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 5, 2022
First, my secondary battery died 1.5 yrs into ownership and completely disabled my vehicle at a stop light, which left me nearly getting slammed into multiple times from the rear at an extremely busy intersection. There was no warning that the battery was failing — no “idiot light” — and a fire truck had to assist in getting me to safety. I was stranded for 3.5 hrs awaiting a tow to the de... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2021
purchased vehicle in sept 2019 and had no issues until recently. Hitting bumps on freeway causes extreme shaking which lasts upwards of 6 to 10 seconds. Having this occur on icy roads can result in total loss of stability. I've taken this into the dealership already once, and issue still occurs. From research it looks like this issue has been present in jeeps for decades. Why hasn't the NHTSA forc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
The front driver side coil spring broke at the base. Was driving my car and heard what sounded like something hitting the underside of my car. Upon inspection we found the coil spring had broken. In researching online there was is a campaign recall for 2010-2011 Hyundai Sonata (#133). My vehicle does not fall in this category, but feel it should. Coil springs just don't break, unless you are g... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2020
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle drove towards the right lane, but the contact was able to veer to the side of the road as there were no other vehicles around. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2014
The rear lower suspension arms recall notice solution was replacement of arms if needed and than sealed with epoxy. Labels were applied stating the arm is no longer adjustable. The vehicle no longer can routinely get a wheel alignment at a market expense. The Toyota company suggests for further alignments go to a Toyota dealership and have a alignment done for 900.00 dollars every time you need a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
The front air suspension perfectly failed right after 4 years manufacture warranty. It is life-threatening since my right front suspension drops all the way down. If this happens when I'm on a highway at high speed, it might kill me.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
After going over a rough patch of road, the steering wheel began to violently shake. Causing difficulty keeping the truck in my lane. I waited briefly for it to stop but it wouldn’t. I pulled to the shoulder and began to slow down. Around 10 miles per hour the shaking finally went away. Ford has recalled the steering damper. This repair has already been done on this truck but did not resolve the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving on cruise control at 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced the death wobble, twice. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The contact called the local dealer but had not received a response. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the vehicle had begun swaying while driving approximately 60 MPH. Additionally, the contact noticed a creaking noise coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled into a parking lot and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact noticed that the control arm had detached. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagn... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
Was operating vehicle on I-65 traveling at interstate speeds. Hit a bump and vehicle started shaking and violently vibrating. Had to slam on my breaks to get the vehicle to stop shaking and back under control. Feared for my life and my son from being rear ended due to it being a busy highway. The vehicle has done it several times and this is my second complaint due to not hearing anything back.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
Front lower control arm bushings and front and rear sway bar bushings are cracked.
OLDSMOBILE
ALERO
(2002) — SUSPENSION
Jan 2, 2022
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
Kept cutting off won't stay crunk long ignition is jammed loud screeching noises from the springs alternator might be the reason electrical issues fuel pump I had to leave my car at a friend's place I'm not working due to the COVID pandemic not able to afford repairs I really need my transportation someone referred me to this site
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
I have experienced the famous Jeep Death Wobble in the past with my 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport...same model as now, so I knew what I was experiencing. Over 2 days I was driving the highways (real estate agent) and 6 times when I hit a bump in the road the front end starting shaking and I began to lose control of it. I knew from before that putting on the brakes quickly will help to stop it, but hard... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
1#.air . #2 not inspección 1year ago. #3 air bag lihg warning was the first day a Buy tne car. never im put interés now im know Is bad in damgere.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
While driving at approximately 65 mph on a highway under ordinary conditions and on a relatively flat road, unprompted by any driving event, the truck started violently shaking. The steering wheel was shaking uncontrollably at the same time. The passenger reached for the grab bar to hold on to in fear as it felt like the vehicle was out of control. The event lasted approximately 30-60 seconds and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2020
Rear Struts/Shocks have been replaced twice due to failure and they have failed again. The first time was due to horrible noises coming from rear of vehicle going up inclines. The second time they were replaced noises came from the rear going over any slight bump or rough terrain.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
I have had in excess of 15 incidents where my truck upon hitting a bump in the road the front right tire began to go into what is referred to as a "death wobble". I took my truck in to have it repaired. The wobble stopped for approximately 2 weeks and then the left tire began doing the same thing. On Dec, 31st driving from Stockton to LA I hit an uneven spot in the highway when I was between a sem... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 18, 2018
Transmission slipped almost from start. Took three appointments and two years - If my shop foreman knew the third time, why did he not call and tell me we now know your problem. I finally got fed up and brought it in one more time. Starter from day ONE maybe 50% of time made loud bang when Bendix retracted. Shop refused to take it off!!! I checked ball joint boots. One feels like no grease ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2013) — SUSPENSION
Dec 31, 2021
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
Frame already has holes from rust after only 8 years and was well kept and washed regularly. The vehicle also has about 85k miles
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
In the last 2 months I have had the front passenger tire blow out 3 times. After this last tire repair the car started to shake, vibrate and make a knocking noise while driving. When driving faster the steering wheel would jerk me almost offthe road. It was so bad I pulled over and when I looked at the front passenger tire it was smoking and sitting sideways. I had to get my vehicle towed and now ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
Safety Recall: WVX34 NHTSA Campaign: 11V464000 The front lower passenger side control arm completely rusted in half. It occurred while parking vehicle, fortunately not driving at high speed. The recall was previously completed by Subaru dealership in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2011. According to service records, they had been treated with anti-corrosion coating... I purchased the vehicle from a fam... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
Airbag suspension fails when the compressor fails causing a fuse to blow and loose all air ride suspension. The ride leaves you feeling terribly unsafe hoping you can make it home in one piece. Its all over the web about this issue. Canada has a class action lawsuit filed. There are service bulletins but we need a recall with a permanent fix. It costs over 3000 with no guarantees to be fixed if yo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2021
a safety issue that has been termed the Jeep "death wobble" has occurred numerous times over the past 6 months . When a bump or pothole is confronted , there is a violent shaking of the steering wheel and front end and it takes anywhere from 5-15 seconds to resume control of the vehicle . This usually occurs at a speed of 55-65 miles per hour . control of the vehicle is virtually impossible when ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
There have been absolutely no modifications to my 21 Jeep Wrangler JL sport it has never been off road it has the stock tires at the proper tire pressures and I experienced it unbearable wobble at high speeds when I hit a bump AKA death wobble I cannot believe that jeep is still not addressed this problem, it has been ongoing for years with the Jeep lineup and not been addressed this is my first J... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
The body panel around the rear driver side shock mount has almost completely rusted away. Driving one day, I started to hear a loud clunking noise from the rear driver side. It started to get louder the more I drove it. Upon inspection, I found the body panel had completely rusted around the shock mount tower, which is only now connected to the rear floor panel. Without the support of the rest of ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2019
A little over 2 years ago my truck started the death wobble. I didn't know at first what it was but after internet searches I quickly came across the so called "death wobble". I have taken it in to the dealer multiple times They have changed a few parts when taking it in, at my own expense, but never have fixed the problem. It is progressively getting worse and is very dangerous to drive. Not... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) — SUSPENSION
Dec 30, 2021
Incident date: Oct 17, 2020
The rear subframe rusted through causing mounting point of the torque link to fail. As a result, the car looses control when braking going sideways. Luckily, I discovered it when testing brakes after pad replacement in a safe setting. To my understanding, there are many other W204/W212 cars affected in the US with that issue. Mercedes so far does not want to take responsibility and recall cars for... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
This vehicle was sold for use over US highways, as "repairable condition". After going to a mechanic shop, I was advised, because of sever rust the rear leaf spring hangers were completely rusted thru, the rear axle assembly could come off or the frame could break in half, by just going over say, a railroad crossing. The mechanic said they would not repair this vehicle for use to drive on roads. I... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2012) — SUSPENSION
Dec 30, 2021
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
Symptoms are identical to recall W47, Where loss of engagement between transmission and the differential inside PTU (Power Transfer Unit)
Incident date: Dec 4, 2021
UNKNOWN While driving at highway speed when a mild bump is hit in the road the front end starts to wobble violently first happened around 35000 miles and now is so bad the vehicle is not safe to driver at highway speed
MERCEDES BENZ
SL500
(2003) — SUSPENSION
Dec 30, 2021
Incident date: Aug 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the following day he noticed that the front of the vehicle was lowered down. The contact stated that the car was too low a warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and taking his foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle would raise up independently and would be able to d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2020
the car was bought certified used from Galpin Kia which is no longer in business. That location closed down. I had gone 2 times with the same issue and they refused to look under the car & mechanic basically said chill out it’s fine. Sent me to galpin Ford to which I talked to 2 employees and In tears expressed my fear and concern yet was told to relax and nothing was wrong .took to Kia new lo... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2022) — SUSPENSION
Dec 29, 2021
Incident date: Dec 8, 2021
When driving at 40 to 60 MPH and hit shallow pot hole or bump in the road the front wheels violently shake and the steering wheel (electric steering) violently vibrates for 5 to 8 seconds. Dealer checked the vehicle and claims there is nothing wrong with it but did turn off the "attention assist" setting from sensitive setting claiming it was the cause. The issue still exists but not as violent. I... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
I have started experiencing the known “death wobble”. I have 68585 miles on truck.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2016
Was driving on the highway when my truck started shaking violently, had to pull over and check what was wrong, but no did not see anything wrong. Took it to the Ford dealership near me. Was told the tires were my problem had them replaced but the shaking continues. Ford does not have an explanation for me. What are my options?
Incident date: Dec 25, 2021
2017 passenger ball joint broke Driving about 25mph, no injuries No recalls were found, towed, repaired 2019 driver side ball joint broke Vehicle was stationary in a wait line at restaurant, no injuries No recalls found, towed, repaired 2021 Christmas night, passenger ball joint breaks again Speed was 60mph, minor injury occurred without medical attention. Haven't been towed or repaired yet.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
Car was being pulled out of parking spot and front suspension failed. TESLA rode side service took car to TESLA dealer. TESLA said car was too heavy for parts and now the knuckles and the fore links for the front suspension need to be replaced. The car had a full alignment in February and everything was good. They said they were aware of a problem others are concerned about bit they can't do anyth... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
While travelling on an interstate highway going approximately 65 mph, the steering wheel and front end began to violently shake after going over the seam that separates the pavement from a bridge. The shaking only stopped after I slowed down considerably. The shaking was bad enough that I felt I did not have full control of the vehicle. The weather was sunny and 40 degrees and the pavement was ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
the frame has rotted to the point the vehicle cannot be driven. rusted with holes all in it unsafe
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a wobble coming from the front passenger’s side tire. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ball joints needed to be replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. There was no warning light illuminate... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
My front sub frame was completely rotted, unsafe to drive and was repaired with Mazda's recall. It now appears that the REAR sub frame is rusting at an excessive rate. I have been reading several complaints where the same incidents are happening with the rear sub frame snapping while people are driving. Car is not safe. This needs to be addressed by Mazda. They are aware of front sub frame, b... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLB 250
(2021) — SUSPENSION
Dec 29, 2021
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
This vehicle was purchased new, in cash, from the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Bellevue, WA. It was delivered to me, without being warned about the car being equipped with summer tires, the state of Washington has continuous rain, snow, and ice in a regular basis throughout the years, summer tires are not a good tire for an SUV such as this GLB unit in this region. On 12/27/2021 I went on an errand... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2021
air bag horn cruise control-no major accident...got air condition fixed and shortly after my horn stopped working but it works if my panic button is pushed. Horn Doesn't work when I lock the car. The cruise control and bluetooth stopped working and airbag light is on one after the other. I was told it was a clockspring and it's 1000 dollars to replace and is a 2.00 part . Vehicle isn't worth a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2021
Vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair. The dealer mechanics diagnosed a failed engine mount bolt. Vehicle mileage is 66965. This vehicle is driven lightly and this failure seems to be premature.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
While driving on the highway my car suddenly went sideways five times. I had no control over my vehicle and luckily did not hit another vehicle. Once I was safely on the shoulder, I saw that my rear driverside wheel was sticking out. I had it towed to the dealership and then found out that there was a recall on the rear toe end link adjuster. They kept my car for weeks and kept sending me assessme... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 27, 2021
Defective tone rings and sensors cause the Traction control system (TCS) and ABS system to be disabled. Cruise control is also disabled. Repair parts have been back ordered for months. Ford repair facility has advised vehilce is unsafe to drive .
Incident date: Dec 28, 2021
I started to hear a grinding and cracking and popping sound I checked the vehicle and the front left ball joint is bad there is an obvious crack in the joint that is easily visible when inspecting the area of the front left wheel and it’s components
Incident date: Dec 2, 2021
The engine cradle mount that holds the lower control arm failed because of severe rot but only one mount is rotted, very localized. Have picture of failed piece. The broken mount cause the passenger side front tire to move independently from the drive side wheel and makes it have hard to steer straight. Called dealer and it’s a very well known problem, you guys did a recall with early models a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2021
front passenger side CV Axle/Boot, control arm, tie rod end fell apart causing tire to dislocate from vehicle. Vehicle has been properly maintained. It is at Mazda dealer service dept. It can be inspected there. If this fell apart on freeway it could have caused a major accident and loss of life. Dealer has not confirmed problem yet, awaiting their inspection. There were no warning signs or sym... Read more