Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 48,554 complaints — component: SUSPENSION
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V746000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The local dealer and the manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
While driving this 2019 F-250 truck, all of a sudden the truck began to shake violently. Not only the whole truck, but the steering wheel was shaking violently as well. I was scared to death.This has happened on the interstate where I was in the left lane passing a tractor trailer and no sooner did I get passed then my truck began this "Death Wobble." I had no place to pull over to my left, so I h... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) — SUSPENSION
Feb 17, 2022
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
The rear suspension subframe rotted. The car has 140,000 miles and is kept in a garage. There was no warning regarding the damage. I nearly lost control of my car on a highway, it was I reported this to Mercedes to see if there was a recall. There was no recall on the part, Mercedes did not take responsibility for repairs. I paid to have the car repaired. There were no warning lamps that alerted ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2022
My wife and I took delivery of a brand new 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport on 4/28/2021. The vehicle is completely stock and has only been serviced by the dealership we purchased it from. In October 2021, we drove over a defect in the highway at approximately 70 miles per hour. The entire vehicle started shaking. It felt like the shaking was coming from the front suspension and steering. We pulled ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH and making a left turn, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The contact mentioned the failure was related to the bushings. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and then to a dealer where it was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was no longer in... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2015) — SUSPENSION
Feb 17, 2022
Incident date: Feb 17, 2022
Have Toya tires on 2015 Mercedez ML350. In snow/ice roads car makes unpronounced lateral motion such that passenger and driver notice. Is worst with patchy ice snow conditions. Problem is not apparent in dry conditions. Condition is quite to most concernoing. Tire pressure is to Mercedez specificatiions all tires at 32lbs.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
My wife purchased a new 2022 Honda civic sport, it has lane control assist and at high speed it wonders, pulls side to side, follows lanes color change, pulls into a curve and pulls when going by big trucks into the truck. I have to hold the steering very tight and it has made my arms hurt from the straining. I went to Honda 4 time before anyone admitted it has a serious problem. Hammer Honda in ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a grinding and rubbing sound was present coming from the rear of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Noticed a rattle in right rear of vehicle. Upon further investigation the k frame is rotted into two pieces where a body mount travels thur the structure steel frame. The corrosion is vast on this steel frame. There have been other complaints on various years same models. This is a very dangerous thing to break during driving because the entire wheel support connects to the corroded frame member.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
8 years ago was crossing RR tracks and vehicle started violently shaking had to slow to 10mph for it to stop. Checked found nothing wrong finished drive home. Took to Ford dealership and they said some tricks shake when tire pressure is wrong and didn't find anything wrong with vehicle. Truck did this once more and after that when I approach RR tracks I slow to 5- 10 mph to keep it from happening.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
I was driving north on I-65 traveling about 65mph and the Rear Air Suspension failed and dropped to the point the tires were about 1 inch (2.54 cm) from the finder wells. I lost control of the car, the rear end was bouncing, almost causing me to crash. Not only that, but I had to drive it home with the hazards on, while driving on I-65, people passing me at 70mph. Cadillac knows about this fault a... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2010) — SUSPENSION
Feb 15, 2022
Incident date: Feb 15, 2022
High Point Mitsubishi in High Point NC preformed the recall in regards to rust forming on the underside crossmember of this vehicle. Less than 3 years later this vehicle is immovable because of the exact same reason as the original recall. The technician obviously overlooked areas of which to spray the rust preventative in which caused the structural integrity to completely fail at the front mount... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2020
This vehicle has been on the recall list since Feb of 2020, every ,it was taken to Tamiami Ford Inc., in Naples Fl. about 4 or 5 times since I was notified by Car Fax a couple years ago and they always say the same thing " We dont gave the part ". So what is a customer supposed to do? But when I pay them for servicing the vehicle there are no problems having the Part.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2021
Felt sudden, hard bang under left foot while driving approx. 40 MPH. Car then lost control. Driver steered to right to get off road, hitting a curb in the process. Found broken left front axle when finally able to stop the car. There were NO obstacles or potholes to cause this accident (photos).
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2015) — SUSPENSION
Feb 15, 2022
Incident date: Feb 14, 2022
Rear driver side coil spring failure, the component is available for inspection Broken spring turned sideways and had a very sharp edge at fracture and was rubbing on the wheel and tire with potential to puncture tire resulting in loss of control. Vehicle handling was severely compromised making it difficult to maneuver. Failure of spring was confirmed by independent service center No warning la... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) — SUSPENSION
Feb 15, 2022
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
This is a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 4matic Luxury model, with about 110K miles. It started making beating noise and pulling to the right when brakes were applied. Driving became quite dangerous especially at a higher speed, and the driver had to steer the car very carefully to compensate the fish-tailing. It also affected braking as well. There was no warnings from the car, but the noise, the fi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2021
Severe vibration from 30-70mph when acceleration, outboard boot split/slinging grease on left/right sides. CV axle has alot of movement. Right and Left axle shaft needs removed and replaced.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
Went into a curve and vehicle swayed and went into the other lane as if had a flat tire. I had it checked at an independent garage and found rear axle is breaking
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
I went to Tom Ford Ford in Carmel, IN in 2016 on this issue and was repaired under warranty then Ford sent an updated letter warranty letter about the DPS6 transmission and reduced warranty from 10 years to 7 years which expired in 2021. Car started having transmission trouble in early 2022; Tom Ford will not repair because not under the reduced warranty terms. I asked for Zone mgr from service m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2022
I believe there may be a defect in either the steering or front suspension system. when traveling at 70 MPH or higher the vehicle will violently shake and feels as if the tires are bouncing off the pavement when the truck drives over an expansion joint on an overpass. The bouncing/ shaking escalates within seconds and feels as if the truck will destroy itself. the truck needs to be stopped for the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2022
Dealer still has no parts for recall 21S32 and no ETA for such. Recall said parts would be available the latter part of the 4th quarter of 2021. Out of caution I replaced the toe links with MOOG parts at my own expense. I found the existing toe links to be rusted overall and the U bracket weld rusted and poorly executed. Pics are attached. If FORD feel this is a safety issue, then it should ass... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2022
2012 CADILLAC SRX. CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE RELATED TO A NHSTA SAFETY RECALL.
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2005) — SUSPENSION
Feb 14, 2022
Incident date: Aug 21, 2021
Rear frame rail rust through at control arm mount locations on both driver and passenger side. In addition frame from suspension mount forward approx 2feet rust through. Vehicle was kept washed and has no other rust issues except for frame. I’ve learned that this was an issue from 2003 to 2008 model years. This issue has been checked and verified thru a reputable garage
GRAND DESIGN
REFLECTION
(2021) — SUSPENSION
Feb 13, 2022
Incident date: Feb 10, 2022
While parked in an RV park I discovered that the right rear spring hanger on my fifth wheel RV had fractured and separated immediately adjacent to a weld line. I am unaware of any incident that can explain this damage, although I did hear a clunk while auto leveling the vehicle at our campsite. (Auto leveling is computer controlled and is a routine operation.) Inspection of the intact left rear... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
Took car in and asked Nissan dealer to inspect rear lower links as there was a creaking noise and had just received extended 10 year warranty from manufacturer on components. Said completely fine. 3 weeks later driving down the road heard a thump in back end and car became impossible to control even at less than 20 miles an hour causing it to fishtail from lane to lane. Took car back in for repair... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
My wife and I were traveling on I-40 at about 70 mph when the front end of the vehicle started shacking violently. We had to slow and come to a complete stop. This happened twice so we returned home driving about 50 mph. The first shop replaced the stablizer shock. This did not help. Took it to a second shop they replace the ball joint this seemed to help until got to highway speed. It happe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
I was exiting the freeway with a speed limit of 75 mph. On the off-ramp I lost control of the Gladiator. The front end wobble was so bad that I could not hold onto the steering wheel for fear of breaking my wrist. Instead I had to wrap my arms about the wheel in an attempt to stop the wobble. I was unable to keep the vehicle in my lane, and finally ended up in a large ditch next to the off ram... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
The rear lower control arm snapped on the vehicle and Nissan is aware of this issue through p9324 that I found online. Per the online information it is only covering 13 models in the salt belt states in the US and 13 & 14 models in Canada. This is a very dangerous condition and should be a recall of all models and years that have these parts installed in all salt belt areas.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
The truck has a furious shake and wobble on the front end suspension after running into a bump, the wobbling is so extreme that the only way that I stopped it was to step on the brakes and bring the truck to a sudden stop, making the traffic behind me to come sudden stop or even possibly causing a rear end collision, it happened to me in the middle of crossing a river bridge, I thought that I wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2021
Driving down the highway pulling our 5th about 65 mph when I had to make a sudden stop. The truck steering wheel a front end started to shake violently and almost caused me to wreck. Stopped shaking when my speed was About 35 mph.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
I went to mavis to get new tires for my car they showed me the frame car is not repairable and they showed me the back frame under neith the car and also showed me the rotted frame that's 2 places that's rotted I hope dodge dealer will replace the rotted frames some one can get killed because of the rotted frames and I think dodge should recall the cars and put new frames on their cars for free
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
I forgot to tell you that the control arms on both sides and lower ball joints on both sides went bad because of the rotted frame on the car where the A frame sits is loose because of the rotted frame I grew up at the beach area and we never had rotted frames on any of the cars that we had dodge should have told people about the rotted frames and they are responsible that's how I feel about it wha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2022
On January 11, 2022 I was driving in Live Oak, Florida with my cousin when my left lateral link came loose from the chassis. The left driver’s side tire turned to the right and the linkage arm dug into the ground causing the car to veer right and bringing the car to an abrupt stop. By the grace of God we were driving in town and only going about 20 mile per hour and no one was hurt but the fro... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
At speeds above 50mph steering wheel & front end vibrates uncontrollably. Have to apply the brake & get below 45mph to get it to quit. Local Ford dealership has replaced the steering linkage damper per Ford bulletin 20N04. That did not solve the problem. There was no warning lights or other indicators before, during, or after this issue started. My personal safety is affected by this issue as wel... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
Brakes inspected, back frame rusting out severe holes, mechanic stated you need another vehicle within a year
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
We purchased our 2010 Nissan Armada in April of 2020. We recently took it in for an alignment and was told by the tech that the rear suspension is frozen. He said this is costly to get fixed and that he has done one but would not do another. He suggested we search for recalls as this is not the first one he has seen.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
If I incur a bump while traveling 60 mph, the front end will violently shake and rattle. The only way to stop this condition is to come to a stop. The vehicle feels totally out of control when this occurs. It is also very dangerous coming to a stop on a highway or interstate.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2020) — SUSPENSION
Feb 11, 2022
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
2020 Atlas Cross Sport SE 4 MOTION. At 15,000, vehicle exhibited unusual and dangerous transmission behavior that compromises the safety and longevity of the vehicle. The vehicle demonstrated severe acceleration lag from stop, revving at high RPM's before moving, harsh grinding gear shifts, "start/stop errors", and bucking at lower gears. Car was taken to service center for the first time and dia... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
The 2003 Subaru Forester Sub Frame is rusted. I live in Illinois.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
My vehicle is suffering form the defect described in this recall notice - https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10169208-9999.pdf However, my vin doesn't show as being recalled in the NHTSA lookup tool. This week the same experience was observed while driving over 50mph and hitting normal bumps in the road. A wild vibration/oscillation takes over the vehicle and presents a safety concern fo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly jerked to the left causing the vehicle to fishtail and cross the median line. After regaining control of the steering, the driver was able to safely park on the side of the road. While inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the rear driver’s side wheel was angled out... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2019
I have changed tires 2 times but I did not know that my sequoia has a recalled from the suspension and it seems to me that all the suspension is out eventhough that I replaced the struts upper and lower balljoint side arm rod tide even the racquet pinion may be out please help with the nesessary repair driving it like that I’m putting my family at having a accident cause the tire do not wear pro... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2021
I bought this vehicle in nov of 2021 took it to local mechanic who quoted me 1000 to fix it completely so I did a little at a time the suspension control arms and rockers completely bad! Now the vehicle only has130000 miles on it and the CVT worst transmission ever is going out which is 5000 to fix I can’t believe there is no recall knowing these vehicles have and are know for bad transmissions ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2022
When driving over 50 miles per hour, on highways especially, the front end of the truck and steering wheel starts to shake uncontrollably and I have to immediately slow down and/or pull off the road. This is very dangerous considering there are numerous tractor trailers and other vehicles on the highway. It's often impossible to pull over when needed and I am fearful for my life. It has been happe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
Front Right lower control arm w/o police right front wheel. Tpms system. This will be the second time I’ve had to replace the front lower control arm the tea PMS system does not work ABS traction control are off totally the same year of car make model everything was recalled to have this fixed but it was only with the police cars what makes you think that the ones that weren’t police cars didn... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
I was driving on an interstate at 80mph when I hit a bump in the road. This happened on December 15, 2021. The front end of my truck went into a horrendous death wobble. I immediately slowed down and pulled to the side and stopped. When I started back on the interstate the front end was fine. I purchased this as a used truck on November 9, 2021. I then was driving on a county road at 50mph, ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2021
A clunking noise started in the rear of my Murano. Upon inspection I found that the rear suspension subframe crossmember has completely rusted through and the car is now unsafe to drive.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLB 250
(2020) — SUSPENSION
Feb 10, 2022
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLB250. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 45 mph and merged to the left, the driver was losing control of the steering and crashed into the meridian. The contact noticed that the front axle fractured and detached from the vehicle. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The dealer was not contacted... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 10, 2022
It is known as the Death Wobble. Truck starts vibrating uncontrollably without any warning. Pulling a trailer when this happens causes a dangerous situation. Unless you have experienced it, no words can describe the violent nature of this suspension breakdown. There is no telling what other damage these episodes cause. Ford is not willing to fix this design flaw.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
When I had to drive with 1 inch of snow on the road it felt like my rear end was going to come out of my car. My rear end was all over the place and has been getting worse when driving in snow and rain. This is putting my children life at risk especially since there's a recall on my vehicle and there's still no parts to fix it. I want a rental car until someone gets this issues fixed! Someone is s... Read more