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 10, 2020
The frame of the vechile completely rusted, not normally rusted, its obvious that cheap or bad quality material. If it goes like this will break soon.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2017
Everyone calls it's the ford death shake. It is very dangerous and after reading online there is several having the same issue you lose complete control of your vehicle when it happens hit a pot hole bump in the road or going over 50 mph I have wrecked my truck due to this issue and it seems thousands of people are having the same issue it is going to end up injuring someone very badly or taking s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
Hello, Recently my 2010 Jeep Wrangler has developed the infamous death wobble. It is one of the most terrifying things I've ever experienced. Being on the freeway, doing 75, having my vehicle suddenly start shaking and wobbling like it's coming apart at the seams, and having to come to a complete stop in the middle of rush hour traffic, 3 lanes away from the shoulder has given me extreme anxiety! ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2022
On 10/9/2022, while driving on the interstate at 70-75 mph next to an 18 wheeler, I experienced the dreaded "death wobbles" in my new truck. The truck was barely able to be controlled, and I had to pull over to the shoulder of the interstate and come to a complete stop. When I tried driving to the next exit to get to a safer location, the death wobbles hit a second time when driving at a reduced s... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Oct 10, 2022
Incident date: Sep 25, 2022
Rare Subframe breaking off parts are not available for at least 6 months. I have kids and mechanics advise me to keep it off the road. My only means of transportation
Incident date: Oct 7, 2022
On 10/07/2022, I took the vehicle VIN number in reference for tire change at FIRESTONE Auto Care (440 S. Main St., Wichita, KS 67202-3720 - [316] 265-6659]). I also requested, wheels alignment and wheels/tire balance, and brake inspection. Upon those inspections, the technicians pointed out an IMPORTANT issue as follows: "IMPORTANT: This vehicle may be subject to a recall involving the toe adjuste... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2022
I purchased my 2018 Jeep wrangler and has less than 13k miles. I been having alot of front shaking (death wobble) since purchasing the vehicle. I have heard of complaints about the front end shaking violently and have had this problem a few times. Especialy at highway speeds if I hit a pothole as such. I can get it to stop if i am able to slow down and apply light brake pressure. I have checked al... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2018
This Jeep has the notorious “Death Wobble”. It has been inspected numerous times, there was a recall on a part ~May be a sway bar or a stabilizer bar etc- that did absolutely nothing to fix it. I’ve had the entire suspension replaced and it still does it constantly when driving over bumps in the road -specifically when the front right tire goes over a bump, around the 30+ mph. The entire fro... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
FRONT WHEELS WOBBLE UNCONTROLABLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP AT SPEEDS ABOVE 30 MPH. PROBLEM CONFIRMED BY MECHANIC AND TEMPERARY FIX ACOMPLISHED BY ADDING 2 MORE DAMPENING SHOCK ABSORBERS IN ADDITION TO THE ONE PROVIDED BY THE FACTORY AND REPLACING FRONT STRUTS AND FRONTEND BALL JOINTS.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
While driving on Route 64 in Virginia in May 2022, the vehicle sustained severe steering wheel oscillations after hitting rough pavement, driving around 65 miles per hour. It was difficult to hold on to the steering wheel. The oscillations lasted roughly 60 seconds. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the occurrence. This occurrence happened again ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2010) - SUSPENSION
Oct 7, 2022
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
During braking a knocking noise happen due to a dislodged or broken bracket from rear suspension cross member. And has appeared to rusted from the inside out. Mercedes was notified and was inspected by a local Mercedes dealership. Vehicle cannot be safely driven.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2022
When driving at highway speed, if I hit the seam between the road and a bridge and it is not smooth my truck goes into a, "Death wobble." The steering wheel and the whole truck shakes uncontrollably. I can barely keep it in the road. It will only stop when the vehicle slows below 30mph. This problem started about 48,000 miles, I only have a little over 56,000 now. I have changed the stabilizer, go... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Oct 6, 2022
Incident date: Jun 9, 2020
the back sub frame rotted away from rust
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2010) - SUSPENSION
Oct 6, 2022
Incident date: Sep 27, 2017
rear crossmember rotted and snapped
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2009) - SUSPENSION
Oct 6, 2022
Incident date: Sep 26, 2021
rear subframe rotted away and car wouldnt move
Incident date: Sep 29, 2022
DEATH WOBBLE.....AFTER HITTING BUMP IN ROAD STEERING WHEELS SHAKES UNTIL VEHICLE COMES TO STOP. ONLY HAVE 30,000 MILES AND NO OFF-ROAD DRIVING. DOESN'T MATTER ABOUT SPEED. HAVE ISSUES AT 45 MPH AND NOW DRIVING 65 ON HIGHWAY. VERY DANGEROUS HAVING TO COME TO COMPLETE STOP IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY AS UNABLE TO EVEN STEER!
Incident date: Oct 2, 2022
In August of 2022, I took my 2017 F-250 King Ranch to the Ford dealer to get it looked at/inspected for previous death wobble occurrences. The dealer replaced, under warranty, pretty much all of the steering items that may affect the wobble. October 4th, 2022; I was traveling during fall break with my wife and three kids on the highway at approximately 60-65 mph while pulling our 34' 5th wheel ove... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
Suddenly while driving, the car begins to shake uncontrollably/violently, causing the vehicle to swerve and rapidly rotating the steering wheel to move from side to side, making it difficult to control and causes great fear of trying not to crash. Feels like my vehicle is about to fall part so I feel like I have to hold onto my car for dear life.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2022
driving turning onto a ramp onto the expressway and when applied the brakes the car lost control and hit 4” curb and had no control over the car, which bounced to shoulder of road. Front tire was loose from suspension and rotor on braking system was broken in pieces. Caliber was also hanging and cv suspension was undone.couldn’t stop car until it came to a rest on shoulder
Crash
Incident date: Sep 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH with her mother in the front passenger’s side seat, her mother informed her that the vehicle was bouncing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front lower control arms, shocks, and bushings were replaced; however, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side of the v... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Oct 6, 2022
Incident date: Aug 20, 2022
MAKES A LOUD MOANING SOUND WHEN REVERSING AFTER VEHICLE HAS SAT FOR A FEW HOURS. BRAKE PADS ARE FINE, DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN BRAKING WHILE GOING FORWARD. ONLY BRAKING WHILE GOING IN REVERSE.
HOLIDAY HOUSE
18RB
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Oct 6, 2022
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
1) The main frame on the trailer cracked , and the trailer is now sagging . The tire is rubbing on the wheel well. 2) The risk is the trailer will collapse on the wheel , and the wheel will lock up , causing the trailer to swerve and/or flip over 3) I spoke with the Holiday House president , Steve Ragland and with Chuck Frederick at the company back in June . They both acknowledged that it was a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
Hello, FORD in Woodbridge VA. I was driving with my daughter home. And all of a sudden the steering wheel locked or got really hard to turn. I was just a block away from home thank God so I immediately pulled over. The warning sign that came up said power steering. It was after hours so the next morning i called Ford to take my vehicle in for the recall and dropped it off. * I was told that... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
The car was taken for inspection in Pennsylvania and the rear subframe has mostly rotted away where it connects to the frame. Had the subframe broken through it could have caused serious injury. It was confirmed by an independent inspection station. There are recalls on other murano model years so it is possible this year is also a problem that has not been exposed yet. The problem is evident ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
rear passenger side wheel well ,shock tower mount ,and sub frame .shock tower mount broke fell off hit the cement , chipped my rim and crushed my break lines i took it to lafountaine mazda and they have done an estimate for repairs and damage
Incident date: Mar 6, 2021
Air bags failed to deploy during wreck. Multiple both axle and wheel bearings failures
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
2 bolts mounting the left lower front control arm to the subframe has come loose. The car is out of warranty and Tesla refused to work on it without charging. The car has been making clunking noise and lately is pulling to the right when on freeway. Glad that I am handy and capable of doing DIY repair and glad I discovered it early. If one of these bolts comes loose on freeway, it could be fatal t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2019
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that he noticed that the tow hitch had separated from the frame and was laying on the ground. The contact stated upon inspecting the subframe of the vehicle, he noticed that the subframe to which the radiator mount was attached was severely corroded. The contact stated that upon changing the oil in the vehicle he noticed that the front pas... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
This truck has exhibited the signs of ford's death wobble for the past 140,000 miles. The truck has been under fleet maintenance program since new from my employer and we have replaced all steer linkages, stabilizers, tires, and shocks multiple times over the past 140,000 miles and no improvements. Now when the truck hits a bump in the road, an expansion joint, or an overpass transition the fron... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2022
While driving on highway at 65 mph, violent shaking in front end began and vehicle steering was inoperable. I had to slow down the vehicle to 10 mph before the violent shaking finally stopped and the ability to steer was regained. If I had been on a curve or had a vehicle behind me, I could have been killed. I was out of town when this occurred and it happened 5 additional times on that trip. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
The contact's son owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated while driving downhill at 40 MPH around a curve with a child sitting in the rear seat, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that upon turning the steering wheel, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact continued driving until the vehicle responded. The contact sta... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started to sway and was drifting, requiring her to make constant adjustments to stay in the lane. The contact stated that the rear tires had worn along the side wall and she had replaced the rear tires four times. The contact stated that each set of tires had worn out in the exact same manner, along the enti... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
I felt a thumping when turning the steering wheel and took it to the dealership who kept it for two days to attempt to replicate the same noise but they were unable to reproduce or replicate. Two or maybe three months later, the thumping noise turned into a clicking noise. Again, I immediately took it to the Ford dealership and fortunately a mechanic was still on duty. They test drove the vehicl... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Oct 4, 2022
Incident date: Apr 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, no failure was found. The contact stated that the tread on the driver’s and passenger’s side front tires were extremely worn. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 100.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Oct 4, 2022
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for maintenance service and he was informed that the rear passenger’s side strut was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated no w... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Oct 3, 2022
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while having an oil change performed on the vehicle by an independent mechanic, he was informed that the cross member was severely corroded. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The fail... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Traveling at 60 miles per hour I hit a bump in the freeway and the truck went into uncontrollable shake and jumped around like a pogo stick until I came to a stop. Pulled to the side of the road and checked wheels and looked at the suspension but didn't see anything unusual. Traveled normally after that. I only have 22,000 miles on this truck and have had bouncing and jumping before when travelin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
I was driving 65mph on I16 to get on I75 in Macon, GA. The truck started shaking as if I had blown all four tires. After taking it to a repair shop, I was told it is called a "Ford Death Wobble."
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Oct 3, 2022
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
According to the dealer, Covert Ford in Austin, TX. A bolt on the rear axle holding the brakes to the rear axle is brittle and prone to failure. This bolt has sheared on my truck with just 10, 739.9 miles on it. The dealer says they cannot release the truck as the rear axle is damaged and the truck is un-driveable. The parts are not currently available to address the issue.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Oct 3, 2022
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
We have a 2017 Chevy Silverado 55,883 miles On 9/27/22 we took truck in for oil change. Dealership states our truck “both upper control arms have play” Repairs total cost $1246 We are 65 years old, we do not go off reading. We feel like this issue is caused by insufficient welds in a recall, but our truck is not on recall list.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
Confirmed with local mechanic that the rear cross member of the sub-frame needs to be replaced immediately. Badly rusted and is a safety issue.
HIGHLAND RIDGE FW
OPEN RANGE
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Oct 3, 2022
Incident date: Sep 11, 2022
The spring shackles that hold the springs to the frame have broken off the frame on my 2018 Highland Ridge Open Range RV. This could of caused a roll over accident or the axle could have came out from under the trailer and hit any and all cars behind me, not only causing harm to my family but also the others behind us. The dealer has looked at the problem and determined that its a mfg defect, an... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Oct 2, 2022
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
In having maintenance on my vehicle, the dealer advised that the subframe is corroding and needs to be replaced. I searched several Mercedes forums and found a number of owners citing similar corroding subframes yet no other undercarriage components showed rust or corrosion. All owners felt that this should be remedied by Mercedes before a failure causes injuries. Forum participants suggested and ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2022
The rear undercarriage is rusted through and mount by rear differential mount has broken off causing shaking, vibrating and possible differential leakage.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
In 2014, I got the “Ford death wobble” in the right front. VERY scary and dangerous. Trying to quickly slow down to stop it in traffic is almost as dangerous as the wobble itself. You have very little to no control with the steering when it happens. I had to repair the problem out of pocket because Ford won’t do anything about it. Now, two weeks ago, I had the same death wobble happen at 70 ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
I understand that my truck has the Death Wobble. No warning lights, truck shakes vigorously driving on rough roads at 70mph
Incident date: Apr 10, 2020
loose steering at highway speeds and going around a curve on the highway also have clunking from the rack and pinion but the dealer says the clunk is normal but it doesn't feel normal
Incident date: Sep 28, 2022
Front upper control arm is failing, making an awful noise and can be felt grinding inside the car while driving. Reported to Tesla service and they denied the repair. It is a known issue, they need to recall all effected vehicles for repair.