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 10, 2022
The hub assembly came apart while driving which disabled the steering of the vehicle. We have replaced the hub assemblies 5 times in the last year, due to faulty design of the parts, and were well aware there could be an issue because the first time it happened it didnt lock up completely while driving and would start making a squealing noise. We bought this truck in 2018 with 49000 miles on it a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
My 2014 Ford F-250 started developing a Death Wabble when on rough highways doing over 45mph. Three or four times I took it to Ford service Tucson at 22nd street and technician changed steering box, ball joints and generally looked it over. The other day the Death Wabble was every 5 miles on highway 83 which is a little rough but no potholes. Took the truck in yesterday and they couldn’t find a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
I was driving the 2019 Ford F-350 XLT ( 027506.7 miles on odometer) on I 94 highway west of Detroit at highway speeds (65-70 mph). Highway had rough/spalling pavement due to winter freeze cycles. Vehicle hit rough patch of highway and vehicle started to violently started to shake and wobble while at the same time steering control of the vehicle was minimal and non responsive. I was able to sl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, she noticed that her brakes were failing. The contact stated that she drove her vehicle to an independent mechanic who attempted to replace the brakes however, the mechanic informed her that her vehicle had a lot of corrosion on the brakes, and underneath the vehicle, which caused the brakes to fail. The con... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
The death wobble returned for the 3 time after getting it repaired at the fire dealer 2 other time. Make a appointment to have it look at again. They can’t get me in for two weeks to look and not sure how long to repair. Unsafe to drive
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Bought the car 04/21 had throttle issues the dealer replaced it kept noticing after that i was still having problems with car take it to tire shop entire buttom of car is rusted needs new sub frame sway bar lower arms was very dangerous deiving car want stay straight
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
Vehicle drove over small pothole in high speed lane at mile marker 22 on nb i-75, north of cincinnati, lost steering control when vehicle shook side to side violently, had to pull off left sholder, slowing down to 10 mph to regain control. traffic had to avoidme, almost rear ending my vehicle. Speed was apx 70 mph at time of incident, i was in fear for my life. I just had vehicle inspected by cert... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
Our 2016 BMW X 5 axle is broken. Can't drive ( very loud noise ) steering and directional control are a safety risk. We purchased new on 9/19/2015 and are the original owners . The car has approximately 60,000. plus miles on it. Living in Ketchum ID we have had all service and Maintenance work done locally because it is 160 miles to Boise ID. We also have a home in Cincinnati OH. where our sec... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
One broken strut, one leaking strut and one leaking shock. I noticed an oil leak on my garage floor at right rear wheel.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLB 250
(2020) — SUSPENSION
Feb 8, 2022
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V990000 (Steering, Suspension) however, the dealer informed the contact that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact self-diagnosed that the front struts were faulty. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was waiting for a callback from the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an indep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2018
I was totally aware of the recall for these year models of Tacoma and I brought the truck in several times to have the frame inspected and asked for it to be replaced. The folks at Dorschel Automotive group turned me away saying it did not meet the "rust perforation standard." Lo and behold, when Dorschel was bought by Bob Johnson Auto Group, the first time I took it in they recognized that the fr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
I took my car in for an alignment and the mechanic discovered excessive and sever corrosion on the lower suspension link in the rear, the corrosion is so bad that the entire subframe is holding on by a corroded approximately 1/2 inch section, one bump and the entire rear end of the vehicle will fall off. This car is less than 10 years old, has 80,000 miles on it and is for the most part kept in a... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER
(2015) — SUSPENSION
Feb 8, 2022
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
The Land Rover dealership inspecting my vehicle for routine service, found that both front spindles (right and left) had significant fatigue cracks in the metal of the front spindle assembly. The dealership stated it was a critical safety issue, and the entire front spindle assembly could break off or detach from the car while driving. The dealership will not allow the car to be driven in this con... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 45 MPH with her 10-month-old child in a rear-facing car seat located in the rear driver seat, the rear driver's side toe link detached and she lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle drove off the road and crashed into a ditch. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's daughter was able to exit th... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
The vehicle becomes uncontrollable on light ice. The rear end will "ghost walk" (seems to steer on its own). I have driven in snow my entire life and have never experienced this issue in any other vehicle. I am also an ASE certified master technician. It only happens if I have passengers in the rear seat or groceries in the cargo area. The car is not even close to its cargo limit. The tires have ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
The vehicle failed to pass pa. state inspection due to a severely rusted frame over the rear axles. The estimate to repair the frame was @$3000.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
While travel on the highway at 70 mph upon hitting a bump my steering wheel and front end of the truck began to violently shake. I applied my brake and pulled to the side of the highway the shaking stopped. I inspected the vehicle finding nothing visually wrong. I continued my trip having the violent shaking occur twice more before the conclusion of my trip.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
It has a Death Wobble, it’s back in the shop this week, was in the shop last week as well. Same problem, no fix.Shakes Violently while I’m on the Expressway with small children surrounded by 18 Wheelers on I-75.Very, Very Scary, I can’t control the vehicle at all.Chrysler knows that they have a defective Jeep.No warning, it just appears out of nowhere. I can’t live like this. I’m on auto... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
I was driving like normal and the stability light came on and the car started to swing left to right by it self.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
Something broke onthe suspension and I lost control of the car
Crash
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
The fore link on the front left wheel (driver side) seems to have snapped. It got disconnected from the wheel when parking the car. Steering became impossible with the wheel wobbling and causing strong grinding noises. I had heard strange noises and weird snaps before when turning the wheel to get out of my garage a couple of times over the past few months but the car seemed to drive fine so I d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
My wife made a left hand turn and heard a noise and the car started to handle poorly. She called me and thought she had a flat tire. I went to the scene and determined the tires weren't flat but the rear left control arm was broken off. I was able to get it to our mechanics shop. When we put it on the hoist we could see not only was the left side broken off completely but the right side is cracked... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The truck has developed the "death wobble" at speeds between 50 and 60mph. Driving becomes uncontrollable as the truck shakes and bounces very hard and I have to rapidly come to a stop. I've had some work done on it at a local shop but it hasn't solved the problem. It's basically not highway road worthy but I can drive it around town.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
Was driving on highway normal driving went through a construction zone uneven road patches on major highway 3 lanes. While slightly above 70mph my truck violently started shaking as if a front tire steel belts had ripped and separated while maneuvering through a curve o n construction no speed limit I almost lost control and rolled my truck. I had to hit the brakes in order to come to a violent st... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
Traveling between 70-80 mph and truck went into uncontrollable shaking known as the “death wobble”. Was only able to control the truck by slowing down. Ford dealership has stated they can’t do anything about it.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2015) — SUSPENSION
Feb 5, 2022
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
The same exact vehicle my sister has and it has the same problems. But mine not on the recall , its the same model and the same year
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
Both Front Upper Control Arms needed replacing. Suspension had an awful creaking noise. They said it wasn’t officially a service bulletin or recall however they have been proactively fixing cars without the owners asking for them (several people I know), and I had to pay for the repair due to being out of warranty. This was added to my last service appointment on their behalf but it needed to be... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
Ford starts to shake and lose control going over uneven pavement… causing me to have to slam on brakes to keep the violent shaking from persisting
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
Driving lights and back up lights are not bright enough even when changing the bulb. The lights constantly dim while on. The front lights are always on no matter what time of day it is. The rear of the car sways dangerously if driving over anything smooth, bumpy, like a manhole. Or turning and running over a manhole.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
Driving at 68mph a a very drastic wobble in the steering occured. Have an appointment with jeep dealership. Truck has thirty eight thousand miles with no warning of any kind . Sudden and abundant violent shaking .
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
CV axle are wore out I couldn't drive turning an shocks wore out faster Please help
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
2017 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5 LIMITED HAS LOOSE STEERING IN THE RAIN AND GOING DOWN HILLS. DRIFTS A LOT WITH CROSS WINDS VEHICLE HAD ALIGNMENT AND TIRE INSPECTION AND SUSPENSION CHECKED AND ALL WAS FINE BUT CAR STILL IS UNSTABLE IN BAD WEATHER. FEELS LIKE IT IS SWAYING AND THE TIRES ARE NOT ON THE GROUND. TIRES HAVE 13K MILES ON THEM AND ARE IN GOOD SHAPE. SHOCKS ARE FINE. REPAIR SHOPS CAN NOT DETERMINE... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2014) — SUSPENSION
Feb 4, 2022
Incident date: Dec 28, 2021
This car has 63,792 miles on it and has been continuously garaged and well cared for. All maintenance has been done timely and by Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner (Virginia) since it was purchased there on 01/08/14. All required maintenance was completed as advised and the car was covered under a 7 year 75,000 mile warranty. At the recent regularly scheduled yearly maintenance service completed o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving over 60 MPH, the vehicle would shudder and produce a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the lower control arm bushing and transmission pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
Emission System Problem All Wheel Drive Problem Warning light on and off on Dashboard.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA SPORTWAGEN
(2014) — SUSPENSION
Feb 4, 2022
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
Last year a front coil and strut broke. This week the rear coil spontaneously broke making it dangerous to drive. It is currently available for inspection. It put my safety and others at risk had it punctured a tire or come loose and hit the car behind mine. There were no warning lights. It has been inspected by a mechanic and myself.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) — SUSPENSION
Feb 4, 2022
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
Both the driver side and passenger side front struts have leaked oil and failed. The driver side occurred after 33,000 miles and the passenger side at 45,000 miles.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2021
On my last vehicle inspection, the mechanic told me that he will fail me next time due to a rotting frame. This is a serious safety hazard. Through my research, this is a common problem with this year truck (2008) and other years. To my knowledge, I was never contacted by Toyota as far as any recall. This truck still looks new and I am very dissapointed with what I read about this so called "Recal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2016
Subframe rusted through on the passenger side where the cause is a manufacturer defect of condensation from the air conditioning dripping directly above onto the subframe on the passenger side, which created a perforation of the passenger side subframe. Subframe holds the suspension and steering components together and if the passenger side frame from the manufacter defect were to break traveling ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The starter was replaced. The independent mechanic also informed the contact that the brake pedal needed to be replaced, and the rear trailing arm was corroded and could fracture while driv... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2022
I have a severe shake in front steering ,over bumps or driving over bridge entrances. This occurs at highway speeds approx. 65-70 mph when temperatures are 30 deg. F and below, so bad you have to brake heavy and pull off road to get it to stop shaking and it is dangerous when traffic is heavy trying to get off road. I have had it to dealer they can’t verify concern, contacted Jeep last week stil... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel there was an abnormal knocking and ticking sound detected. The maintenance warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was provided a fee for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 21V5... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
There was a recall on the springs and this was done on my Fifth Wheel. Less that a year after springs be changed, the spring bracket that is welded to the crash tubes busted into the crash tubes. The Service Manager at the dealership said he is not sure if the spring broke causing the causing the crush tubes to break or the crush tubes broke first causing the spring to break. But he did say the cr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
Whenever I hit a bump the front end starts wobbling. The steering wheel shakes. This has been known as the "death wobble". You have to come to a complete stop for it to quit. This can cause accidents as it happens at random times. It has happened on four different occasions thus far.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
Right rear shock assembly failed. Car has less than 45,000 miles. Ford claims they are not shipping this part.poor build quality. Afraid to drive the car very far. Poor response from Ford
Incident date: Jan 30, 2022
I experienced the Death Wobble running around 60 mph. It was one of the scariest moments I have ever experienced. I took my Truck into the Ford dealership and they replaced the Steering Stabilizer. It has really made me scared to drive my Truck.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
I was not notified from Ford about the serious safety recall on my 2015 Ford Taurus. I'd like to have this safety concern fixed immediately so I don't end up in a severe auto accident. I can drop my vehicle off. I've never had this happen and I'm nervous to drive the vehicle. I have noticed a difference in the way it drives please help get this sorted out with my local Ford Dealership in Fort Myer... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Car been smelling like gas for awhile engine light pop on and off. My car will not start I have replace the fuel pump car still won’t get gas . Replaced battery numerous of times battery keep won’t stay charge . I have a recall on my car I believe the suspension is under recall as well. I also had to replace my windshield wiper motor a few times slapped against my windshield and cracked winds... Read more
Crash