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: Jul 28, 2022
Starting 3 weeks ago I experienced a very heavy and almost uncontrollable shaking in my steering and suspension after hitting a rough patch on the road. Since then it has occurred at least 7 additional times. I am now a bit hesitant to drive the truck. The truck is available for inspection and the dealer has confirmed this is a known problem often termed as the Death Wobble. The truck has not b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
When driving down the interstate my 2019 jeep hit a small bump in the road. Front end started shaking violently. At first I thought I had blown a tire but tire pressure warning did not show on dashboard. I let off the gas and it ebbed till gone. I was going 70 miles an hour when it started. It was intermittent through out the day and started each day after
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
We were traveling on the interstate at 70 MPH , hit a bump in the road and all of a sudden the truck began to shake causing the truck and attached camper to sway uncontrollable. We swerved and were able to get the truck slowed down and to the left shoulder of the road. It was very scary for my family. Luckily we were able to control the truck and not cause an accident. This has happened one other ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTKSE
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Aug 17, 2022
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
I brought my motorcycle into a Harley Davidson dealer for a Virginia State Safety Inspection. The inspector noticed a crack in the powder-coat of paint covering a welded section of the frame. Further investigation revealed the crack in the paint followed the edge of the weld and the weld is lifted off of the frame. Harley Davidson Corporate was notified and I was told the motorcycle is out of warr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The truck lost steering power and I was able to stop without wrecking but I have no control of the steering at all
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
Please note that this complaint is about a fatal crash involving a 2014 Tesla Model S but because I do not know the VIN I have used the VIN of a wrecked car in a junkyard. Please also note that I have supplied my full name and contact details in this submission but I have used a dummy USA address to satisfy your website requirements. I have been informed that is OK for a non-Tesla owner and a non-... Read more
Crash
4 deaths
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer where the recall remedy was completed. The contact stated after the repairs were completed, she felt the rear side of the vehicle would sway side to side and she would notice it would be worst in the rain. The contact stated on 8/1... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2009) - SUSPENSION
Aug 16, 2022
Incident date: Mar 26, 2022
Suspension Cross-Member - Mercedes-Benz (204-350-01-41) Driving regularly suddenly fill like the rear passenger side tire moved unevenly, then went to the tire shop, and when they take out the tire see how the rear frame was rusted and broken in a straight line exactly in the middle of the tire hole area. Then start to check used cars to donate that part and All of them have the same trouble in th... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000(Suspension) and she took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. The contact stated after a couple of weeks the contact noticed that the rear end suspension had damaged both rear tires. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again, where they attempted aligning the rear end with the f... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
I purchased this lift kit based on multiple reviews including personal friends. After install, I have had to undergo four alignments with no resolution. Multiple mechanics have confirmed that the kit is defective. I have been in contact with the manufacturer but they have stopped responding to me. They freely admitted to my alignment shop and myself that they do not use any jigs or templates to bu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
I purchased this lift kit based on multiple reviews including personal friends. After install, I have had to undergo four alignments with no resolution. Multiple mechanics have confirmed that the kit is defective. I have been in contact with the manufacturer but they have stopped responding to me. They freely admitted to my alignment shop and myself that they do not use any jigs or templates to bu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
Tie rod snapped causing an accident.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
The ball joint and control arms in the front start squeaking just after warranty ends at 50k miles. Eventually this could lead to it locking up and causing an accident. This needs to be a covered recall, since all 2018 tesla model 3 cars experience this. When researching I found out how much of a problem this is and itvwill cost over 1000 dollars to fix.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
Driving 50km per hr, went over railway crossing, then the car became unstable, rear felt loose as if it was drifting. Stopped the car had a look under the cars driver side rear end, and noticed the bar connecting tire the rest of vehicle was fractured, don't know the exact name of it. The car only has a out 145000 km on it. I live in Canada. The consumer has stated that the rear tow link was t... Read more
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Aug 15, 2022
Incident date: Jul 31, 2022
On 3/24/22 I was driving on the highway at approximately 1:30am my car made a loud noise and dropped down a bit on the front passenger side. At the same there was a cloud of smoke that came up from the same side. I pulled my car slowly off into the breakdown lane. Got out of my car to see what happened. The passenger tire was blown out. Had the car towed to Bedford, NH mini. They determined the Ri... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
I could hear a noise in the front suspension while driving. Upon returning home the front driver side suspension collapsed while I was parking the car. The front suspension link broke and the wheel was rubbing against the arch liner. I was lucky that the failure occurred at very low speed but the damage could have been significant if it had happened just a few minutes earlier, while driving.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Aug 15, 2022
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
I had noticed that my car was starting to pull to the side when braking. I took it in to my authorized dealer, where I always have it serviced and maintained, and I was told that the rear sub-frame bracket was broken off at the left rear lower control arm attachment point. The rear sub-frame and left rear lower control arm needs to be replaced. I was told that the car was absolutely not safe to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2022
Northriver has miss used this trailer, it's 5200 lbs trailer with a 5800 lbs boat on it. I have blown out tires.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2019
intermittent "death wobble" from front tires. Has been happening since about 4000 miles. First dealer said nothing was wrong, then they replaced steering stabilizer under recall, then they replaced track bar. Then they said they can't find anything wrong. Truck is still wobbling at 39000 miles. Truck is 100% stock
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
Drivers side fore links broke under warranty. Per Tesla Service bulletin SB-17-31-001 filed February 17, 2017 for automobiles manufactured between January 19 and May 25, 2016, if one of the fore links break both should be replaced. Per the attached invoice and scree shots, Teslas service center in Raleigh is refusing to follow the bulletin citing that the vehicles ein is not eligible but showing... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
Went over a bump and the car started shaking violently. Research has shown this is called the Ford Death wobble. I had to stop on a busy street to get it to stop, which is dangerous
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
The front lower ball joint on the passenger side broke in half which caused my tire to completely separate from the car. Luckily it happened in my driveway, but I had just gotten off the interstate going 75 mph. After replacing it, a closer inspection was done on both upper front ball joints and the driver side lower ball joint. All need replacement. It was a near miss crash, but mine and others s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
When I went to back out of parking place, I head something rubbing and car shuddered. Discovered when turning right the behavior would manifest. Drove across parking lot to tire shop. Discovered that the control arm fork had broken. Needed to have towed to Tesla service, at my expense as I was "out of the service area." Discovered there is a service bulletin, but no recall on this part? I am force... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2022
The sway bar bushings failed under 36000 miles. I had been hearing a clunk since 25000k, and it was only diagnosed at 35000 miles. The issue started in Feb 2022, fixed in July 2022 under warranty. Initially looked at by Lindsay CDJR in Manassas VA. Second look by Farrish CDJR in Fairfax. June 2022. Repaired by Lindsay CDJR in Manassas VA.
JAYCO FIFTH WHEEL
PINNACLE
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Aug 13, 2022
Incident date: May 11, 2022
My RV, 2020 Jayco Pinnacle, had to have new tires replaced after <12K miles due to bad axles, Dexter # 133178799. The new tires were replaced only to have the same wear patterns after 2,400 miles. I contacted Dexter & was offered one new axle (two are required) as a goodwill offer; not recognizing any quality issues with the axles. Also any replacement of tires or labor to install the new axle ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
Truck is in the shop for sixth time for death wobble. Front end vibrating at speeds over 60mph. Something you have to bring the truck to a stop on highway to stop shaking.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
When I go over 45 mile an hour it has the death wobble. Have almost had a few accidents due to this. What is the fix for this??
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
2011 Cadillac ATS 3.6, Rear Differential went out, Repairmen has stated that this part is not available anywhere, and that Cadillac should have recalled this in the ATS, because there is a shortage of this part. Due to the inefficiency of the Rear Differential. But, Cadillac would have been out of a lot of money. Without this part, the Cadillac is undrivable.
Incident date: May 2, 2022
Death Wobble, after replacing everything possible including the entire front end it still didn’t solve the issue
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH and making a right turn, he lost control of the vehicle. There was no further information provided. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated prior to the failure. Despite the failure, the vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear driver's side ... Read more
MITSUBISHI
LANCER
(2006) - SUSPENSION
Aug 12, 2022
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, she heard abnormal loud grinding sounds coming from underneath the front passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that her mother had informed her that she had seen an unknown part hanging und... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
Ford Death Wobble. The vehicle violently shakes when it hits a bump in the road and only stops if you slow the vehicle or stop completely. You nearly lose control of the wheel. A steering damper was placed on the vehicle as advised by Ford and the problem has not resolved. It has only continued to get worse. The vehicle has had regular maintenance per the Ford warranty plan purchased with the veh... Read more
JAYCO FIFTH WHEEL
EAGLE
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Aug 12, 2022
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
Axel was manufactured with too much negative camber causing extreme tire ware. Blowouts could cause loss of control of vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
My truck has the death wobble. This is the 3rd time I have tried to fix it. Now, my local Ford dealership says they cannot duplicate the problem. This is very dangerous. At any given time, I am going to have a wreck. It is not an “if”, but a “when”. I have no choice but to drive my truck like it is. I had to get Ford manufacturer’s to help me last year.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
On 08/01/2022 at approximately 1400 hours, I was driving my 2016 Ford F250 4x4 and towing a 5th wheel trailer weighing approximately 14000 lbs. I was traveling at approximately 60 MPH when I hit a small bump on I-215 which caused a violent shaking from the front end of the vehicle (condition commonly referred to as "death wobble"). I immediately released the accelerator to try and correct the viol... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2022
While towing my 15,500 GVWR fifth wheel at approximately 60 mph on the 210 fwy in a construction zone I encountered some very rough asphalt repairs just on the drivers side of the lane. I had a, close to the lane, K-rail on the passenger side and one lane next to me on the drivers side with a K-rail on the drivers side of that lane. When I hit the rough pavement my wheels started to oscillate vi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
The truck violently shakes at about 47 MPH for unknown reasons. The dealership that I purchased it At's service writer stated that there a multitude of reporting's for this very issue but the volume of complaints prevents them from even diagnosing the problem for several months. Also if I required a loaner vehicle it would be even longer. I have already spent about $1500.00 of my own money trying ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Incident date: Aug 11, 2017
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70- 85 mph, the vehicle was shaking. The stability track warning indicator light was illuminated and flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics but... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for tire rotation, the dealer informed the contact that the lug nuts were swollen. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that it was a known failure. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed several times but failed to respond and went all the way to the floorboard. The contact's son intentionally hit a curb and downshifted in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and an unk... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2010) - SUSPENSION
Aug 11, 2022
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
The rear sub frame corrosion which caused the back tire of the driver side to fail off and lose control of the vehicle, which put myself and other drivers in harm because of lost of vehicle. The rear sub frame has corroded sooner than it's lifecycle. The dealership has confirmed the issue, inspected the part and has replaced. There were no warning lights that have gone off on the vehicle to notify... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2001) - SUSPENSION
Aug 11, 2022
Incident date: Jul 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact was attempting to use her brakes to slow for traffic and was unable to stop. The contact had to depress the brake pedal to the floorboard to get the vehicle to stop. The contact stated that prior to the failure her ABS warning had been illuminated for a long period of time prior to the fai... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2022
The truck began shaking uncontrollably at approximately 70mph.. fortunately I was in the right lane , and traffic wasn’t very busy, and I was able to get the truck off the side of the road without creating an accident.. I have owned the truck since it was new, and have not experienced any issue until now! The truck has just over 40,000 miles on it. Took truck to dealership to be inspected and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2022
We purchased this car last year for our teenage daughter. It is making a terrible banging noise in the rear. We took it to a mechanic who stated the entire rear subframe is completely corroded, the bolts are rusted, and all the components need to be replaced. This is thousands of dollars if we can even find the parts. As the car is unsafe to drive, I'm not letting my daughter use it until we can g... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA SPORTWAGEN
(2011) - SUSPENSION
Aug 11, 2022
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
Going down the road - in town - at about 35 mph and I started to hear loud clanking while I felt as the rear of the car felt "stiff" all of a sudden. I parked the car as soon as I could to check it over. The rear passenger side coil spring just snapped as you'd break a pretzel... I have never seen a broken coil spring in any of the cars we owned over three decades. As I looked for information onli... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2019
Keep wobble almost caused head on collision afraid to drive vehicle over 55 mph
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
The suspension is off idk what it is. I haven’t in done anything to my car I’m the only person that drives it. I keep getting two notifications 1. Supplemental restraint problem see dealer 2. Lane assistant (power(electric) steering problem see dealer.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the suspension. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V358000 (Suspension) and he needed to pay out of pocket for the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving 55-60 mph, she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a guardrail. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. No air bags deployed. The contact did not sustain any injuries nor sought medical attention. No police report was filed. The contact stated she continued driving to her residence. The contact's father ins... Read more
Crash