Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,192,899 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 137,559 crashes, 55,854 fires, and 8,555 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 2,192,899 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 48,099 complaints — component: SUSPENSION
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2010) — SUSPENSION
Jan 24, 2022
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
Driver side subframe broke in half due to rust. However, vehicle has low mileage and was very well maintained and is in mint condition throughout with no signs of rust anywhere underneath on any parts. This subframe rusted through from the inside and with no way of being able to see or catch any warning signs for owners.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2022
The frame is rusted completely throughout. VERY DANGEROUS!
Incident date: Jan 23, 2022
While driving down the interstate, at approximately 70 mph, the front suspension started to wobble to the point that it was almost uncontrollable. Once the vehicle was slowed to approximately 50 mph, the wobble stopped. This vehicle has 28,000 miles & this is a condition that has just started in the last 30 days.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed by an independent mechanic, she was informed the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. Additionally, the suspension was compressed onto the tire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approxim... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
Hello I went to the dealership many times. Every time I go for the recalls. They saying that the parts not available. I’m not sure what’s going on. They keep telling me try with us in a month. This is unprofessional and unacceptable. The recall for the suspension and the passenger door panel. By the way I tried 2 different dealership. On in eat Rutherford.NJ. And on I. Hackensack,NJ. Plea... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2022
The rear lower control arm failed and broke in half, causing springs, shocks, struts, pins, knuckles, bolts to fracture/break or collapse. The tire bowed inward at the top and made loud knocking and rattling noises for six months. I took to three different Nissan dealers, and all told me nothing was wrong. 1/6/22 I was driving on I-90S in Chicago, IL, and when the rear driver control arm failed an... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
DEATH WOBBLE IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. at speeds greater than 40mph, the vehicle becomes almost impossible to steer due to a major 'wobble' in the front end.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2020
The death whobble on front end of trk.i done repaired numerous times can't get it fixed. This is ridiculous! Done been in numerous near misses very scary on the road or interstate comes out of nowhere it will take you off the road now this is my only vehicle and scared to drive it over 40 mph what do I do?
Incident date: Jan 23, 2022
I have owned car for almost 4 + years I was roughly at 128,000 when I purchase I gave 159,xxx miles on now. In the past 4 years tires replaced 2 times. I keep having issues with tires needing plugged in front. My brakes have been replaced 3 times rotors 2 times plus struts ball joints tie rod u name it repaired suspension system sucks. I’m sick of having same issues repair. I have thousands ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2021
In December, 2021, my 2021 Jeep Willys Gladiator became unstable at normal freeway speeds (70-75 mph) on ~8 occasions. At these speeds, the slightest bump or surface irregularity stimulates a violent and sustaining side-to-side vehicle shudder from the front suspension that was so extreme that it splashed my cola and ice from the center cup holder to the dashboard and doors. R-L-R Steering input... Read more
JAYCO TRAVEL TRAILER
WHITE HAWK
(2018) — SUSPENSION
Jan 22, 2022
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
A weld failed on a spring hanger in the suspension to the frame on the passenger side rear axle. It dropped down and shifted the front axle which destroyed the front axle causing the wheel bearings to get hot and weld together. The trailer is currently at an RV Repair Shop being repaired. If we had not noticed this when we did, it could have caused a fire or accident on the highway. The RV Repair... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
At about 12 months we noticed an intermittent clunking sound from the rear of the car. We took it to the dealer and was advised they could not duplicate the problem. I went to have the car state inspected 1/20/22 and it failed. Both reared shocks were determined to be bad, one of which was leaking badly. I brought the car back to a Nissan dealer and was told nothing could be done as my mileage w... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GL450
(2015) — SUSPENSION
Jan 21, 2022
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The airmatic system in this vehicle fails continuously, causing the vehicle to bump up and down while driving. Unsafe to drive
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact noticed that the vehicle was sitting on the frame. The contact stated that whenever the weather was cold while driving, the vehicle would bounce while the air suspension defect warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the fa... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2019) — SUSPENSION
Jan 21, 2022
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
The contact's uncle owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that an abnormal rubbing sound was coming from the vehicle without warning. After an inspection, neither the contact nor his uncle could diagnose the cause of the failure. While the contact's uncle was driving 70 MPH, one of the rear driver’s side tires detached from the axle without warning. His uncle was able to pu... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The vehicle was repaired however, the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2022
I experienced the “Death Wobble” for my first time today! Very scary! I had just reached 65 MPH and suddenly my 2017 F250 starting shaking violently. I had little to no control of steering. Fortunately, I had heard of it before from family and friends who also experienced it. I let off the accelerator and it ended as if nothing was wrong! My vehicle has slightly over 38K miles. There wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2019
I am experiencing extremely horrible death wobble to the point that I cannot drive my vehicle. I have taken it to two different Ford dealers in the last five years as well as a repair on my own and it is still not fixed. Ford has not issued a recall as of this date. The death wobble started on my truck at 11,000 miles.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
I was traveling on the highway at approximately 65-70 mph when it drove over unlevel pavement and the truck started shaking uncontrollably from the front end. After slowing and pulling off to the side to check my wheels and tires I proceeded at a slower rate of speed with no further incident so far. I use this truck for towing my horse trailer. I don't know what would have happened if I was towing... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
My rack and pinion steering column and power steering pump went out causing a hefty cost to replace and it is starting to fail again creating hazardous conditions while driving. I do believe there is a steering issue in these models. Also my power lift gate in the back closes without stopping automatically while I’m loading the rear or unloading. There is NO STOPPING SAFETY SENSOR, I HAD THE B... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2022
Shock busted completely though the shock mount.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the stability warning light was illuminated. There was a rattling and knocking sound detected under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The contact was informed that there was a charge for the repair. The vehicle was repaired however t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2021
My jeep has bottomed out multiple times on normal road bumps. I've owned 4 other jeeps and have never experienced this before I've noticed there is one 3" of travel allotted between the front axle and the bump stops and I under stand that the diesel motor weight more than the 3.6l but to not compensate for the extra weight and running the same suspension setup as the 3.6l is not even right.... To... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
There is a problem called death wobble with our 2016 F250 truck. Driving down the highway and you hit a dip going over a bridge or a hole in the highway and it starts to wobble and you can hardly control it, you can not apply brakes because it feels like it is going to turn over with you. We use this truck in the roofing business and if we had had the trailer behind it there would have been an acc... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) — SUSPENSION
Jan 20, 2022
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
Engine valve lifter failure at 20,000 miles; engine hesitation and power loss. Error to parking brake and to electronic stability control. Chevrolet to replace damaged lifter but refused to replace both banks of defective lifters. As a result of dysfunction I was stranded 1200 miles from home and have been waiting 2 weeks for repair. Still 1200 miles from home with 2 kayaks, 2 bikes etc.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
My front axle support has extensively rusted, even though the vehicle is only approximately nine (9) years old. During installation of my Winter tires, a dealership technician found this component rusted through on the passenger side of the vehicle. The technician described this as severe damage to the suspension system, that is not repaired, could result in an accident. I have had the componen... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic for an alignment check; however, the dealer and the independent mechanic could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
Driving 65mph on I40 hit a transition area of the pavement and the truck began the shake violently almost unable to control truck due to the shake. Had to come to a complete stop to make it stop. Happened again when I hit the next bump. I have read this is referred to as the death wobble. It is very scary and could cause an accident even loss of life due to an accident.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
While my wife was driving our QX56 during normal conditions at approximately 40MPH, QX56 begun to swerve repeatedly left to right in a dangerous manner and she had to apply brakes rapidly. Looking under the vehicle, the lower control arm was badly cracked and the cause of the swerving. I towed to my local shop (not Infiniti dealership) for repair and they confirmed the right control arm was crac... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2022
I almost had a car accident because my car shacked uncontrollably which is dangerous!!! I had my children in the car, the shaking started last year, my car is still new and shouldn’t be having these problems!!!!
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
I experienced a violent shaking that happened to the front end of my 2017 Ford F350 Super Duty truck (with 25600 miles on the odometer). It typically occurs at speeds over 50 miles per hour. It's also happened after going over bumps or grooves in the road. I brought my truck into a local repair shop because an appointment with my local dealer wasn't available until Mar 16th (60 days). The repair ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
Rear air suspension gave out while driving and will not air/raise back up. Air springs and suspension compressor are working but the car still will not rise. Very dangerous. This is a common problem with these car but Cadillac won’t acknowledge.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2016
el carro se bloquea tanto en direccion como en velocidades. pareciera ser que pierde brake fluid and gasoline
Crash
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2017) — SUSPENSION
Jan 18, 2022
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
When the vehicle was ~1.5 years old following its 10,000 mile maintenance, substantial thumping generated from the rear of the vehicle. Each time, the dealership attempted to resolve the problem finding issues with struts; however, it only went away in late March after having the vehicle in the shop for weeks at a time on 5 different occasions Nov 2018 - Mar 2019. I engaged Toyota HQ (800-331-4331... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that upon entering the highway at 60 MPH, his vehicle hit a few bumps in the road and the vehicle experienced the "death wobble". The contact stated that he had experienced the failure while between two semi-trucks as he firmly held onto the steering wheel. The contact also stated that he lost control of the vehicle and that his vision had ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2021
Both front and rear subframes have been replaced due to excessive dangerous rust. Also rear trailing arms were replaced due to the same issue. Many other components were replaced as well due to bad bushings. Had to drive the vehicle on the highway to get it home and was lucky to make it. Vehicle did not move after that for almost 2 months until the parts could be replaced. Stalantis received a cla... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
My wife made a left turn onto Agana Drive from Patterson Avenue in Santa Barbara, California a few blocks our home. After coming to a complete stop before making the turn, she drove about 150 feet when the car swerved to the right and the right rear passenger side of our Tesla Model Y hit left rear driver’s side of another car (BMW). I drove over to assist her and it appears from the AAA tow tr... Read more
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2018) — SUSPENSION
Jan 18, 2022
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
The car has had 10 safety recalls with one being the suspension. The suspension problem hasn’t been fixed as the car makes a loud clunking noise when driving it. My car has been to Volkswagen twice and they stated that the car was fine and they have no solution for the sound. This really needs to investigated. I googled the noise to see what it was and there are a lot of people that are complain... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while having a routine oil change, the mechanic noticed that the rear shocks were leaking oil and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact to bring the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 27,137.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle started making abnormal loud popping sounds, and the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact's husband was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that one of the driver’s side ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
Our Ford F-250 lariat has been doing the death wobble more and more we can barley drive the car anywhere without it doing it and we have almost wrecked driving it ! We spent a lot of money on this truck and haven’t had it long for it to start doing this!
Incident date: Dec 11, 2011
I have been experiencing the "death Wobble" for many years, and have gone to various shops to find out the problem but have not been able to fix the "death wobble". The entire car shakes and vibrates uncontrollably when I drive on the free way over a bump, or even when I drive on a regular street and hit a bump. The shaking doesn't stop until I come to a complete stop, and that is very dangerous ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2022
I have 4 recalls on my vehicle that multiple Ford Dealerships tell me that they can not fix because of parts not being available or no remedy is available. This has been going on for almost a year now. With these recalls, I feel that my car is not safe to drive. What needs to be done.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
Front wheels shake violently causing driver to have to brake hard and slow vehicle to regain control. Problem happens when vehicle is traveling at a speed of 50-60 mph and hits a rough spot on highway. Problem happens frequently and on several occasions has caused vehicle behind me to brake hard to avoid a rear end collision. The truck is not safe to drive.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2022
I own a 2018 Tesla Model 3. On December 1st, 2021 I heard a clunk in the front left wheel area while backing up. I stopped and found a 3 inch long 1/2 inch diameter bolt on the ground. I had my vehicle towed to the Tesla service center. They claimed that this was not associated to the recall for similar failure on 2019 and 2020 vehicles, but they extended the warranty and replaced the entire front... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
Going down Interstate 99 in Pennsylvania I hit a bump on the approach of a bridge at 65mph front end started shaking violently almost lost control of truck had to pull to shoulder and slow down until it cleared up. I got out and checked everything could not see anything visibly wrong with the front end. It is a 2018 F-250 with 23,000 miles on it. When I bought it the dealership said the death w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
Car shudders at the acceleration. Service center said it’s a widely known issue with front half shaft and clevis mount. Tesla already admits it is a design fault but wouldn’t cover it under the drive unit warranty. Can nhtsa make it a recall? Thanks
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
I’ve been experiencing the death wobble, which is a violent shaking that happens to the front end of my Ford F250 Super Duty trucks. It typically occurs at speeds over 50 miles per hour. It also happens after going over bumps or grooves in the road. To stop the shaking, I must quickly slow way down or even stop completely. It’s terrifying, especially when I’m driving with my 2 children in th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
I was on the interstate traveling at or near the posted speed limit of 70 mph. I crossed over an eroding seam on the roadway at which point the vehicle, and steering wheel, began to shake uncontrollably. I pumped the brakes cautiously and kept the vehicle on the roadway. At approximately 50 mph the shaking quit and I was able to continue my trip without any additional issues.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
Front stabilizer broke off from the body of the SUV not secure swab bar to the on Suv this could have make the SUV roll over, it is a 2008 GMC Yukon Denali [XXX]. I called the dealership to ask if this was a common problem on these vehicle. So I would like to report this problem on my SUV. My name is [XXX][XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(... Read more