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
Incident date: Jan 8, 2022
The rear passenger side Adaptive Suspension wiring harness was either installed improperly or routed improperly and rubbed against the inside of the tire. After many miles, this harness was worn down to the point of breaking electrical contact, which puts the vehicle into a fallback state. When the dampers are disabled, the car becomes floaty and disconnected and is dangerous to drive. There were... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
My Jeep experienced sever wobbling, as if the front wheels were coming off. So, I took it to a repair shop and they said it was the "death wobble." When I took it to the Autonation Jeep Dealership, South, Columbus GA. I was told that they had a recall on that 2 years and 3 months ago, and since the 2 year warranty expired, there was nothing they could do about it. If a recall doesn't work, the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2022
On the morning of Thursday January 13th I pulled in my place of employment which had a small pot hole at the entrance. Upon entering the parking lot I hit that hole and noticed that my car had a bit of a sway, but did not understand what the issue was. After working 8 hours I was going to leave and noticed the same issue with the vehicle. I then exited my car to inspect my tires thinking I had a f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Lexus IS250. The contact stated that the rear tires of the vehicle were wearing out quickly. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on a different brand of tires that she had purchased including Pirelli and Continental tires. The contact also stated that the tires were only lasting for 3,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics who diagnosed t... Read more
MERCEDES BENZ
C300
(2009) — SUSPENSION
Jan 13, 2022
Incident date: Oct 6, 2020
I am 80 years old, and disabled. Gave this car to my son, (age 53). Within a month, he experienced a potential LIFE THREATENING incident with the car. While driving, the car became very unstable and steering was almost impossible. The car was towed to A-1 Auto Repair in Pitman, New Jersey for analysis. This establishment has an excellent reputation for Mercedes-Benz repairs. Upon extensive revie... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2021
The front dash assembly is melted over time and is so bad I cannot see out the front windshield. I told the dealership that I believe this was a recall and they said it was but that the specific job for that expired ? I didn’t know recalls expired. They are willing to fix the current situation with the current system failure of the over heating window switches but a major problem is the visibil... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, he heard a popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and inspected the vehicle but found no failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving however, at 5 MPH he heard another popping sound. The contact called a local towing company to have the veh... Read more
FOREST RIVER
CHEROKEE
(2021) — SUSPENSION
Jan 13, 2022
Incident date: Oct 15, 2020
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Cherokee RV. The contact stated that as the tires of the RV were frequently flat, the RV was taken to the dealer to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer diagnosed that one of the axles was bent due to the overloading of the RV. The contact stated that the dealer did not provide any further information on the axle that had failed. The contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2022
Total rust of the bottom of the car. Front sub frame has to be replaced and rust on the back of the car. 107473 miles.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, immediately after the repair she noticed that the vehicle had been fishtailing while driving. The contact called the dealer who completed the recall repair and was informed to bring the vehicle back for further review. There were no further repairs per... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2020
1) The vehicle idle is too high. It jerks forward every time I'm at a stop then I want to go forward. I have almost ran into the back of other cars while waiting at a stop sign. 2) The bolts and Subframe is coming detached from the car. It has been confirmed by dealership and franchise auto repair places (2 of them) that the car motor is knocking around and the subframe is loose! I've currently sp... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
At 60 mph, vehicle front end occasionally starts shaking violently (death wobble) after bump in road. Have to slow down or stop to correct the wobble. Loss of control of the vehicle. I have heard of the problem on same type f250 in the past. No warnings before issue occurs.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2022
I was traveling on the highway at about 60 mph, hit a small bump in the highway and nearly lost total control. Pulled over and came to a complete stop. Re-entered the highway and nearly lost control even at a slower speed, 55mph.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds on two separate occasions, the vehicle was shaking violently and experienced the death wobble. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,426.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
The ESC and engine light came on and then the stability track light came on for a matter of a min and then all the lights just went off. I seen there are recalls on these issues but not for my vin number.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
When you hit a bump, the truck violently shakes. This usually occurs at speeds greater than 40mph. The only way to get it to stop is to come to almost a complete stop. Very dangerous if someone is behind you and you have to stop fast to get it to stop. This occurs very frequently. I replaced parts the repair ship tells me is bad and the problem continues to occur. This occurs almost every time I d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
I was informed at inspection that the main front cross member has a huge hole in the center of it and is rusting out badly. At 162,356 miles this car will not pass safety inspection. This car is not safe for me or my family. No warning lamps or messages. I was told that one bad bump could do us in. We were told to contact the dealership and found out about the extended warranty that had already pa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and was wobbling. The vehicle was towed to a collision center and diagnosed with corrosion in the lower rear suspension. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the collision center. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2012) — SUSPENSION
Jan 12, 2022
Incident date: Jan 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle would shake uncontrollably while driving over a bump in the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mil... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2021
I was driving my vehicle and I ran out of gas. The gas gauge maintained a quarter of a tank and the gas light never came on. I check for recalls and it turns out this is a known recall for this vehicle, but it says 0 recalls. But the problem still persists, therefore the vehicle is still suffering from this problem. After filling the gas after the car ran out. I tested this theory 2 more times to ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
AUDI A8 HAS BEEN USING LARGE AMOUNT OF COOLANT. HOWEVER, ITS NOT RUNNING OUT THE CAR. YET IM STEADY BUYING COOLANT BECAUSE ITS SAYING ITS LOW. AND WHEN I GO TO PUT THE COOLANT IN MY CAR IT IS LOW. SO WHERE IS THE COOLANT GOING? IN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE MY COOLANT WAS GOING OR WHY WAS IT CALLING FOR SO MUCH I DID SOME AUDI RESEARCH ON MY VEHICLE AND SAW THAT IT HAD A PRIOR RECALL. I PURCHASED ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
at 30K miles, the car started to make loud noises when driving over speed bumps, the smallest of road variations. Dealer detected the issue until Hyundai executives were contacted. Then, the dealer changed their story and confirmed the shocks on the car need to be redesigned in reinstalled and it's becoimg a national/ international problem. They are talking about the rear shocks only and not inc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2022
Lower control arm broke due to excessive rust/ corrosion on ENTIRE underside of vehicle. Nearly caused accident . Scared the bejesus out of us . Now afraid to drive.
FOREST RIVER
ROCKWOOD
(2014) — SUSPENSION
Jan 11, 2022
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
The tires are hitting the bottom floor if you hit the bumps or pot holes in road and causing the tire to bottom out on the floor of the trailer causing the tires to blow out and wear out prematurely. This was noticed on previous year models…
Incident date: Dec 16, 2021
While driving on freeway between 55 mph and 65 mph the truck shakes violently when driving over an uneven bridge transition or uneven bumps is highway. Impossible to control and had to pull over to stop. This has happened 3 times within a months time
Incident date: Dec 10, 2020
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Lacrosse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there was a waiting list for parts. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
I am the original owner of a 2017 RHD Jeep Wrangler with 15,538 miles on the odometer. While under normal driving conditions, the trackbar bracket on the frame side broke away from the frame. Upon inspection by the dealership, it was noted that only one side of the bracket had been welded at the factory. Jeep will not accept fault and since my vehicle exceeds the 36 month warranty they state that ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2015) — SUSPENSION
Jan 10, 2022
Incident date: Sep 15, 2021
The rear suspension feels like it’s loose and Mercedes Benz dealership says it’s nothing wrong I almost lost control of the car
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
Took the truck in for tire rotation and was told they couldn't do it due to the rear frame being severely rusted out I have noticed this is a very common problem with this year truck in the same area mine is rusted out
Incident date: Jan 9, 2022
Truck shakes and wobbles violently if a bump or transition in the road is hit at 50mph or greater. Truck has less than 13K miles on it , sits at stock height and tires have not been changed
Incident date: Jan 9, 2022
When truck hits certain rough areas of the road the steering wheel will begin to oscillate violently and the truck will shake(death wobble). This will continue until you slow down to around 20 mph. The dealer the truck was purchased from was notified of the situation but can not get me in for at least a month. This has only happened when traveling in a straight line but if did occur in a curve I d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2021
I OWN A 2010 HONDA CRV EX. The rear sub frame that carries the axle and suspension on the left side broke while making a left- hand turn from a restaurant. The sub frame that attaches to the unibody had rusted and the bolt connecting the suspension had pulled the frame section out. The car was inspected by my insurance company AARP Hartford and denied payment. They considered this a mechanical iss... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2022
I have experienced out of nowhere violent front end shake on 4 different occasions since purchasing a used 2019 Jeep Wrangler Sahara three (3) months ago. It cannot be reproduced as I cannot determine what exactly causes it to happen but on at least two occasions I was traveling along highway bridges. There are no warning lights or messages prior to the violent shake.I have had a tire store empl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
I was driving down the rd and all of the sudden my truck jumps into 2nd gear and looses all power to speed up and it seems like I'm in neutral my relay box is messing up everything electrical now it shuts off at stop signs and If it keeps doing all this I'll have to replace transmission. I've already replace tipm 2 times
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
When driving my rear control arm, on my nissan altima 2014 rusted and corroded so much that it broke in the back. When taking it to pep boys, they had said the left side was only a matter of time as well before that too suffered a similar fate. I live in Michigan which constantly uses salt to help the roads during winter. I have received an invoice of 2700 for repairs and after some googling I sa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2021
Both Rear tow links and knuckle replaced
Incident date: Jan 9, 2022
Issue is commonly known as the 'Ford death wobble' where the front end begins shaking violently at highway speeds and does not stop until the vehicle is rapidly slowed down and/or stopped. Control of the vehicle could be lost during this type of event and having to rapidly slow down is a safety issue for other drivers on the road as well. I will be scheduling a service appointment with a dealer, b... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
Steering dang link , steering gear box has my steering throwing me all over the road . It's getting bad to almost causing wrecks and suspension is very bad . This has been getting really bad to the point of calling a lawyer
Incident date: Jan 6, 2022
Experienced death wobble-violent shaking of steering wheel and car side to side -on highway on 1/6/2022. It happened twice, 5 mins from my home. Both incidents occurred in expressway. Once while traveling 70mph and had to swiftly change two lanes in rush hour traffic to the slow lane. The shaking stopped stop at reduced speed to 50. Then the second time minutes later I was going 57mph in the slow ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2019
The front suspension shakes violently after encountering an irregularity in the road commonly referred to by the f250 community as " the death wobble".
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF SPORTWAGEN
(2015) — SUSPENSION
Jan 7, 2022
Incident date: Dec 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the rear end of the vehicle was very low. Additionally, her children informed her that their buttocks hurt whenever the vehicle would hit a bump while driving. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
The front suspension and steering becomes unstable and uncontrollable at highway speeds when uneven pavement is encountered. There is a vibration and a side to side motion of the steering wheel that does not stop until the vehicle is stopped. This issue was first reported to the NHTSA, and the manufacturer through the dealer Santa Margarita Ford, Ranch Santa Margarita California in early 2021. A... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
I recently purchased a used Jayco Precept 31 UL motorhome that is on a Ford F53 chassis. After the purchase I found that the vehicle handled very dangerously when being passed by a large trucks, or when there were crosswinds or medium strength winds. The problem was bad enough the I narrowly avoided accidents caused by being pushed around by passing 18 wheel trucks or crosswinds, or both. After... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2022
Loss of steering and uncontrollable shaking/ oscillation of front end suspension components when hitting small bump at 55 mph. No warning light or notification of this prior to happening. Phoned dealership they will be inspecting truck.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2018
The front coils of the vehicle were totally deteriorated and could have led to an accident. I noticed that earlier models were recalled due to this same condition. I paid ~2K to have this problem fixed and the garage stated the coils should have lasted to 120k miles. Hyundai has subsequently issued extended warrantees for their elantra vehicles of which we own one. I am concerned that this defe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2021
When driving my muffler broke loose and was dragging on the ground. My axel creaks when I stop or sit idle at a light. When several miles from home my ignition cylinder came out. I couldn't start or turn the ignition on nor operate the steering. I'm now afraid to drive my vehicle. Since acquiring it. I've put a lot of money into repairs. In addition to purchasing this vehicle, I've spent ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
My truck has been parked at a Dodge Service Center for three days. I've been told the suspension has failed and needs to be replaced. The cost will be approximately $4,000. I've never been in an accident. I've never used the truck to tow anything. I don't drive off-road. I DO perform regular maintenance before the recommended time/mileage. I use quality products (oils, filters, brakes, etc.). N... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2021
The front end experiences significant head shake and "death wobble" at speeds greater than 50mph. An alignment, balance, and tire rotation did not fix it
Incident date: Jan 6, 2022
Driving down the highway doing somewhere between 75-80. Hit a small bump in the road and then it felt like the front end of my truck exploded. The steering wheel started violently jerking and the whole truck was shaking from the inside out. I held as tight as I could to stay inside my lane since I was surrounded by many vehicles travel long as fast as me. I slowed down as fast as I could and was a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2000 BMW 323I. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, an abnormal rattling noise would emit from the rear end of the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection, the contact discovered part of the rear driver’s side subframe had detached from the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact called the dealer about the failure and they offered no assistance. The man... Read more