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: Aug 14, 2022
Hi, I have bought BMW x5 2017 from certified dealer in Nov 2020. From the beginning, vehicle is giving me problems. I spoke with BMW customer care and they are not helping me much. Below are the problems that vehicle has given me. They are so many other problems but I am noting the major problems. 1. Vibration during acceleration 2. The rear suspension got broke 3. Vehicle stopped on the road... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE AND MADE CAR PAYMENT ONE, I THOUGHT THIS WAS THE BEST VEHICLE FOR ME. THEN SHORTLY THERE AFTER CAME THE RECALLS/PROBLEMS (Catalytic Converter, Electrical System inside the vehicle, and last but not least, the Engine. I have to make sure I take the vehicle in 1000-1500 miles early than normal because of the oil is low and the vehicle. The vehicle starts to vibrate/shak... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
The electric power assist stopped working and almost caused my wife to hit another car. You cannot steer this car if the power assist isn't working, lots of complaints about this issue but nobody is checking into it, if this isn't a safety problem than there isn't any reason for you to be in business for you are not recognizing a serious problem, I know a little door latch is important but no wher... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Sep 8, 2022
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
I ran off the road and my rear suspension sub frame literally broke in half. Upon further research I’ve learned that these parts are faulty and several people have had theirs rust completely in two. Mine had lots of rust damage and that is likely what caused the damage to mine when I ran off the road (MINOR impact that should have never caused that much damage). Mercedes has recalled this part i... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Sep 8, 2022
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
This issue is pertaining to a 2014 E350 Mercedes Benz. The brake system is in jeopardy. The subframe has rotted and cracked. Mercedes Benz is aware that this is a problem for many of their vehicles. While the right side of the subframe is rusted and beginning to crack, the left side of the subframe is totally rusted and busted out. The vehicle is routinely brought to the Mercedes Benz dealership ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
I was in a right hand curve and it felt like my wheel flipped to one side. My steering felt loose. I took it to the shop and had them inspect it. Nothing was wrong with my suspension. I continued to drive it. My steering became even more loose and sloppy. I was struggling to stay in my lane due to the loosened steering. I have had it checked many times and nothing. When it rains I am jerked all ov... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, there was a squeaking sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The sound was present while making turns, stopping, and accelerating. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local Service Center was notified of the failure and a Service appointment was scheduled... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Yaris. The contact stated while the vehicle was getting inspected, the inspector noticed that the real axle was rusted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or a mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
The vehicle steering whips uncontrollably while driving over road imperfections (bumps, potholes, road transitions, etc.). Nearly lost control of the vehicle while driving in our neighborhood at ~35 mph when I hit a bump in the road. After researching, many people have reported this as the “death wobble.” I have not taken the vehicle to the dealer yet as I initially thought it was an isolat... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
I have a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. I also have a 2005 GMC Sierra, but this 4Runner's frame is absolutely toast, while the GMC is completely fine. Toyota issued recalls on the tacoma, tundra, and the sequoia, so why not the 4Runner? My car started swaying and violently shaking on the highway. I pulled over and looked underneath, only to see the rear section of the frame had completely disconnected. This... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
Death Wobble: At speeds above 55mph the vehicle becomes uncontrollable after encountering bumps in the road that initiate the death wobble. The wobble becomes more uncontrollable until you can get the vehicle stopped - to zero mph. This was very dangerous in heavy Denver I25 traffic where your ability to stop was constrained by adjacent vehicles. It also occurred in construction zones with rough p... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that she noticed that the front passenger’s side door panel had started to detach. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the trim panel needed to be repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that she heard noise in the rear driver's and passenger side wheels. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
While driving my children to school on a two lane road (55) the front end started shaking wildly. I lost control of the vehicle and ran oncoming traffic off the road when I crossed the double yellow line. My vehicle is stock with just barely 17k miles. Very scary.
TIFFIN
ALLEGRO OPEN ROAD
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Sep 6, 2022
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
Front Suspension bump stops are missing. This prevents suspension compression up to a safe amount.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) - SUSPENSION
Sep 6, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
I was driving down the road when a deer ran out into the roadway ahead of me. I applied the brake firmly and hear a "pop" and the car suddenly changed lanes. I was able to recover without much of an incident but applying the brakes from that point on caused the car to "steer" into a new direction. I took the vehicle out to a friends farm and jacked it up to find that on this car with zero other c... Read more
FOREST RIVER
ROCKWOOD
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Sep 6, 2022
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Forest River Rockwood. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, an abnormal snapping sound was coming from the RV, followed by a dragging sound. Upon inspection of the RV, the contact discovered that the battery had fallen out of the vehicle due to faulty metal straps. The contact was able to temporarily fix to the RV until reaching his destination. The contact was abl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2021
I purchased my Kia Sorento in 2020. It was a used 2019 with 7,000 miles. I immediately noticed that it would squeak rather loud and bounce high when driving over very small humps on the roads. Being that I'm no mechanical savvy, I assumed this was normal for SUV's because I've driven sedans all my life. Anyways, I was informed of the issue when going to a tire repair shop asking why my back tires ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2010) - SUSPENSION
Sep 6, 2022
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
My mechanic reported that the subframe is corroded and that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. He told me that I cannot drive it at all. Apparently this is a very common problem in C class and Glk class Mercedes vehicles. I read that this problem is considered a recall issue in Germany and Canada, but not here in the US. My suv has 102,000 miles and is in good shape otherwise…. This is a very d... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
Purchased vehicle certified pre owned May 2019 with 56,000 miles. In June 2019 replaced front tire that were new due to passenger tire wear also New battery and oil change..Jan 2020 had to have front main seal oil ring replaced. Oil changes done every 3 to 7 thousand miles. Have a 2 sets of tires put on .Have had some hesitation problems throughout while.driving. But never did find cause. Took to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2022
On 8/27/22 Driving on the highway at a speed of approximately 70 mph coming of a bridge and going over transition caused the front of the truck to shake violently. With the wheels shaking and wobbling violently it was difficult to steer. This continued until I came to a complete stop on the side of the highway. This happened AGAIN on 9/4/22 with same situation on return trip home. Truck shook viol... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
EOS
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Sep 6, 2022
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
The vehicle has 37444 miles on it and the front driver side coil spring was laying broken off partially by the front wheel well when I went to move vehicles around (The vehicle was sitting, not driving when the coil broke, which really is curious). I reported the issue to VW customer care tonight (9/6/22) and they said that it was outside of warranty-Essentially nothing they could do. The complain... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
Today, September 6, 2022, is the first time I experienced the so called death wobble. I was traveling along at 55 mph when I went over a bump in the road and my truck began to shake like a dog shaking water off. I slowed down to 40 mph before it stopped. The shaking caused the turbocharger intake hose to break away from the engine causing an undrivable condition.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
Going down the road at about 60MPH when I hit a bump in the road. The truck started to shack very hard, and I had to apply light brake pressure and pull off the side of the road. It stopped and I took it to the dealer. Was told steering damper was weak and needed to be replaced and it only has 32,524 miles. Did not have part and will not have it for 1-2 months.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Sep 5, 2022
Incident date: Aug 26, 2022
Rear subframe and rear wheel control arm separated and corroded. Car not safe to drive. 2013 model with 31,000 miles, always garaged and maintained.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
Extreme shaking / loss of control when hitting bump (Ford “Death Wobble”) No accident, was able to slow to a stop and regain control. Happened a few times, had to keep extremely slow to get home.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The truck is experiencing what is commonly referred to as the "Death Wobble." At around 55 mph, the vehicle starts to violently shake. It shakes the whole vehicle, especially the steering--the steering wheel severely shakes until I slow the vehicle slows down below 40 mph. From my research, I've found this is a common issue among other Superduty owners. It seems like there are faulty front e... Read more
THOR MOTOR COACH
FREEDOM TRAVELER
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Sep 4, 2022
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
At approximately 40 to 45 mph experianced violent shaking of the steering wheel/ wheel wobble. It nearly pulled the steering wheel from my hands and caused extreme shaking of the entire vehicle. The shaking stopped as I immediately reduced speed. On down the road I increased speed again to 40 to 45 mph wirh the violent shaking / wobble reoccurring. Returned to Camping World of Pittsburgh who jack... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
Air suspension will randomly deflate on one side of the vehicle making steering difficult at highway speeds. Hitting a bump or discontinuity in the road while the frame is sitting on the bump-stops (when suspension is deflated) can cause the tire to jump or skip, temporary loosing traction. It can go days or weeks without occurring, or it can happen multiple times in one trip.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C320
(2004) - SUSPENSION
Sep 4, 2022
Incident date: Aug 19, 2022
My right rear tire wares from the inside to the middle only the rest of the tire is good. I’ve had two blowouts because I can’t see that part of my tire without getting down on the ground to look at it. The part I see looks good. My tire seems to be kicked out a bit at the bottom. This is the only tire I have problems with.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
The bolt that holds the rear axle in place sheared off. This seams to be a common issue on the Max Tow equipped trucks, but Ford hasn't done a recall or even placed a TSB. On top of that my truck is out of service for a back ordered part to fix a safety issue.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2022
While driving N on I 24 near Nashville Tn my Eyesight assistant turned off illuminated warning light, as it cancelled my adaptive cruise control at freeway speeds in heavy traffic, while engageing my my brakes and illuminated my forward collision warning coming very close to causing serious accident to whereIended up on shoulder due to severe vibration from my defective passenger lower control arm... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2022
The engine make noise and it leaks under the car inside the car by your passenger side
Incident date: Aug 31, 2022
My wife was in town driving about 10 mile an hour just pulled away from stop sign, when her drivers side rear tire broke off. We loaded it on a trailer and brought it home. The Axel Beam had completely rusted in two Now Toyota is tell me its 1600 dollar for a new one. I think since they she could have been Killed her they could fix her car.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2009) - SUSPENSION
Sep 3, 2022
Incident date: Jan 22, 2022
Rear subframe corrosion discovered by Mercedes Benz Service.105,000 miles on the vehicle. Presents a safety hazard, possible loss of control the vehicle. Frames rots from the inside out, which leads to discovery after vehicle performance and safety is compromised.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
Upon bringing our Caliber into a service shop to install shocks because we thought the severe vibration was from worn shocks, we were told the entire rear suspension subframe was rotted and rusted to the point of the driver-side rear was almost split in half. Had it been driven much farther, the left rear wheel would have been separated from the subframe. The shop did not want the car driven any ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
Vehicle was handling normally. I pulled into the parking lot of my bank, put vehicle in Park, and exited the vehicle to use the ATM. Within five minutes I returned to the vehicle, put it in reverse, and immediately heard a loud scraping noise like a plastic water bottle perhaps having become wedged between a tire and the wheel well. I stopped the car and looked underneath but all appeared normal. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
Rear suspension toe-link failure on left side. Incident occurred without any notice at speed of approximately 30-35 MPH on highway after pulling away from having stopped for traffic light at intersection. Vehicle swerved uncontrollably to right at approximately 45 degrees, then began slow drift to left during which I was finally able to regain control by applying throttle pressure and torque to ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2022
I recently purchased this vehicle with approximately 93000 miles on it. I have been experiencing wheel oscilation (AKA death wobble). I have replaced numerous suspension parts (tie rod ends, pitman arm, track bar bushing, track bar ball joint, front shocks). I have spent close to $1000 on trying to resolve the problem and am obviously not done yet. I am still experiencing this problem intermit... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2022
Our Explorer has been riding extremely rough going down smooth highways and the slightest bump in the road make the car shake sideways as if it’s almost bending in half. Last week, We drove a couple miles down the road and stopped at Walmart. After loading groceries up I started the car to leave and the steering wheel was harder than normal to move. I thought we might have had a low tire and we... Read more
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Sep 1, 2022
Incident date: Aug 27, 2022
The rear right axle bolt sheared off at 12.5k miles. if you google "rear right axle bolt 2021/2022 f150" there are THOUSANDS of people with the same issue. Thank god I heard the sound as it rattled around. I can't imagine the danger of driving down the highway at speed with my children in the back and the tire ends up sliding off. Ford is pretending this does not require a recall, yet tens of ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Sep 1, 2022
Incident date: Aug 31, 2022
Dealer states that the rear subframe has rusted and degraded to the point of requiring full replacement. The car is 10 years old with 98,000 miles on the odometer. This is premature degradation of an essential component.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Frame has rusted to the point of actually having a hole that I can put my finger through. The truck has only 79000 miles on it and is in excellent shape otherwise. I bought it new from the dealer in 2008. I think this is a potentially dangerous condition but could be repaired via an Toyota recall. My father was a Toyota G.M. and Toyota's are all my family have owned for 30 some years. I hope Toyot... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2010) - SUSPENSION
Sep 1, 2022
Incident date: May 20, 2022
My family has owned this vehicle since 2013 when it was purchased from the local Mercedes dealership as certified pre-owned. In the past few years, we have had to have several of the rear brake lines replaced due to rust. The last time, we were told by the mechanic that the complete rear subframe would have to be replaced due to rust. Specifically the attachment points from the subframe to the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
I was backing out of a parking space while turning the steering wheel to the right. It sounded like I was running over a plastic milk jug or something like that. I stopped the car, inspected, there was no object under the car or in the wheel wells. I looked to see if any of the wheels were rubbing on the wheel well and did not see that. I then asked a friend to watch as I backed up, moved forward,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2022
after car had about 350 miles on it the front suspension became very noise and rattled. as it continued I can feel very bouncy steering and less than desirable control on multiple bumps. I took it to dealer and they said it had a leaky strut and ordered the part. They recommended only driving around town. It is getting worse as I wait over a week for the part to arrive. I really think both stru... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
I have had fairly issues with overheating and have had several repairs done including: 12/29/2019 - Radiator Fan Assembly and Electric Fan Motor Replacement 10/02/2021 - Replace Thermostat and Gasket & Replace Coolant Recovery Tank 8/9/2022 - Installed Module, Control, Sensors and Fuel Filler (all done with regards to presumably fixing the overheating and RPM fluctuation while overheating) I paid... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
My car has only 50,000 miles but suspension is making noise. Tesla dealer is saying they need to replace the Links - Front Suspension - Lower - Aft -LH/RH. Tesla is charging me $1,828.87 to replace these links. I see in the internet that lot of 2016/2017 made cars has this defect. I strongly believe this is manufacturing defect and Tesla is responsible for fixing this issue for all effected custom... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
Lh suspension fore link broke causing tire to rub inner wheel well while driving at around 30mph resulting in damage to tire and wheel well liner .... car was not able to be driven ..... Tesla service center was not willing to repair under warranty or good will even though they issued a tsb regarding certain 2016 model s cars having suspension parts that were not up to Tesla quality standards and ... Read more