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 4, 2019
I purchased NEW a Toyota 2007 Tacoma, After year of ownership I found heavy surface rust around the chassis and hardware components. I went to dealership and they stated that it was surface rust and were not able to rustproof . After 10 years I was assigned to SMA in FT Bliss TX were I was for 12 months on Active duty orders . Once I return and picked up truck from storage I found chassis complet... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Jun 18, 2022
Incident date: Sep 21, 2017
1. Speed control: Our family outlander has had some issues following our purchase, and I was assured that the hesitation when depressing the accelerator was just a product of the CVT transmission. It’s something we have just learned to deal with given the information we were provided with. It has put us in a bad position with countless near misses over the years when needing to merge, and the an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
I went to get my car inspected and was told that I would need to replace my cross member/subframe which would cost thousands. I was trying to figure out how to fix it for less when I came across a discussion board where everyone with these vehicles were having the same problem. I also look on YouTube and all the comments under multiple videos showing how to replace it also had the same problem. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2022
46,000 miles and the lower control arm is broken. Causing the vehicle to shake and almost be undrivable.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2018
My 2000 Honda Accord EX V6 has a few issues: 1. Front/rear struts, sway bar bushings, and sway bar links. This has caused my car to fail safety tests for the last 5 years. I have received an itemized estimate for these issues from a mechanic. 2. Electrical. The front instrument panel is not working properly. I can not touch any buttons on the dash or the lights on the panel will go off completely.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
Recall Number: 22V034 Audi has a current recall impacting the alignment of the rear axle. It is causing uneven and unsafe wear on the rear tires. Our tires are experiencing this greatly. We took the car into our Audi dealership. Audi, the manufacturer, rejected the request for tire replacement claiming alignment is within specification. However, if you take even a small glance at our tires, it is... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2022
Yes our safety was put at risk my husband was driving the car when this occurred. The rear frame stiffener rusted and broke, the tire almost came off in the process. There were no warnings prior to the event and Honda didn’t reach out notifying us of this problem that they were aware of. The vehicle is available for inspection. The vehicle hasn’t been inspected. We reached out to Honda reg... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2022
We are experiencing a clunk in the rear along with some sway at times when driving. We have had a mechanic verify that is a bushing issue that has been recalled (21S32) on this vehicle, but ours was not included because it was determined to be outside of the region of the recall. Ford will not honor the recall.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2022
Lower forelink cracked cleanly at the balljoint luckily I was going slow or could have lost control of the car. The break was clean and looks like it was just undersized for the weight. When I had it repaired at Tesla they replaced all 4 lower Fore arms 2 on each side even though nothing was wrong with the passenger front, which leads me to believe they also realize this is a saftey issue due to a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2018
Death wobble when driving more than 50 MPH when crossing a seam or expansion joint on the roadway, less than 18,000 miles on the truck, used like a car, not a work truck. Became worse over time, becoming violent shaking with the slightest bump. My wife was afraid to drive the truck. Had to slow to less than 45 mph whenever approaching a bridge, etc. The Ford dealership took two years to come... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2007) - SUSPENSION
Jun 16, 2022
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage and turned off, the entire rear end of the vehicle inadvertently lowered to the ground. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V264000 (Suspension) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2022
Purchased slightly used with only 34,387 miles. When driving at a higher rate is speed (62 or more) if the vehicle hits a bump (like when crossing the threshold of a bridge or hitting a bump in the road while in a turn) the passenger side Suspension shakes uncontrollably. As per news articles, Fiat Chrysler Automotive is aware and recommends a new steering bump. This seems to be a temporary soluti... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2022
I was making a left turn and I heard a loud popping noise. I pulled the vehicle into a parking lot. After stopping it would not move. When I put the car in gear I would hear a loud grinding noise coming from the back wheel base. I had the vehicle towed to a repair shop. I was told that the roll pins that connect the axel to the rear differential had come out. I am unable to have the car repai... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2022
During a diagnostic performed at the Maserati dealership to repair parking brake failure, it was determined that the right strut tower/dome has a large crack. The vehicle has not been in any major accidents or driven over any potholes and it appears that this happened spontaneously. There were no warning lights to signal this issue. During the diagnostic it was also found that all 4 tires were bal... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SLK350
(2005) - SUSPENSION
Jun 16, 2022
Incident date: Mar 12, 2021
A few days after a scheduled service visit at a local Mercedes-Benz (MB) dealer I noticed a creaking sound coming from the rear of my 2005 SLK350 that continued to get louder as time went by. I scheduled another appointment for post-inspection and I received the unfortunate news that corrosion of the subframe had resulted in a critical fracture rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive and that I was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
Vehicle has a rattling noise in front suspension when on uneven surfaces, causing concern for my and passenger safety.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Jun 16, 2022
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving approximately 45 MPH, she heard a loud popping sound coming from the passenger’s side rear of the vehicle after rolling over a small bump on the roadway. The vehicle made a loud clanking noise, and the rear end felt loose and unstable every time the vehicle rolled over bumps on the road... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2022
Traveling at speeds between 60-70mph on highways, at slights curves with rough pavement, my truck begins shaking violently to the point of losing control. Once I slow down and pull over it stops. It occurs without any warning. It has now happened a half dozen times. Nearly lost control and just avoided an accident on the last event. I had recall work done at Ford dealer today. Described the event.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
I just pickup my 2021 Jayco Blackhawk 31f last friday, June 10, 2022, at 4 pm. I drove home for 35 mile from Johnson Rv in Gilroy. On the way home, I has lost control of the car by wobbling around the freeway by run over a tiny bump. I call the RV Dealership the same day, but they already closed. Next day morning on Saturday, I call them and they said the service department closed and need to wa... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
A 220
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Jun 15, 2022
Incident date: May 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System), 21V990000 (Suspension, Steering), and 22V232000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2018
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the "suspension service" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle no longer felt stable. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact rel... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
We have been afflicted by the notorious Ford "death wobble" on our F-350XL multiple times. Twice, Haldeman Ford on Rt.33 claims to have "fixed" it only for it to happen yet again. The 3rd time it occurred, my field crew was on the PA Turnpike when the steering wheel began shaking so violently it caused the driver to lose control and hit a cement median. Somehow no one was hurt and no other motoris... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V631000 (Suspension, Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she lost control of the vehicle. The failure caused the passenger's side rear tire to rub on the fender while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
Under normal acceration..the car shake and vibrate violently. This is a known Tesla design flaw on all MODEL X. Tesla even issue a Technical Service Bulletin to address the design flaw. This shudder...shake... and vibration is very dangerous and could cause the drive shaft to separate from the drive unit. This will cause an abruption separation and stall in a middle of an intersection
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
Defective front sproket
MERCEDES-BENZ
E550
(2011) - SUSPENSION
Jun 14, 2022
Incident date: Jun 12, 2022
The air suspension started leaning heavily on one side after being parked for 12+ hours. And 2 days ago, while warming up the car, air suspension did not stop pumping air until front right air strut blew up. It was really loud and unexpected, I was lucky the car was not driven when the explosion happened. Checking through forums, most people who own W212 E-Class with airmatic suspension have issue... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and the rear passenger’s side lowered. The contact was able to pull over and he noticed that the rear lower suspension had separated at the bushing joint. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the lower link needed to be replaced. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
The rear lower control arms on my car are about to break. One has holes all the way through. At 40 mph, vehicle shakes in back. Issue also causes stability control to malfunction. No Jeep dealers that I can use will make appointments before 06/27 even after being shown the terrible condition of the parts. Nor do they offer a loaner car. I contacted Jeep themselves and was offered NO manner of acco... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2022
I was backing out of the Post office downtown Evansville Indiana on E sycamore street when I heard a thud and my right front tire was leaning in and front bumper on ground the ball joint broke causing my upper control arm to snap. The cops impounded it it's at Tristate towing in Evansville Indiana
Incident date: May 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, he was informed that the subframe was rusted. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 63,045.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle after the recall repair was performed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and diagnosed with strut failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fro... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, his wife noticed that the vehicle was jerking. The contact noticed that tread on both rear tires was worn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated the vehicle was already repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the dealer needed t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
Extreme, violent shaking of the front end. At highway speeds, when it happens, the vehicle is very difficult to control while trying to slow down enough for it to stop. This is definitely a safety issue.
Incident date: May 16, 2022
Crossmember rust from recall campaign 2818I is able to effect structural attachment despite recall work. The recall installed an "improved: cross member. This was not an actually replacement cross member, rather additional plate steel between the rear and front of the existing attachment points of the defective OE cross member. Improved cross member contains no provisions to support rapidly corrod... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2022
This involves our 2021 Keyston Carbon 403 RV (VIN: [XXX]. We purchased the vehicle in February 2021. Travelled about 1000 miles. Took it to Camping World in Wichita from our home for warranty work (not involving the problem) in October 2021; picked it up in March 2022 and drove home. Then on May 13, 2022 we drove the RV up to a nearby lake in Scott City, KS about 45-miles from home. We not... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
The car only has 500 miles. It is a show car not taken out of the garage. Went to change oil and inspection sticker. Found to have a bad front knuckle. It is cracked. Many forums on this. This car is limited and has very low miles by owners. This should not be occurring
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
The suspension failed when I was backing out of a parking spot. As I drove to the Tesla service center for the diagnosis, I could hear rattle and clanging. Tesla notified me the suspension forelink LH and RH had to be replaced.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2022
Control arm snapped and frame broke
Crash
1 injured
WINNEBAGO
ADVENTURER
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Jun 12, 2022
Incident date: Apr 29, 2022
When the vehicle gets in rough road or windy conditions the “service advance trac” message comes on dash board along with “hillside driver assist disabled” and the cruise control stops working. This has happen on two trips. About 5000 and 8000 miles
Incident date: Jun 2, 2022
On 2 Jun 22, on I-24W near Nashville, while driving at the posted speed limit (65mph), I hit a pothole. The front end started oscillating which made it very difficult to maintain control. I slowed and pulled off the highway. The bouncing stopped just before pulling off. I inspected the tires for possible damage. There was none. Later the same day on I-65N north of Indianapolis, also driving near t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Coolant warning light on - seeing leak Coolant warning light for coolant level comes on. Seeing a leak at a hose. Leaking at coolant bypass hose under intake. Coolant pipes in thermostat housing are coming loose at the epoxy joint. Chassis system failure, The car will stop abruptly on roads. And if here's that these problems that are reoccurring have been recalls before, That have not been... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
If you hit a bump in the road or rough road you can not control the truck almost put you into a wall.
Incident date: May 4, 2022
The vehicle disabled and the steering wheel locked on the highway once the speed hit 70mph. The wheel bearings are always rattling and if I go through a pothole the steering and tire feel really loose. The brake system doesn't feel right and has made a loud metal grind sound. The exhaust and or gasoline smell is way potent and not normal either it is strong smelling all the time. Potential recalls... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2022
I purchased a 2013 dodge journey approximately 8 months ago. Before I bought it I asked the salesperson if the front end was out of alignment, as it pulled to the right. He told me everything was checked, and it was in excellent condition. He told me the reason it pulled to the right is that the roads were made with a slight slant for water to run off. It continued to pull, although it was drivabl... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Jun 11, 2022
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
Unknown. Suspension issue/s cause car to jitter and vibrate (unsettled washboard-like ride quality) on the road. Suspension is standard-- not air suspension. Noticeable vibrations/jittering at speeds over 35mph. Makes steering difficult. Makes driving exhausting, as every undulation is transferred into the cabin. Issue has not yet been inspected by dealer or manufacturer. No warning lights--- but ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2022
My front suspension keeps bottoming out while driving down the road. If I catch a pothole or dip in the road I will bottom out. Today I was in a parking lot and it bottomed out going over a speed bump. I know there is a TSB for the eco diesel Rubicons but for no other sub-models.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that he previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and repaired under the recall. Recently, the contact was informed by an independent mechanic that cracks had formed on the rear suspension due to severe corrosion. The contact then took the vehicle to another d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2022
I was pulling out of the garage and I heard disturbing sound coming from the bottom it sounds like something is breaking. I thought I drove over something like water bottle but a lot louder. So I stopped halfway through the garage and looked under, nothing visible looked around each tire nothing, checked the monitor screen no warning, nothing, so I thought maybe the sound is not coming from the ca... Read more