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 22, 2022
Purchased this vehicle last year was told and confirmed the frame was sprayed..this year holes and rot...Toyota is NOT backing a limited time warranty/recall..I was told that if many complain this agency may be able to do something for the consumer /taxpayer....
Incident date: Jun 22, 2022
THE TCM FAILED ON THE CAR AND IT IS A VERY COMMON THING. THE DESIGN SET THE MODULE IN A LOCATION THAT OVERHEATS AND MALFUNCTIONS WHEN CONNECTION IS LOST WITH MECHANISMS THAT WARP UNDER HEAT, THE COST TO REPAIR AT THE DEALERSHIP WAS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
When traveling over 50mph, when I go over an uneven area of road the vehicles front end vibrates violently (AKA Death Wobble). I cannot utilize the brakes to slow the vehicle, I have to let the vehicle slow on its own down to about 40-45mph before the vehicle settles down. This issue has been going on since late last year. Two visits to the dealership have failed to correct the issue. Research ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
The Power Control Unit of the full time four drive unit is defective and has caused warning lights that made the car unsafe to drive. There is current safety recall by NHTSA 20V343 that applies to 2014-2017 jeep Cherokee that applies to my car but does not shows up on the Jeep data base. Please advise. Thank you
Incident date: Jul 21, 2022
Driving down the road at approximately 60 mph we crossed over a bridge. Once we crossed the bridge the trucks steering wheel started to shake violently making the truck near impossible to handle and steer. We had to reduce speed quickly and pull to the side of the roadway to keep from wrecking the truck.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2022
Broke suspension on a pothole. After repair, Alignment shop would not align vehicle because Ram welded the Drag Link as part of their V06 recall so that it was no longer adjustable. Being that this is my primary vehicle, I had to purchase a new drag link so that my steering could be readjusted as well as have my tires wear properly. I asked Ram for Refund on this repair , but they responded that ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2018
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front-end of the vehicle was shaking violently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 Infiniti G35. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, there was an abnormal popping sound as the rear-end of the vehicle lowered to the pavement upon depression of the accelerator pedal. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear subframe was detached from the vehicle. The contact initially towed the vehicle home and then to an independen... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2022
When driving over some overpasses on highways the "bump" causes the whole front end to shake and makes steering very hard to maintain. I have heard this called "the Dodge death wobble" and has been reported by many other Dodge Ram owners. I have had all of the ball joints and tie rod replaced. This is a highly disturbing occurrence when traveling at a speed of 65-70 mpr on a highway. This has ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SL500
(2003) - SUSPENSION
Jul 20, 2022
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
I was driving my car at 45 mph and suddenly, unexpectedly a red light flashed ABC do not drive. Smoke was coming from under the car and the front end of the vehicle collapsed downwardly. I had to call for a tow truck to take my vehicle to the MB dealership. I'm I am waiting for the prognosis. I've had numerous issues with the All Body Control system. Expensive repairs in the $3000-$8000 range. Thi... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Jul 20, 2022
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
Right rear coil spring fractured while vehicle was being driven at low speed on city streets. There was no obvious precipitating event. Upper part of spring was lost, lower part is available for inspection. Part has been ordered from local dealer but is currently unavailable, due to prior recall on similar models (19V188000). Report will be filed with VW Customer Service. Dealer unable to est... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2021
Reverse gear went out after vehicle slipped once, acted as if in neutral when in reverse and pressing gas pedal down but would not move. Had local towing and mechanic shop in Gower Missouri check transmission fluid level in which was found to be a quart low on transmission fluid. Car had been extremely well maintained and all recommended maintenance services completed by previous owners. Able to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
I took Jeep 2011with only 77,000 miles on it in for new brakes and was told that the REAR SUB FRAME and CROSS MEMBER BAR are completely RUSTED OUT and that it needs to be replaced. according to my own online research this seems to be a VERY COMMON PROBLEM with Jeeps. Perhaps this warrants a recall. Thank you.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2022
CONSTITUENT WRITES IN REGARD TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE IN ORDER TO PERFORM SAFETY RELATED RECALLS ON THEIR 2018 FORD ESCAPE.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
Rack and pinion rusted out and had to be replaced. It cracked in the middle of the highway and left me inching to safety. Never fully recovered 186k, frame is fully rusted and will not pass inspection due to faulty oxygen sensors and excessive rust and corrosion. Will need to replace exhaust to input a new sensor at 4k Vechicle is fully operable and functional but cannot pass inspection withou... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2016) - SUSPENSION
Jul 20, 2022
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The car is less than 6 year old and was driven less than 20,000 miles, no accidents and never off road. Left rear shock was leaking and so was the left rear axle seal, I could not tell how much differential oil was leaked out, but there is quite a lot. I feel that there could be a serious safety concern.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
On June 1st, we dropped off our 2017 Suburban Premier at the GM dealer. The suburban was had suspension issues, it was no longer safe to operate. Just before noon, the service advisor called to inform me that both struts and shocks were bad. If I wanted to proceed, repairs would be $4045.67. When asked how this was possible, I was told they hadn't seen this before. They thought this was odd, too. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2022
At 32k miles sudden development of a severe steering wheel shake after a small bump in the road. It now happens repeatedly at highway speed under normal driving conditions. I am required to slow to under 30mph to allow the shake to stop. This happens when just driving the truck as well as anytime I am pulling out 35ft 5th wheel home. The first few times it happened, I was able to keep the truck ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2022
I bought the vehicle 2 months ago, and 2 weeks ago, I noticed the car was shaking when I applied the brakes. The engine light came on and I took it to the shop, and was told I needed a new engine.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Jul 20, 2022
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
leaf springs malfunctioned & yes its available for inspection. safety issues of cracking noise sounds like cracking in the suspension or axle. on 7/7/22 Lorenzo at Richland Chevrolet in Shafter, California confirmed & had it all day for inspection. no warning lamps or messages were provided. First appeared on 6/30/22. continental crosscontact LX20 P275/55 R20 111 t eco plus+ Tires are chopping ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2022
Front fork axle bracket. If ridden it may have broken thru and loss of front wheel To be inspected at the dealer, July 23, 2022 no symptoms or warnings, observed break after riding oddly
GRAND DESIGN
REFLECTION
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Jul 19, 2022
Incident date: Jul 18, 2022
The right rear spring hanger broke away from frame while driving through a construction area with little to no room to maneuver.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Jul 19, 2022
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
So I took my car to get new tires and the tech told me that my rear subfram was rusted and cracked ,unsafe to drive . I called mercedes and they asked to take it to the dealership and get a quote. I did this and there response was to do nothing .this issue has been recalled in Germany and also Canada. But nothing done in United States. This is a serious safety issue .let's say I never got my tire... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
Passenger side subframe rusted out near steering/suspension components causing my sone to lose control of vehicle and crash. This is a well know defect of this vehicle.
Crash
MERCEDES-BENZ
GL350
(2011) - SUSPENSION
Jul 19, 2022
Incident date: Mar 27, 2020
Malfunction with the air suspension. The vehicle is currently lowered and will not rise which is causing the tires to sit in a bent position and a horrible ride. The tires appear that they will detach from vehicle which is a safety risk for myself and others. After repairs from someone who presented themselves as a certified Mercedes’ mechanic, the issues still exist. The problems first exist... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2022
Rear left lower control arm broke while vehicle was in motion almost causing a loss of control. Vehicle was towed to a local repair shop for inspection and repairs
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
Stabilizer bar connected to the frame rusted off,back passenger side! Causing the vehicle to sway uncontrollably, due to the low rate of speed, I was able to regain control of my vehicle and not drive off the bridge I was driving over at the time or crash into another vehicle. The engine runs great, everything works, the vehicle still looks good but the frame is rusting out from underneath it! Toy... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clanking noise coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, the steering wheel became loose without warning. The contact pulled over and upon inspection, the front lower control arm had severed due to severe corrosion. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 11... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
Stabilizer bar connecting the axle to the frame rusted off. I was driving only 25-30mph at the time, luckily. The vehicle swayed violently almost causing an accident and nearly forcing me off the bridge I happened to driving over. Very fortunate no one was hurt and nothing was damaged from the incident. You can imagine the tragedy if that had happened on the highway driving 75mph! Major accident, ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2022
I have been having continuous problems with the transmission jerking and slipping passengers can also feel this. I am also experiencing vibration in the steering when you get up to high speeds around 60-80 mph. The car also has a habit of lunging forward suddenly when the gas saver light goes off which can cause it to hit other vehicles.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2022
The contact owned a 2013 Ford Escape and requested to be removed from the recall notification lists.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2021
I have taken it twice to the dealership. There is an issue with the rpm and i receive several light on my dash. The most dangerous is when I try to speed the RPM goes so high and it stops driving. They told me it had something to do with the recall but the recall has expired so now i have to fix it.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2022
Steering has become increasingly stiff and harder to turn, as if the power steering doesn't work. My granddaughter hit a curb in a tight turning entrance to a 4 lane highway and broke the wheel and other component parts.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 4, 2022
1. TRANSMISSION AND CORE STRUCTURE 2. The vehicle was apparently in a bad accident, damage was not exposed at the time I purchased the vehicle. 3. Unknown 4. The vehicle or component has been inspected by a reputable transmission shop, and Car Max has inspected the vehicle as well, 5. I did notice from day one, that the car was lower on the front left side, and the car started to hesitate whe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2022
Suspension will start going up and down not safe while driving
Incident date: May 4, 2022
While driving on the highway all of sudden the front end of the truck starts to shake(its being called the death wobble) and you have no control over the vehicle until the shakes stop. When this first happened 2 months ago I brought it into the dealer and they told me that it is called the death wobble and they were going to fix it. Well, it wasn't as it just happened again yesterday.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2022
When driving my 2009 HHR the steering wheel shakes & vibrate at different intervals. Usually while slowing down to a stop & sometimes after during high speeds. Recently the noise it made was frightening. I had to use my emergency flashers & drive 50 mi per hr. on the freeway to arrive home safely. I took my car to Mark Chevrolet & reported it on 08/02/2021. The car's mileage was 133344. The car is... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2022
I was driving on the highway going 70mph, and hit a bump in the road that caused the whole truck to violently and aggressively shake. I let off the gas. The truck was hard to control and it was a scary 10 seconds. Eventually it regained stability and it was rolling normal.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
2008 Dodge Avenger Suspension Steering Crossmember K Frame 04094C Front, Suspension has rusted apart and is causing steering issues. Tire is coming loose from drive terrain causing wheel to hit frame while turning.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2022
Left rear lower control arm broke alsoknow asl link arm right rear lower link arm has cracks
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
We started having a death wobble while driving between 60-70mph where the steering wheel shook Violently and the vehicle shook so back it hurt and scared me and my kids in the back seat. It was very scary and almost caused me to wreck with my kids in the car on the interstate. We then looked up and saw there was a recall for this problem. We took the truck into a dealership and got it supposedly r... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
We started having a death wobble while driving between 60-70mph where the steering wheel shook Violently and the vehicle shook so back it hurt and scared me and my kids in the back seat. It was very scary and almost caused me to wreck with my kids in the car on the interstate. We then looked up and saw there was a recall for this problem. We took the truck into a dealership and got it supposedly r... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
The rear electro magnetic coupler had to be replaced at 120000 miles. Online multiple complaints are listed for the same issue and Toyota has a recall issues for the same component for the RAV4. So why not for the Toyota Sienna xle ltd awd Thanks
Incident date: Apr 12, 2022
I purchased this vehicle with 19K miles on July 31, 2020. I noticed on April 12, 2022, that there was a knocking noise coming from the left front suspension after leaving a Mazda dealership for an oil change. I called Mazda service and was told they only did an oil change. I have put 4 brand new tires and have replaced the front/back brakes, rotors and still hear noise going over uneven pavement. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Sequoia. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, he noticed that the rear wheels were extended outward. The contact looked under his vehicle and noticed that the rear subframe and suspension were extremely rusted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, there was no diagnostic test performed. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the entire subframe of the vehicle was rusted due to severe corrosion. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed the subframe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal creaking sound coming from the front suspension of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The contact indicated that the sound was caused by insufficient lubrication of the suspension ball joint and socket during manufacturing of the vehicle and t... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Jul 15, 2022
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
Both front upper control arms are corroded.Vehicle is 2 years old and has 10375 miles.Dealer stated there is no outstanding recall or a TSB associated with this issue.This is a Trail Boss model with a lift kit from the GM.There is another recall that was issued for 19-21 models with lift kits with the same issue but apparently this model is not matching that yet the problem is very obvious.Please ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
Heat shield over muffler fell of vehicle (from corrosion of bolts and nuts) exposing rear cargo area (contains spare tire and other components) to excessive heat.
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Jul 15, 2022
Incident date: Sep 13, 2021
Both front axles were defective. They were just replaced by Nalley after Autonation told me for 8 straight months nothing was wrong with my car. My Taos made a loud knocking sound, steering wheel vibration and I almost lost control of it on the highway.