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
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Jun 2, 2022
Incident date: May 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound from the rear of the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue normal driving once he regained control of the vehicle. The contact scheduled an appointment with an independent mechanic for the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2022
Driving down the road started hearing minor noises in the rear, then louder clunks when driving over road patches and bumps. Parked in our driveway, and inspected, found out the entire strut tower on the rear driver side tire is rusted from the frame and there is a large crack that has formed in the unibody has well. Our local Ford dealership in town sent us to the auto body shop and the auto bo... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2022
AT 60-70 MPH THE FRONT END BEGINS A SERIES OF VIOLENT SHIMMY OR WOBBLES. IT IS A RECURRING ISSUE. THE SERVICE TECHS REFER TO IT AS THE DEATH WOBBLE. i WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A STEERING GEAR REPLACE INITIALLY. TODAY I WAS TOLD IT WAS A STEERING DAMPNER. I HAD THE TRUCK EVALUATED ON 5/26/22 AT PHIL LONG FORD AT MOTOR CITY WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS "WOBBLE" COULD CAUS... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
The contact owns a 1999 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at speeds in excess of 40 MPH, after driving over a pothole in the roadway, the vehicle started shaking and vibrating violently. The contact stated that after slowing down the failure ceased. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. ... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2022
REAR PASSANGER CONTROL ARM CRACKED AND BROKE AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. TIRE BEGAN TO WOBBLE AND MAKE DRIVING UNSAFE.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a death wobble. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer tightened the three bolts on the front end; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,500.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA SPORTWAGEN
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Jun 2, 2022
Incident date: Jun 2, 2022
While about to drive my vehicle to work which had been parked in my driveway for about 48 since the last drive made a horrible grinding noise in both drive and reverse moving a few feet. I immediately put the vehicle in park to find the rear driver side suspension collapsed and the tire was pressed against the wheel well. Additionally unidentified parts from either the brake system or wheel well... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2022
I have a very bad gas leak and have Always smelt fuel since I have owned the car, the front suspension is also affected and my rear lights are faulty
Incident date: May 20, 2022
The rear-end failed does not have tempered axle There was a recall on 2003 lincolns with same problem but when I enter vin It does not pull anything up Lost control of car and had to be towed home have not had it to the dealer yet
Incident date: May 19, 2022
Violent shaking while driving even after steering damper replaced.
Incident date: May 3, 2022
Front coil spring rotted and broke while driving vehicle. 2007-2011 vehicles had recall for this but the 2012 did not. Broke after 115K miles which is not excessive.
Incident date: May 20, 2022
Component failed: Rear subframe cracked Safety risk: Car not stable to drive at speed, drive unit can twist or flop/drop Confirmed issue w/ dealer who is also manufacturer. Root cause of failure not established, but no signs of collision. Working hypothesis is metal fatigue or stress as metal part is not built thick enough to withstand force places on it causing shearing. There are no warning ligh... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2022
I’ve experienced the death wobble, uncontrollable shaking from front end. Very violent and scary. Hard to control vehicle. It happens any time over 65mph. I called ford they said there was an open campaign on the shaking however the parts are not available at this time my truck is not drivable
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2012) - SUSPENSION
May 31, 2022
Incident date: May 28, 2022
Rear brake failed, & no ABS. Push hard on pedal and NO BRAKES!!! Brake pedal very stiff and applies no brakes!! Almost got into wreck. It was close and I am calling it a wreck. Thank god I was going slow! This issue is highly dangerous!! Why doesn't the NHTSB give a [XXX]? (Rear brake has never worked well since new. Had it in the Harley shop when new, and they say nothing is wrong. Not... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and going over a pothole, the vehicle began to drift to the left. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to experience the failure. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the ... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2022
Reversing my car into a parking spot at low speed, I heard a loud pop noise from front driver side and the steering became hard to turn. Attempting to turn the wheel and backing up so I am not in the way of other cars resulted in a grinding noise and popping noises. Drove the car forward so I am in an empty part of the parking lot. This lead to more loud popping noises and grinding sounds. Once I ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2018 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's and passenger's side wheels went left while turning left; however, the rear driver's and passenger's side wheels were going in the opposite direction. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of ... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2022
When driving at highway speeds, the front end steering wheels will violently begin wo wobble and shake to a severe level that will cause the truck to loss control if the driver does not immediately slow its speed by braking. This action that must be taken to bring the truck back into control is dangerous at highway speeds as other traffic is behind or next to your truck. This has occurred numerou... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2022
AWD indicator states off while driving at times without warning. Also leaking sludge. Now need to replace PTU and FORD AWD vehicles are known for this issue... Needs to be recalled as system can fail and explode.. This is supposed last the lifetime of the vehicle and is not set up for maintenance causing the system to fail. I am replacing with a unit that can be serviced every 30K miles. This is a... Read more
FOREST RIVER
SUNSEEKER
(2022) - SUSPENSION
May 31, 2022
Incident date: Mar 22, 2022
Cannot get any information as to the status of the repair of this Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vans chassis. Recall was issued Mid March 2022 campaign# 2022030013p VIN[XXX] campaign Desc. PDGVADREH This is a completed Forest River Sunseeker 2400B RV on the Mercedes chassis and cannot be driven!! There are only 2400 units involved and the repair involves just a few small parts. Thank you for your hel... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? my suspension and also my engine are the first problems that i have noticed while driving this vehicle. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When I drive I am scared to go even the speed limit of 30mph because my suspension makes my car bump aggressively and also there is a loud... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2022
Took my 2007Tacoma for its State inspection, it failed due to a severely rusted frame. Shelor Motor Mile and Toyota have refused to replace the frame on a truck they admitted having that problem
Incident date: May 10, 2022
My Pickup has a very unsafe “Death wobble” that I have found has been a problem for many others. It is unknown what part or parts are failing as I can’t get a straight answer, I have been recommended to replace the shocks and tires as well as add an aftermarket steering stabilizer. My individual safety is put at risk every time I hit a minor bump or line in the pavement, it causes the fron... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2022
Front suspension system will shake uncontrollably when I hit a pot whole are RR tracks. Very serious when pulling 12000 lb camper
Incident date: May 28, 2022
The rear trailing arm mounts rust right off the car and the entire piece falls off out of nowhere. I was lucky to be going about 10 mph when this happened to me and it slide the car sideways .I have no doubt I would have flipped at highway speeds. I’ve seen hundreds of other elements with the same issues on forums it’s bad enough that in Canada they have a buyback. The police where there q... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2022
Multiple times driving the truck at speed limit and hit small bump or a little bumpy part of road triggers the death wobble. Have to almost come to complete stop on highway to stop wobble.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) - SUSPENSION
May 30, 2022
Incident date: May 11, 2022
Left front strut leaked and back two struts provide very minimal dampening, which combined created a dangerous situation when banking on the interstate and hitting minimal bumps. When on the interstate at 65-70mph, if any bumps (e.g., bridge/overpass joints) are driven over the truck bounces wildly 5-8 times and the body twists, making it feel as though the truck is on the limit of controllabilit... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2010) - SUSPENSION
May 29, 2022
Incident date: Apr 18, 2022
My husband drove my car home from work on April 18th 2022 and it was a bad rain storm that everyone. He had to drive through a couple of big rain storms. Soon afterwards he got around the corner from the house and the electric system failed lights started going off everywhere in the car, he lost steering and couldn’t see and almost crashed and got the car home safely but it wouldn’t shut off s... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2013) - SUSPENSION
May 29, 2022
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
Passenger side leaf spring "failed"- the middle "stiffener" rear section broke off/ fell to the road (see picture below with leaf spring removed). Fortunately, I was turning into side street doing about 15mph negating any safety issues- things could have been much different if at highway speeds. The truck had some significant miles (125k) but they were 95% highway miles though I do considera... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2022
Received Recall notice (#N212340980), contacted several dealers and ALL said the same thing: if you did not purchase the car here, then appointments are six weeks out! Finally, went Tremonte Cadillac as they were kind enough to take the car in sooner; brought the car there and within fifteen minutes I was told "you are all set", thanked him and left. On the way home the "Service Rear Axle" messag... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2022
Rear left lower control arm broke due to severe corrosion. Causing loss of control of car and almost a bad accident
Incident date: May 28, 2022
Lower ball joints(right and left hand sides) very serious safety concern. this is my family vehicle and has been with the family since 2005-06. members from the tundra forums are concerned about this issue with toyota tundras. yes toyota has a recall for their 02-06 tundras and tacomas and sequioas of the same year. my car doesn't qualify for the recall. this recall is not covered for the 2000-200... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
When turning left or right from/into a parking spot a rubbing sound (similar to two pieces of rubber rubbing against each other) can be heard in the cabin and sometimes from the left wheel well area and slightly felt in the steering wheel. No safety issues are currently present at this time but vehicle should not be having this issue in less than a year of ownership. Vehicle has been taken into H... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2022
Rear suspension rusted from chassis. Google search shows multiple people with same issue. Issue making car unsafe to drive. Car has extreme rust problems.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2022) - SUSPENSION
May 27, 2022
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
Vehicle purchased new in November of 2021 and driven approximately 6,000 miles. Under windy conditions, particularly at highway speeds, the truck is nearly impossible to drive straight down the road and keep under control. It feels as if you're driving on ice and takes a lot of effort to get back under control. In addition, wind blasts from semi-trucks blow the truck all over the road. Other wind ... Read more
FREEDOM TRAILERS
FREEDOM TRAILERS
(2019) - SUSPENSION
May 27, 2022
Incident date: Mar 10, 2022
I purchased a 7x16’ trailer with two 5200# axles in Feb 2019 (VIN # [XXX]). I have been the only user of the trailer (business use) and I do not abuse equipment I own. I have been experiencing frame failure, and noticed it for the first time around March 10, 2022. I first noticed that they rear back axle hangers were ripped off from the frame (leaving a hole in the frame where they had been w... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2022
I bought this car 2020 an spoke to them about this popping noise when I turn my steering wheel, well the other I had it repair thinking it was struts an springs but to fine out it was the rack and pinion bushing they had to have this knowledge. Then my backup camera went out it's because there to large structural issues at each rear hang that seems to be body putty in so they act sold this car w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
Bought the vehicle brand new in late 2021, and began noticing some vibration when braking at any speed. The vehicle at this point has less than 10,000 miles and the brakes are vibrating really bad. The manufacturer has not issued a recall and their best fix is turning the brake rotors and calling it a day. Never had I had such a poor experience with this manufacturer.
Incident date: May 6, 2022
Purchased in 2015 & driven less than 50,000 miles when a popping noise started during braking or traveling over bumps. Mechanic diagnosed & replaced the right lower control arm. Part should not have failed under low mileage conditions.
LAND ROVER
LR3
(2007) - SUSPENSION
May 26, 2022
Incident date: Apr 29, 2022
As electrical harness issue as described in NHTSA Reference #10056417, the suspension fails and dash reports suspension fault, leading to a suspension that is extremely unstable and could cause vehicle to roll over even at low speeds less than 30 MPH. My safety and the safety of nearby drivers was at risk while driving in a construction area near my home. I had to make an emergency erratic stop,... Read more
FOREST RIVER
VENGEANCE
(2021) - SUSPENSION
May 26, 2022
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
Ground control 2.0 system will not lift my 17,500lbs fifth wheel toy-hauler. As this system will only lift 15,500lbs. I purchased a new landing gear leg as Forest River and Western Skies Rv would not replace as it was out of warranty which was a week prior.This is issue and needs to be taken care of. If these fifth wheel trailers are no equip with the proper lifting landing gear how are you suspos... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, there was a squeaking noise coming from the wheels and the vehicle was driving very loosely. The contact noticed that the lower control arm in the rear of the vehicle was fractured. The contact was a certified mechanic and diagnosed that the rear suspension needed to be replaced. The dealer was not ... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2016) - SUSPENSION
May 26, 2022
Incident date: May 26, 2022
There is a creaking noise in the front end of the Dodge Caravan. Upon inspection at a service station, it was identified as a bushing that was partially missing on the front subframe crossmember attachment to the chassis. When attempting to purchase a replacement bushing from Chrysler it was discovered that the bushing was no longer made for this vehicle. Instead Chrysler now makes an entire new... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2022
My Jeep will not pass inspection because of excessive rust/rot on the front and rear sub frame. To have both front and rear sub frames repaired will cost me approximately $3,000 dollars, which I do not have. This should have been recalled and covered by manufacturer long before this time. What am I suppose to do know with no usable vehicle ???
Incident date: May 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound while turning the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the failure with the coil springs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Cam... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2016
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would shudder while driving 60 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed however, no issues were found. The failure reoccurred while driving. Add... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2019
The rear subframe of my 2007 Nissan Murano was rotted and broken and had to be replaced! Vehicle has been repaired for $1800.00.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) - SUSPENSION
May 25, 2022
Incident date: May 23, 2022
During state inspection (Pennsylvania) I was told that the rear subframe was rusted. If this part failed the vehicle could become uncontrollable and crash. They are not able to repair this since so many other vehicles have this problem. They have no idea when they could get a replacement subframe. The car is 8 years old but very low mileage (~34,000). Do to the frequent occurrence of this prob... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) - SUSPENSION
May 25, 2022
Incident date: May 5, 2022
My rear sub frame is rusted and unsafe to drive.. There seems to be a recall in Canada (I think) but not in the US. this is an unsafe issue that needs to be fixed. All local repair shops are aware of these and have several that need repaired as well.
Incident date: May 6, 2022
STATE INSPECTION FAILD, check engine light, bank 1 Catalytic Converter Internal Failure and bank 2 Catalytic converter Internal Failure, passenger side axle to be leaking, power steering pump to be leaking, power steering reservoir tank to be leaking, front and rear brake pad