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: Mar 3, 2016
. Experiencing “death wobble” (vehicle shakes violently) at speeds over 50 mph. This vehicle is available for inspection upon request. . When experiencing this “death wobble” it feels like I am going to lose control of the vehicle. . This death wobble has been confirmed by an independent service center. . Steering components have been inspected by an independent service center and n... Read more
FOREST RIVER
WILDWOOD
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Jul 14, 2022
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
On the morning of June 11th, while traveling along Interstate 90, west of Billings, Montana, our travel trailer had a tire disintegrate within a matter of seconds. This unexpected event was alarming and placed our family in a very dangerous situation. Fortunately, we heard the tire blow and were able to pull off onto the shoulder of the interstate immediately. We assumed this was an isolated tire... Read more
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Jul 14, 2022
Incident date: Aug 15, 2018
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the driver's side rear tire experienced a blowout. The blowout was on the middle of the tire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was informed that the tire failure was due to a rear axle and wheel misalignment failure. The dealer repaired the vehicle and replaced the tire; however... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
Several failures including loose bolts multi Bent frame 6-22 Brake caliper failure 6-22 Axel failure 4-22 Acuator failure 5-21 Other parts worn out Trailer has been to shop with documentation. Dates are spread out and approximate but documented. It should be noted I have spent considerable time speaking with dealer and manufacture of both trailer and boat to address issues. I believe based... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Infiniti QX56. The contact while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was swaying in the rear of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the fuel gauge was not operating properly after the fuel tank was filler. Additionally, there was an unknown failure with the rear suspension. The tire failure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2013
The subframe and rear cross members are extremely rusted and corroded, resulting in the vehicle being unsafe to drive. While there appears to be a ten year extended warranty covering the repair of this problem, apparently not every 2012 Jeep Patriot qualifies for extended warranty which only applies vehicles manufactured at only certain locations. According to FCA customer care the extended warran... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
My 2015 Nissan Altima, I've had it (7 years), started stopping without warning. Last week, I've had the valve cover replaced, because it was oil coming through one of the chambers of my spark plugs, I got a new battery, & I got the oil changed to make sure that everything was flowing correctly and running clean. Then it happened again. I put my car in park, I turned it off, and started again. The... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Jul 13, 2022
Incident date: May 31, 2022
My Outlander isn't even a year old. My rear suspension is completely shot. The back of my Outlander bounces all over the road and when I hit a bump of any kind it feels as if the rear of the car is sliding out from under and could spin me out. It is not a safe vehicle to drive especially on long trips. I do drive back and forth to work though as it is my only form of transportation. The dealership... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2022
After going over bump in the road truck starts bouncing uncontrollable, like the left tire in bouncing like a basketball to a point of almost losing control, until i can slow down to a stop ,then when I speed back up it stops. I have only experienced this two times both in the last month the truck has about 32000 miles. I have taken it to dealership for maintenance but I don't think they really k... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
Ford death wobble. Truck shakes violent and almost loses control driving at 60 miles per hour.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
Recall for the drag link on this series of 2500 trucks calls for welding an adjustable part of the steering linkage - the drag link jam nuts, rendering that part non-adjustable. Once welded, to then perform an alignment the welds would need to be carefully ground off, alignment work performed, and then once again everything re-torqued and welded back in place per the recall advisory steps. Also co... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2009) - SUSPENSION
Jul 13, 2022
Incident date: Jul 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, he heard an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road. After looking under the vehicle, the contact noticed that the subframe located next to the gas tank was fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the re... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
Car started making funny noises from rear tires and was swaying. took it to local mechanic and found out the rear subframe and suspension has rusted away. According to research this is a common problem with this SUV
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
Electrical : First instance in 2020. There are instances when you stop the car, and it appears the vehicle has no electrical charge (it is a gas vehicle). Happened once while parked (2020)- service request August 2020, and another while waiting for a green light (2021). My concern is this occurs and causing an accident. Suspension: First instance in 2021: The vehicle has less than 50K miles. T... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Jul 12, 2022
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
So here I am - another "happy" driver with a rotten subframe. Started noticing instability on the highway speeds a few months ago. Cracking noises lately. Since I use this car my very honest mechanic immediately told me that my rear subframe is completely done and I should not be driving the car until it is replaced. He quoted me $4500 (OEM parts + labor), but suggested that I take my car to MB an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
Rear suspension is garbage, is rusted and broken and seized to the vehicle. The spring has fallen off the strut. Did not know what the weird noise was, but apparently it is the rear suspension. Cannot use the vehicle until repaired, was not notified of the brake sensor recall, and this part should be recalled as well. I want a reimbursement for my expenses to repair this faulty suspension
Incident date: Jun 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The driver was able to steer the vehicle safely to a nearby parking lot. The contact was unaware if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with the steering gear assembly failure. T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
My car only has 54,000 mile and my transmission is already going out and it happened out of nowhere literally I just started getting stuck at lights like the cat didn’t want to go so mechanic told me it had to be something the dealership could do cause it’s no way I keep up my fluids and all and my brakes just keep wearing
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lowered, causing the contact to nearly lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear strut assembly, air springs, solenoid module, ECU, and connector assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
I have discovered that my 2011 rav4 is part of the NHTSA Recall No. : 16V-596 even thought my vin doesn't list it as being part of the recall. As I recently tried to get a rear wheel alignment done due to misaligned rear tires (bowing out). The 3rd party mechanic stated that doing a rear wheel alignment was impossible due to NHTSA Recall No. : 13V-383 repair/fix done by a Toyota dealer where epo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2022
The rear passenger k frame is rusted in half...almost caused me to wreck with my 2 young kids inside... very unsafe... something needs to be done about this problem...
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Jul 10, 2022
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
Ball joint separated from control arm while driving. Vehicle was undrivable had to be towed.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Jul 10, 2022
Incident date: Jul 10, 2022
The driver side suspension mount to the rear subframe has rusted through. While applying the brakes the car pulled radically to the left almost causing me to lose control. This is a known issue from what I can determine but Mercedes has refused to issue a recall. The car cannot be driven until this is fixed.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
Premature failure of left front coil spring with approximately 103,000 miles on truck.. Spring is still not repaired. I believe the broken state of this spring could have steering and handling implications to both this vehicle and others under certain conditions while operating vehicle on rough roadways, especially pothole laden ones. This spring failure was brought to my attention by may local F... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
The rear subframe is extremely rusted and breaking into pieces in multiple areas. The vehicle shakes upon acceleration and slowing down. Due to being lower income I cannot afford to fix the subframe (estimated to cost $400 for the the frame not including labor). Also the vacuum lines dry rotted and fell apart.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
6 Speed Powershift transmission burnt up without giving any codes or warning lights. Vehicle had started making a low whine noise at 10,000 miles which Dealership technicians claimed not to hear. At 50,000 miles took vehicle into Dealership because noise became very loud and popping noise from front end, report was transmission had failed and burnt up. Dealership did a rebuild on transmission had ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2009) - SUSPENSION
Jul 9, 2022
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
Take my car to the dealer and told me my rear subframe is rusted out and is dangerous to drive. Total cost replace they said around $5800 . Why there isn’t recall for the problem in the USA ? I find out there is one in Canada and Germany for this car. What I’m supposed to do with the car? Take it to a junkyard because Mercedes’
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
The air suspension system has failed multiple times and Tesla has been unable to correct with a permanent solution. I have read that this is a known issue with this make and model and wanted to report as it could be a large safety concern.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Severe wobble at speeds over 35 mph. Uncontrollable after hitting a bump or bridge at hiway speed
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
Lost steering on car while driving. Shop noted right control arm completely corroded through and broken axle. Entire undercarriage rusted and corroded. Available for inspection. Sudden loss of steering is a risk factor for serious injury or death. Problem has been looked at by two independent service centers who have agreed on problem. Has not been inspected by manufacturer, whom I have conta... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
SUV started making a strange noise and the rear started dragging before 70K miles. Needed a new axle and a rear differential. Total cost was $3800.00 and not covered under warranty. The rear differential oil wasn't even due to be changed yet.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
I have owned this Ford for 3 years now. It uses coolent excessively and I have replaced many parts. The Catalyic Converter went out, all motor mounts, font and rear suspension, engine burp valve, faulty throttle body, fried drivers side bulb socket, wiper arms stripped, weather stipping corroding on windshield near hood, front window cracked and damaged, coolent temperature control sensor and fir... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2022
Rear bushing has split causing the rear end to sway and rattle loudly. Extreme safety concern. Unable to get in contact with any of the dealerships in Tucson AZ in regards to this matter.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2022
Front End Shakes Very Bad And Gets Worse The Faster You Drive UNKNOWN
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
The front sub frame of my 2009 Hyundai Elantra is completed rusted and rotted. It looks like the control arm is about to drop out of the frame. After an inspection by my mechanic he insisted the car is no longer safe to drive and suggested I do not put any money into the other problems we were having with it ( the reason it was at the shop).
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
The front-end of vehicle begins to violently shake after crossing over a rough spot in road or driving over grooves in road. The only way to stop the violent shake is to extremely slow or stop the vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
Was going into the turn lane and heard a thunk. Around 35mph. After turning I noticed my car wasn't driving straight. Looked under my car and found the lower control arm broken. Was rusted out.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
When making a right turn at approximately 5 miles per hour the front driver side suspension arm failed catastrophically causing the wheel, brake assembly, part of the suspension arm, and a small part of the frame of the vehicle to break off and roll approximately 75 feet into traffic. This also caused my break system to fail entirely. The week of the incident the Vehicle had been driven approximat... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
Rear Shock broke away from vehicle chassis. SAFETY Issue Mazda Technical Service Bulletin 02-016/18 " ....breakage can occur. ......the material and the shape of the bracket has been modified" THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART $675 to replace two DEFECTIVE shocks
MERCEDES-BENZ
E500
(2005) - SUSPENSION
Jul 8, 2022
Incident date: Aug 24, 2019
I was sold this car and because I did not know what the red "STOP CAR TOO LOW WARNING" meant when I was driving it home, I was not only scammed by the used car dealership with no recourse, but I also was tricked into driving this car while it was not supposed to be driven for safety, per the manual of the vehicle. I will include a picture of the safety message from the manual where it states, "HIG... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
DRIVING THIS JEEP HIT A BUMP JEEP GOES INTO A DEATH WABBLE.
HYUNDAI
GENESIS COUPE
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Jul 8, 2022
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
The contact's son owns a 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The contact stated that while his son was driving at low speeds, the vehicle made abnormally loud noises. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear axle mounting bolt was fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2007) - SUSPENSION
Jul 8, 2022
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
Massive amounts of rust underneath the car on the frame and pretty much everything is affected around it. Concerned for my families safety…Toyota needs to address this immediately!!!
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
Assuming something in suspension. Uncontrollable vibration in front suspension/steering of vehicle. Not as of yet for my vehicle. Did find many reports online referencing what I/we experienced. Scheduled to take into Dealer and local service facility for further inspection. No warnings of any kind. Around 65 -70 MPH there's VIOLENT vibration/shaking on the wheels making steering uncontrollabl... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) - SUSPENSION
Jul 8, 2022
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
I took the car to Mercedes for service and they found that the rear suspension frame had extensive rust and recommended that it should be replaced. The car only has 87,000 has been garage kept since buying the car in 2013 and has been serviced my MB. The frame has two quarter size holes at the same location on the left and right sides. MB was made to recall this in both Canada and Europe. MB sta... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) - SUSPENSION
Jul 8, 2022
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
The car started fishtailing slightly when the brakes were applied at speeds around 25 MPH. First it was taken to a Mercedes dealership on June 24th where they said it need a sway bar and tires. They were not sure that would address the issue. When we went to get tires, the tire person said the control arm was connected to nothing in the rear. The rear subframe was rotted to the point that ther... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Jul 8, 2022
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The item that has failed is the rear subframe of the vehicle. It is available to be viewed. It is still on my car, as it has not yet been replaced due to the cost. When braking, the front of the car will pull left and back feels like it is pulling to the right, as if you are spinning out. The problem is that the subframe is rusted out at under 100,000 miles. I just hit 100,000 and it has already b... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA SPORTWAGEN
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Jul 8, 2022
Incident date: May 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal noises. Upon inspection, the contact noticed the coil spring bushing had detached and was on the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with three fractured coil springs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made awa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
Traveling at highway speeds I hit a bump and it started to wobble. Some call it the death wobble.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2022
Rear Suspension Control Arm Failed while operating the vehicle, resulting in the car swerving and becoming temporarily uncontrollable. No accident resulted, but had a car been in the lane adjacent to mine, there certainly would have been a collision. I am grateful this did not occur on the highway at higher speeds. Mechanics found that the right rear suspension control arm failed and was heavily... Read more