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms There's a Mercedes Benz recall for the rear s... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) - SUSPENSION
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
I was driving my 2011 MB C300 40 MPH on a straight suburban road when the light turned red. I applied the brakes and heard a clunk from the rear. Surprisingly, the car swerved with a right turn yaw moment. Normally I enjoy driving my car, but that never happened before. So I tried it again in the next block and it yawed again. That’s not right. My mechanic happened to be just down the road so I ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.