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: Sep 5, 2022
I bought a 2007 Toyota Yaris brand new. It's a one owner car with 216000 miles. 5 years ago, I noticed that the side skirt was rusty near the back wheel. Over time, they rusted out. One month ago, while pulling in at the gas station, I heard a crunch. I felt the drivers side of my car go down as well. Got out and drivers rear wheel was tilted in at the top. The passenger rear wheel was also leanin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
At roughly 50mph while on a left hand curve over slightly uneven pavement the front end of the truck started shuddering and bouncing with loss of control in the steering such that only after significant braking could I regain control of the truck and realized I was in the next lane over to the right. Vehicle was brought to Ford dealer and they replaced a stabilizer bar that had a "dead spot" in i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 1999 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at a slow speed, the back end of the vehicle began to wobble. The contact stated that his daughter pulled the vehicle into a parking lot and had the vehicle towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was inspected and severe corrosion was discovered on the driver's side rear lower control arm mount.... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER HYBRID
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Sep 30, 2022
Incident date: Feb 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, he heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear shocks failed and were leaking hydraulic fluid. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the rear control arms had failed. The ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, he heard an abnormal snapping sound then a clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The traction control and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to get the vehicle back to the residence while driving approximately 10 MPH. The contact stated that the front subframe ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving around curves, the vehicle felt wobbly and unstable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
We experienced the "Death Wobble" with this vehicle. The part Ford has identified as the problem(Steering Dampner) has been covered by the 20N04 warranty extension but the parts surrounding the Dampner have also been affected and needed to be replaced at our cost. This include the Long Drag link, Short Drag link, and the Adjuster. Parts and Labor totaled $673.31. This issue is well documented thr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
Squeaking while turning left, right, and under load while braking in a straight line. Problem is upper and lower control arms. Also at time is sound like metal grinding in a circular fashion like a break pad on a rotor, or like an inner bearing going out.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while his daughter was reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle was making an abnormal clicking sound. The contact's daughter was able to continue driving; however, the suspension was not stable. The contact and his wife test drove the vehicle and noticed that the suspension was unstable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
Despite multiple attempts to correct and/or tighten, Vehicle exhibits loose ball control contact and unstable steering at low speeds. An audible roughness and response is heard when driving. Multiple Dealers have diagnosed and repeatedly attempted to remedy. Honda America Tech support has yet to offer any workable solutions. Will continue to pursue a solution to make the automobile completely saf... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
My stepdaughter purchased a 2008 Toyota Tacoma a few months ago. During the time of having the vehicle serviced her mechanic pointed out all the rust throughout the frame of the vehicle. I have contacted Toyota Corporate; they refuse for me to open a ticket and to get this safety issue resolved. Not only is the rust on the frame, but it's also evolving the suspension. There is also evidence ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Sep 30, 2022
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that puddles of oil could be found on the ground after parking the vehicle. The contact also stated that while making a turn in either direction the vehicle would wobble causing him to lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the tread in the driver’s and passenger’s si... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
If I hit a bump going over 50mph my vehicle will violently shake until I slow down or stop.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2022
The frame on this truck is completely rusted. There are several holes and cracks in the frame. You can pull chunks of the rusted frame off with your fingers. It is unsafe to drive and is a hazard to other drivers There are many photos online of this model of truck that have broken in half when the frame has failed. There are stories of people who are driving this vehicle and it breaks in half wh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that while driving, the front passenger’s side tire started to wobble. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the tie rod needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving, the headlights failed to operate without engaging the lever. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2022
Heard a pop sound as I backed from my garage. Started moving forward and heard a rubbing noise from tire. Moved car back into garage to inspect. When car was jacked up I found front following control arm broken at ball joint and completely separated. I've contacted manufacturer about repair but this could have caused severe driving hazard and lose of control if it occurred at speed. I've sent... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2022
This is related to Campaign # 20N04 Steering Linkage Damper. Ford is aware of this problem and when I accelerate and hit a bump in the road the whole front end of the truck vibrates uncontrollably and i have to slam on the brakes to get the vehicle under control. I have taken it in to the Ford Dealership in Thomasville and they supposedly have ordered the part. My truck was there for 3 weeks an... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) - SUSPENSION
Sep 28, 2022
Incident date: Jul 12, 2021
Rear Subframe Rot. The vehicle was purchased July 2021 from Automax Of Frederick Maryland. I took the car to Euromotors of Bethesda and they informed me about the issue so I took it back to the dealership because the car was sold to me like this and the owner of the dealership let me know that his "guys" would have never passed it in the MD inspection if a hole was about to be there or severe rust... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Infiniti QX60. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and making a left turn, the contact stated that the rear of the vehicle was vibrating and shuddering. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact stated that rear electric coupling needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2022
Death wobble occurred this morning for the first time ever. It was terrifying for me and my children. I had to slam on the brakes so hard that I nearly slid off the road! The fact that Ford doesn’t acknowledge this is ridiculous. I hope and pray that this does not occur with my children in the vehicle, or while I’m hauling my horses.
MERCEDES-BENZ
SL500
(2003) - SUSPENSION
Sep 28, 2022
Incident date: May 1, 2017
ABC (Active Body Control) light keeps coming on and body goes up and down when I drove car. Light says do not drive. Mercedes would not take responsibility for this in spite there are so many complaints about this. Really irresponsible by Mercedes.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
While backing out in my driveway, which has a gentle slope, the front suspension link broke and the front part of the chassis/fender scraped against the driveway surface making scraping sounds of friction and damage underneath the front fender. It is certainly a safety issue and I am glad I was still near home and not on the road, especially highway. I could see a broken metal part on the driveway... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2022
The vehicle violently shakes at speeds above 60mph. I must abruptly slow down on highway or come to a complete stop. This is dangerous to me and other drivers.After further research I have found this issue has caused serious injury and death.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH over a bump in the roadway, the vehicle experienced a death wobble. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive on the side of the road at 10 MPH until he regained control of the vehicle. The contact stated he had experienced the failure six times. The contact took the vehicle to ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at AAA for an inspection, the technician informed her that the control arm had detached from the ball joint. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2022
My 2020 Ford F-250 4x4, has 40,000. Has developed the "Death Wobble". I went over a expansion joint on a bridge at 55mph and the front wheels started violently shaking, it would not stop until I slowed to 5 mph. My mechanic replaced both the inner and outer drag links, although they were not very worn. After they were replaced the "Death Wobble" returned when I drove over another expansion joi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2022
towing a trailer, traveling at 70 mph, I hit a pothole and vehicle violently shook. The episode lasted for approx 30 seconds. It was very Difficult to maintain control and I almost ran off the road. It happened several times before I took it for repairs. The stabilizer bar was replaced, however the violent shaking has still continued.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Sep 27, 2022
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Rear subframe crossmember that connects to rear suspension is cracked and rusted resulting in dangerous handling characteristics. Part is severely back-ordered due to volume of consumers facing this problem. When braking hard, car swerves to right and can cross lanes. While this part broke, the car is otherwise rust-free. Brakes have been recently updated. If this is a common complaint, there shou... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) - SUSPENSION
Sep 27, 2022
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
Had to replace the rear sub frame due to extensive rust and erosion. Major safety concern. This was brought to my attention at a routine maintenance service appointment. Almost as is they knew they should be looking for this problem. We are the only owners of this car. It is a garage parked car. No rust elsewhere just at the welded connection on the rear sub frame.
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Sep 27, 2022
Incident date: Sep 27, 2022
Fractured rear coil spring on a 2015 Volkswagen Passat Limited. There is a current recall, 42J5, for various VW's from 2015 to 2019, but not for the Passat. NHTSA Campaign #19V188000 should cover rear coil springs in all VW"s for the years listed. Same defect, same dangers. I have the coil spring and will save it for a reasonable period of time if an inspection of the unit is needed. Contacted V... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Sep 27, 2022
Incident date: Jun 17, 2022
Rear subframe cracked; car has less than 95,000 miles and looks great. My two children of driving age were using the vehicle at the time, driving others as well. Fortunately, I happened to drive it not longer after the issue and took it to the shop immediately. They put it on the lift and saw that the rear subframe was cracked all the way through. As it turns out, it is becoming very common on thi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
NISSAN SUBFRAME DESIGN IS VERY UNSAFE. THEY HAVE MANUFACTURED A COMMON PROBLEM IN AÑMOST ALLL NISSAN ., THE FRONT SUBFRANE WASHERS ARE HOLD IN THE SUBFRAME UNDER PRESSURE., BAD BAD IDEA THATS NOT SAFE .TIRES AND SUSPENSIN ARE SUBJECT TO MAXIMUN VIBRATION AND HITS BY THE ROAD AND THOSE WASHERS CAN NOT HOLD THOSE IMPACTS. .TIME MAKE LOOK THEM FOOL, DECADENT ,UNSAFE BECAUSE THEY COME OUT OF PLACE... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2022
I was driving down the interstate at about 65-70mph and my truck started violently shaking out of no where causing me to nearly lose control. After pulling off the road the shaking went away. I brought my truck into my mechanic to have it looked at and they told me this is a known problem with these trucks. After spending a considerable amount of money to have the steering stabilizer and drag link... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
MY VENUE HAS 2100 MILES ON IT. IT HAS PULLED TO THE RIGHT SINCE DAY ONE. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE AUGUST 13TH, 2022. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE REAR AXLE AND THAT DIDNT FIX IT, THEN THEY SENT IT TO A BODY SHOP FOR A FEW WEEKS TO SEE IF THE FRAME IS STRAIGHT AND THEY SAID IT IS. SO NOW THEY ARE SAYING IT IS THE CASTERS ON MY FRONT TIRES, WHICH WOULD MEAN THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle experienced a death wobble. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle on the side of the road. The contact was able to drive the vehicle under 40 MPH to a local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2022
I was driving around 30 mph crossing an intersection when the Emergency Braking system activated and caused the truck to stop. There was nothing obstructing the vehicle, nor were any pedestrians near. This is the 3rd occurence when this happened.
LGS INDUSTRIES
LOOK
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Sep 26, 2022
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
I have a Look 24ft enclosed car hauler with torsion axles. When I go the trailer home the first day, I thought the wheels were sitting oddly in the wheel wells. I chalked it up to it having torsion axels and not giving it a second thought. On it's very first trip from WA. to AZ., I noticed on my tire pressure and heat monitor that the passenger side rear tire was about 20 degrees hotter than th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2022
My magna ride suspension has completely gone out. The front and rear are sagging with no suspension travel at all. According to Google, every Chevrolet and GMC with this suspension has the same issue. Cost $3000 to repair.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
My Malibu makes a knocking sound in the rear of vehicle. Feel like something is going to snap off, also driving on reverse sound really bad, check my trunk if something was loose and nothing.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2022
In June 2022, I was forwarded a screenshot of a social media post made by Taxa Outdoors regarding defective Lippert axles that were installed on Taxa Crickets manufactured in 2021. The individual who forwarded the screenshot also advised me that she had read numerous reviews online about owners of Crickets whose axles had broken while traveling. I then contacted Taxa Outdoors and was advised tha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2022
No incidents steering makes loud noise
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
While driving on more than one occasion the front of the truck and steering wheel starts violently shaking. It makes it hard to control. Once you pull over and stop, you can resume driving without issue. You never know when it will happen.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2022
Death Wobble again after repair at 200,000 miles at local Ford dealer.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
Front control arm bolt pulled out of the subframe due to extreme corrosion.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
The car driver side window door leaks water into the driver side floor near where the legs go. The floor is always wet has Mold on it. Mirror above driver side has mold on it. Seatbelts throughout the car have accumulated mold on them. Behind the driver side that rug is wet soaked as well. The water has traveled to the left side of the vehicle is now getting moist. The trunk never shuts there’s ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving in a parking lot and turning the steering wheel, there was a popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the tie rod had fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who stated that the failure was due to off-road driving. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
I have a 2015 F350 and I have experienced the "Death Wobble" I was hauling my 5th wheel RV and I was going 60 MPH and it felt like my entire front axel was getting ready to fall off my truck. I have my family of 4 in the vehicle. Both of my sons ages 8 and 3 years of age, my wife and myself. It was by far the scariest this I have ever experienced. Ford knows about the problem and still has not is... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
The front subframe failed due to corrosion from the inside according to the service department. The vehicle is unsafe to drive with this condition. It only has 38,180 miles on it. It has not been driven in a reckless fashion. I have never heard of this failure in a low mileage auto.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Sep 23, 2022
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
The subframe on this vehicle is broken I took it to an independent dealer and they said they have never seen anything like this on a car this old. The Mercedes dealer told me that it would cost me $5000 for them to fix it about 3 weeks ago but said it's rusting and beginning to crack. But never said it was something that needed to be addressed immediately. Upon further research it seems to be a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
Rear crossmember rusted in two Was told by mechanic unsafe to drive Vehickle SHAKES and SHIMMIES