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 10, 2022
I was driving on the highway with 3 other passengers, at around 75 mph when my steering wheel started to shake wildly and my truck started to shake violently, to the point of almost losing control. I let off the gas and changed lanes to the right and breaked hard to a stop on the shoulder. I got out and inspected all 4 tires, expecting to see a front tire flat… but everything looked fine. I g... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C350
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Aug 10, 2022
Incident date: May 20, 2022
I noticed my 2013 MB C350 was making strange noises and vibrations. I could feel the car steering in a different direction when I let go of the wheel. I took it to my service dealer and was told the subframe was severely rusted which included the suspension, struts, and even brake line. I was told the car was dangerous to drive and had to keep it at the shop for 45 days while waiting for the parts... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
My rear Rear Lower Control Arm are both rusty and about to break
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Aug 9, 2022
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
Left front coil spring broke. Made popping sound while turning. Coil spring has two pink and two white dots.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Juke. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle and the vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. The contact later exited the vehicle and noticed that the front driver's side tire and axle had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechan... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
Car shop replaced front suspension struts 1/23/19. I told owner that made the clunking noise ever worse. Kevin said well, your car needs lower control arms, bushings, &engine mount. Had that done by same car shop on 9/16/2019. I told Kevin that did not take care of clunking noise. I took car to an auto shop where I moved to for maintenance. They told me my struts were bad. Called Kevin in Fayettev... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
I purchased a 2017 GMC Yukon Denali brand new off the showroom floor. I have maintained the services thru GMC dealership. I had to replace the struts and rear and front shocks due to hydraulic system leaking and locking up my brakes and causing extra pressure on my braking system to stop my vehicle. This cost me over $5000 to replace out of my pocket and I saw there was a previous recall in 2019 f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Entourage. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel turned sideways as all four wheels remained straight. The ESC off warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact's daughter was able to slowly drive the vehicle home despite the failure. The contact then test drove the vehicle and experienced the failure. The... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
Chasis, crossmember suspension broke for corrosion
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
Hello, I am writing because I have experienced mechanical issues with my car since I purchased the automobile. Since I bought the car, I began having problems with the electrical components, the automatic emergency brake engaging while driving, and the chassis. The emergency brake has engaged while driving numerous times and has consistently been unpredictable since I've owned the car. In additio... Read more
Crash
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2008) - SUSPENSION
Aug 8, 2022
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
The rear subframe is rusted and failing it is unsafe to drive. Mercedes is aware of the problem and has fixed the issue in Canada the UK and Germany free of charge. It would cost me around $4600.00 to fix out of my pocket. I have emailed the dealer where I take my car for service as well as corporate Mercedes in Germany and I am waiting for a reply. Why should I pay when they know it’s not safe ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
Truck shakes violently when encountering uneven pavement at speeds in excess of 55mph. Difficult to keep the vehicle in the road when this happens and speed must be reduced to <35mph for it to subside. Unsafe activity to need your take when traveling on highway. Please consider issuing a recall for this ‘death wobble’ before someone is hurt or killed.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Aug 7, 2022
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
The left rear subframe is torn and severely rusted. The left rear arm also needs to be replaced because it is essentially not connected to anything which makes the car not safe to drive. I took the car to an independent shop and was told not to drive the car any longer. I had to have the car towed to my home. I was made aware that this is a common issue In Mercedes C300 and Mercedes US has refused... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2022
Suspension clicking noise when turning wheel to from one end to another. I found that the outer tie rod end ball joint wasn’t torque down. I double checked the lower ball joint and found it wasn’t torque down as well. The clicking went away after torquing down the outer tie rod joint.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
I was hit front passenger side at 45mph and air bags didn’t deploy. And now I have suspension and electrical issues on my 2019 Nissan Altima.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 8, 2022
For awhile now the suspension seems to be worse. Almost every time I go around a corner either to the left or to the right there is a clanging clanging noise. It seems as thought the car is falling apart coming from the back of the car.
MITSUBISHI
MIRAGE G4
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Aug 7, 2022
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
Vehicle produces loud heavy mechanical noises after ignition and upon turning electric power steering. Steering wanders considerably from side to side on highway straight aways provoking constant need to compensate so as to keep vehicle properly centered within lane and producing considerable fatigue. Even greater noises coming from what sounds like bottom of engine bay when I recently applied hea... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
Rear control arm mount broke away from subframe while on the highway going 65mph. Violent shaking and steering malfunction occurred immediately. Passed WV inspection just a few months ago.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Aug 6, 2022
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
With out any warning my right wheel had broken when I tried to drive from my dive way to work. Looks like Excessive wear to the front-upper control arm ball joints resulted in ball joint failure and wheel separation. Reported to a dealer. Waiting for the appointment to do full investigation. Separation of a front wheel while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of a crash. I drive in city... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Front driver’s side suspension fore link snapped while traveling at low speed(possibly while turning). Wheel slid back and hit rear wheel arch during braking, compromising braking & controllability of the vehicle. The car was inspected and repaired by Tesla. The car only has 60K miles, but I was charged nearly $700 to replace. No warning lights indicated a problem.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
My SUV has 40073 miles. During a dealer inspection it was found that its rear passenger side coil spring broken and damaged upper-lower spring mounts. It is going to cost about $2000. Also did some internet search that this has happened to others. The SUV being at lower mileage, I feel that this part is defective and safety issue, and Audi should correct the situation. http://x4con.xtime.com/medi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
Was driving then noticed car made awkward movements the steering wheel started to turn sideways. Blind spot warning light then came on. I pulled car off street into safe area then noticed rear driver side wheel caved in and rear lower controll bar broken
Incident date: Aug 17, 2021
We have owned this car for about 3 years and it has been one problem after another and see same problems on line 1) Will start over heating sometimes at idle sometimes while driving (try being in DFW rush hour traffic and deal with that 2) Wife was driving one day and a bolt on right lower control arm broke sending her across 4 lanes of traffic including on coming. 3) All of a sudden when brake pe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
I was driving on I75 North in Florida near Ocala (exit 358) traveling about 70mph when I approached slowing traffic. I attempted a slow and steady stop without slamming on the brakes. The emergency braking system engaged but the vehicle failed to stop and I was not able to completely floor the brakes. In an effort to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me and causing a multiple car collision I s... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
Slid warning light, VSC comes on randomly. Has been happening beginning at 110K miles. Taken to dealership and reported durning normal service. I worked at a Toyota dealer. Front end suspension has been rebuilt. CV shafts replaced. Rock solid. Dangerous as the VSC system engages and the slid light comes on, tire speed control engages, happens in a normal 70mph easy turn on the expressway. ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Aug 5, 2022
Incident date: Nov 14, 2021
2012 Mercedes Benz C300 4-Matic; Failure of rear subframe, significant crack of an important support member; very limited minor corrosion of the other parts of the frame, seems to be a manufacturing quality defect in a very specific part. Vehicle has been inspected by a highly qualified independent mechanic and by the closest manufacture's dealer in Massachusetts. Car cannot be driven because it i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
My Model X vibrates at low speeds. I took it to service center multiple times. They couldn’t fix the issue. Looks like the suspension issue as it makes noise when the car goes up or down using air suspension.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
My 2019 Model X, which hadnt travelled even 2-3 miles in the last 3 weeks, suddenly had misaligned front wheels. When I contacted Tesla, they sent a tow truck to tow the vehicle. The tow truck driver upon seeing my vehicle mentioned that the suspension is broken and he has been towing many Tesla Model X's because of this reason. The Tesla service center said that the suspension is damaged because ... Read more
HIGHLAND RIDGE TT
ULTRA LITE
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Aug 4, 2022
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Highland Ridge Ultra Lite. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the rear driver’s side tire, located on the camper's second axle, detached from the vehicle without warning. The contact called an independent mobile mechanic who informed her that none of the camper's wheel hubs were greased due to the camper not being equipped with a raceway. The contact was informed th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
Due to leaking coolant and overheating. I had to get engine and transmission work done that totaled over $10,000 worth mechanical work. I also had to get suspension work which is also include it the total of being over $10,000.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was a popping noise in the rear-end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear shock absorber outer housing was coming into contact with the shock. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact stated that upon driving over a bump in the road, the vehicle would shake uncontrollably. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the violent shaking ceased after the vehicle slowed down. The contact called the dealer and was inf... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and going over a bridge, the contact felt the vehicle shaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the tires were rotated; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dampers where replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and covered the repair under w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
Truck has what is now commonly called the "Death Wobble". This is, unfortunately, a common problem with F250 Super Duty trucks. This is a very dangerous loss of control at typical highway speeds. Uncontrollable shaking after hitting minor roadway bumps at speed. The fact that Ford is fully aware of the issue and has not done a recall is hard to believe. Do people have to die on the road because F... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata Gt was a part of the Class action lawsuit in which the engine was replace. Within a year, I've had the vehicle checked and serviced at two different auto repairs shops for an extremely rough ride, loud rumbling-thumping and also a squeaking noise. The vehicle still drifts after having two separate wheel alignments. The steering wheel rattles and shakes with the slightest bum... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
Under heat and stress, we noticed the front of the car would make cracking and creaking noises. We took the car in and they informed us that the rear linkages of the left and right front suspension and the upper linkages of the left and right rear suspension were worn down significantly due to the weight of the overall car. Our entire suspension needed to be replaced due to significant cracking an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
Death Wobble started to occur around August 2021. No prior incidents. After the first time it would continue to happen anytime driving between 45-60 MPH and hitting a bump in the road. Once you found a bump that would trigger the death wobble, you could EASILY recreate the problem. Once the death wobble starts you have to slow down to 5-10 MPH before it’ll quit. During the wobble it is IMPOSSIBL... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Aug 2, 2022
Incident date: May 17, 2022
noise coming from front suspension , brakes sticking once moving from a complete stop and reversing out of park.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
Around 12:30pm last week, we were driving a 2021 Honda Accord on a straight and clear Northbound Freeway. All of a sudden, our car started to swerve left and right a few times, even though my wife tried to keep the car straight. She didn't steer the wheel much, fearing that the car may go sideways or whatever, but she just couldn't make the car straight. I was in the car and saw the dashboard flas... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Driving on interstate and all of a sudden the truck began to shake uncontrollably, so much so I could not hold the wheel. I some how managed not to hit anyone or anything and got it off on to the side of the road. I cut the tuck off, checked to see if anything look broke or if I blew out both front tires. All appeared to be in order.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
In have traffic on hwy van quit pulling causing a major traffic problem upon checking Honda failed to mount a proper cooling system for the Trans even though they acknowledge doing so refuse to do anything about it apparently there's a lot of these on road luckily someone wasn't killed that day
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
BOTH REAR TOE LINKS WERE CORRODED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 38,000 MILES. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AS THE SERVICE TECH SAID HE HAD SEEN IT IN THE EQUINOX AS WELL. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND INJURY BY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER UNCONTROLLABLY DUE TO LOSS OF STEERING. THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL FOR SEVERAL GM VEHICLES. THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THE 2019 TRAVERSE. THE R... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2022
I bought this vehicle 8-25-2021. It had 22,000 miles on it. It now has 46,000 miles on it. I was feeling a vibration while driving. 7-31-2022 coming back from Louisiana into Texas I had a flat. When my husband removed the back tire to place the spare on, the tire was absolutely eaten up on the inside wall. There were chunks of rubber missing from the tire and we looked at other rear tire and it wa... Read more
NISSAN
VERSA NOTE
(2016) - SUSPENSION
Jul 31, 2022
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
Sway bar link broken, causing dangerous risk of steering failure. Rear hub bearing disintegrated, causing worn tires and high risk of wheel randomly separating from axel while driving! Wow! Car not old enough for such problems!
Incident date: Jul 30, 2022
Death wobble at 70 mph twice within 10 minutes.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
Sway bar and struts continuously malfunctioning causing brake system to fail quickly.Engine more than 5qts a biweekly causing the maintenance numbers to malfunction.Seat belt light keeps going on and off even when in use.These problems are causing a safety risk due to them failing and can cause harm to driver/drivers on the road.Electrical issue has the brake lights malfunctioning and cause harm t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
While driving down the road we got the death wobble after hitting a bump in the road. The truck violently shook and was unable to steal until the truck stopped. After that the truck was drivable again until it happens again.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2022
Frame damage where steering box separates
Incident date: Jul 30, 2022
10 times over about a 12 month period,(with 5 of the 10 happening in one 6 hour period, after we have spent thousands of dollars trying to fix this issue) if we run over a bump in the road at over 60 mph, the front end of the truck goes into violent, uncontrollable shaking. The only way to stop it is to smash the brakes as hard as you can to get the trucks speed below 30 mph so you can regain con... Read more