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: Apr 8, 2022
The vehicle was diagnosed at a Subaru Dealership as having a rusted sub-frame with mounting bolt holes loose and suspension components moving freely. The vehicle is deemed unsafe to drive. (On April 8, 2022, my car suddenly made a loud clunking noise and drove very rocky). The car had not given any previous warning signals of this problem.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
“Death Wobble” vehicle shakes uncontrollably when hitting bumps/grooves in pavement or going at speeds above 50 mph putting driver at extreme risks. Repaired steering dampener, shocks, and tires, but nothing has offered a solution to the issue.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
Water in spare tire component area stays there even when it rains and during car washes; also I replace the suspension and still hearing cracking noise as I make turns
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2012) - SUSPENSION
May 24, 2022
Incident date: May 22, 2022
Front driver strut coil spring snapped while driving.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2013) - SUSPENSION
May 24, 2022
Incident date: Oct 24, 2016
Unable to align vehicle correct due to driver's side rear camber. Caused uneven tire wear and costly replacement for tires for 6 years.
Incident date: May 24, 2022
When driving the front end will begin to violently shake making it almost impossible to maintain control. This seems to be triggered when driving on the highway and when hitting a transition in the road or any type of bump no matter how small. The only way to stop the shake is to quickly get off the road and stop. The dealership has been made aware and did a temporary fix, very temporary. We have ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA SPORTWAGEN
(2014) - SUSPENSION
May 24, 2022
Incident date: May 20, 2022
Both springs on the rear suspension . The driver side spring broke in half. The pax side broke in two locations. Vehicle only has 65,000 miles.
Incident date: May 22, 2022
While performing maintenance on the car, I found that the left (drivers) rear mounting bracket which is a part of the frame/body, and hold the right rear trailing arm - holding the rear axle was severely rusted and cracking apart from corrosion. The right (passenger) bracket showed no rust damage. This problem has been reported by others, and Canada has found the same issues and issued a recall ... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2022
Cradle connected to front suspension is corroded and cracked. Causing wobble in steering wheel.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) - SUSPENSION
May 23, 2022
Incident date: May 23, 2022
I noticed that when using the brakes the car would pull to the side. The front brake rotors and pads were completely replaced but the pulling behavior remained unchanged. When the mechanic specifically looked for reasons for the pulling he found the rear driver's side stabilizer completely rusted through and the passenger side one showing signs of similar impending failure. I took pictures of b... Read more
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2013) - SUSPENSION
May 23, 2022
Incident date: May 13, 2022
I went down the road & hit a bump my car rocked a little so I stopped to check the lug nuts & see if anything was wrong. I did not see anything. So, I continued to go pick my friend up as I was driving down the freeway anytime I hit a bump the car rocked more the faster I went. So I slowed down & watched traffic around me. Picked my friend up, went on the ramp and hit another bump and bam, my vehi... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
R350
(2008) - SUSPENSION
May 23, 2022
Incident date: May 9, 2022
I DROVE TO WORK WITH NO PROBLEMS. HOWEVER; RETURNING I STARTED CAR AND COULD HEAR A SLIGHT SOUND. I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE CAR RISING SIGN WAS ILLUMINATED AND I WAITED FOR CAR TO RISE. THE CAR FAILED TO RISE AND WAS SITTING SO LOW TO TIRES THAT I COULD NOT DRIVE AND HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. AT HOME I TRIED AGAIN TO SEE IF CAR WOULD RISE AND AGAIN IT FAILED. IN ADDITION TO THE ABS BREAK SI... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2022
Multiple times while driving between 50mph and 65mph, the front end starts vibrating out of control. This will continue to happen until the truck is slowed to below 25mph for a few seconds. This has happened on the highway twice and I have had to stop traffic behind me almost causing an accident both times. I have contacted Ford regarding this issue and it was supposedly fixed, but it continues... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2022
lost control of the front steering. Was going around a curve on a bridge when suddenly the vehicle started to shake which caused me to lose control of the steering wheel. I came very close to hitting the side of the bridge. it was a good thing I was in a single lane as the pickup was going from side to side. This really freaked out my wife as well as me. She does not want to ride in this very expe... Read more
JAYCO FIFTH WHEEL
EAGLE
(2019) - SUSPENSION
May 21, 2022
Incident date: Apr 9, 2022
While inspecting our recently purchased 5th wheel RV I noticed that the left front tire makes contact at times with a frame outrigger. The other three tires do not have an outrigger over them. I have contacted the local dealership, Big Sky RV who did not reply. I then contacted Jayco who pushed me to Lippert, the frame manufacturer who in turn pushed me back to Jayco claiming Jayco designed the fr... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2022
My steering shakes violently and my front end feels like he's going in a different direction than the back end. I've owned this 2009 since 2010. I've paid for at least 3 front end rebuilds. Surely there is an aftermarket or fix for this? Its the Cummins 6.7L, 2500. I want to fix this only ONE more time. We have only 30 mi of road here but speeds of up to 55 are allowed. I rarely drive over 50. If... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2022
Rear differential has given out this is the second one so far there should be a recall on these models. 4 door base model sedan. 2.0
Incident date: Apr 27, 2022
Bought car 4/27/22 with 94,602 miles. Within a week vehicle shown problems in the engine leaking oil most likely from the oil cooler causing a bad smell of burnt tire, the shocks most likely cause the car to shake once you hit 50 mph or let go off the break pedal they need to be replaced and the tail light is retaining or holding water on the inside also the hose connected to the coolant reservoir... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at speeds exceeding 50 MPH, the front end of the vehicle would shake and vibrate with an abnormal chain-like sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. There was no further information available. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - SUSPENSION
May 20, 2022
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
Rear shocks leaked all fluid and the vehicle became very hard to control on rough surfaces. Had the shocks changed and the new ones did the same thing within one month. Now the shocks are on back order and had to be replaced with aftermarket shocks.
Incident date: May 13, 2022
Dealership called it the Death Wabble. Driving 65 and truck started shaking uncontrollably. Slowing down stop the problem. Has happened twice in the last 2 weeks. Ford said its a know problem, but my truck is not covered for repairs.????
Incident date: Sep 7, 2021
Problem is in the front end suspension that effects the steering when the truck begins to suddenly shake violently at around 63 mph--a simple expansion crack in the road, or a bridge crossing initiates the event. The steering wheel has nearly been jerked out of my hands at said speed and only stops after rapid slow-down. This first happened when the truck had about 20,000 miles on it and was on a ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2022
The axle hanger weld on the passengers side of the 5th-wheel broke and the axle shifted forward in which the tires rubbed together while doing driving on the highway. Luckily we stopped to get gas when this was noticed. If we had not stopped for gas the situation could have been very bad up to and including death. We have pictures and still have the part if inspection is requested. We were in t... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2022
Hit a bump in the road and the front suspension starting shaking and the steering wheel became very hard to hold onto because of the violent shaking. The vehicle almost flipped over before i could get stopped. Ford replaced the steering damper but i still feel more bouncing from the front suspension. I think there are more issues than just the steering damper.
Incident date: May 2, 2022
Driver side rear air spring failure.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2022
I was driving down to road and the the k member (subframe) rusted all the way through
Incident date: May 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the control arms and rear suspension needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approxim... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) - SUSPENSION
May 18, 2022
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
A loud thumping noise comes from the rear axle area. The Chevy dealer claimed that the u-bolts that hold the axle to the leaf spring becomes loose and need retightening. I had the dealer re-torque the u-bolts but the noise still is there. The dealer claimed it was “normal” and offered no solution other than claiming a Tech Bulletin was issued instructing dealers to check u-bolts at service app... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2022
There is a safety recall on my vehicle. It could possibly catch fire.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2020
when I get up in speed or drive over a bump in the road, the steering wheel shakes vigorously and it feels like the whole truck shakes. I have to slow down to get it to stop. very scary.
Incident date: May 12, 2012
We have a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel crew cab pickup that occasionally after hitting a bump or on rough roads the steering mechanism or suspension develops an uncontrollable harmonic vibration with one or the other front wheels bouncing. The only way to stop the vibration is to come to a complete stop. In heavy traffic it could be a serious safety issue. The condition is well known to Chrysler... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2022
'The "KDSS" (kinetic dynamic suspension system) valve located on the frame under the driver's door had corroded to the point where the oil in the system had begun to leak out. The warning light did come on the dashboard days prior to the leak. Vehicle was taken to a Toyota dealership, where they assessed there was low pressure in the system. The service advisor advised that if the system loses ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front wheels and steering wheel began to shake abnormally. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact slowed down and continued driving. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that she continued to experience ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2022
The entire rear subframe is completely corroded and rusted and caused the back right cross member to break. The entire rear subframe needs to be replaced including the control arms. This is unacceptable. Mazda had a recall for the front subframe, but not the rear which makes no sense as they were made with same materials. 2 separate mechanics have had the car in their possession and have both been... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - SUSPENSION
May 17, 2022
Incident date: May 7, 2022
The car is stalling on hills!then the car restarts and goes!my auto parking brake automatically comes on and you cannot get it to release! And I have notice the car wanting g to ride to the right of the rd !
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2008) - SUSPENSION
May 17, 2022
Incident date: May 17, 2022
After buying my vehicle I have began to notice a growing rust problem that is not due to salt water or other environmental conditions, but clearly a defect in manufacturing. After joining a few Facebook groups with other FJ owners I’ve found countless other people have had the same problem and that without massive trust removal my vehicle is expected to have failures in the frame and suspension ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2022
I was told that the throttle malfunctioned. I was driving on the highway and the car would not accelerate, the dash said malfunctioning and the cars driving beside me had to swerve around me. I took the car back to the dealership where I purchased it and was told that parts had to be ordered and that it was a throttle malfunction. The car has not been inspected by anyone except those at the Niss... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2022
Okk Main issue is what everyone calls the “Death Wobble”. It has done it countless of times since I’ve had the truck. Even after I bought a New Fox Single steering stabilizer. I have replaced quite a few things under the front end that I was told “Could” be why it kept doing it. The most recent I’ve bought for the front is brand new Fox Shocks just like the ones I have on the back and ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2022
My 2013 Altima rear control arm broke as my daughter pulled into our driveway. Nissan dealership says my VIN does not have a recall on this part. Very very dangerous
Incident date: May 14, 2022
Right rear lower control arm separated from frame. Vehicle pulled right toward adjacent lane. In construction zone with no shoulder to utilize. Had to cross into an acceleration lane then slowly make way to safe pull-off. Problem confirmed by visual inspection. No warnings. Nissan did not notify me of a replacement program. Notification was to begin in 2019. Consumer was not informed of a replacem... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the front wheels started to shake and wobble. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was corrected independently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the steering bow and track bar to be replaced. The vehic... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) - SUSPENSION
May 16, 2022
Incident date: Apr 13, 2022
2013 Mercedes Benz C300 4dr AWD. Corrosion of Rear Sub-Frame (aka "Rear Axle Carrier" or "Suspension Cross Member") (New Part #: 207-350-97-02. Old Part #: 204-350-01-41 + other numbers). Car experienced erratic behavior under all braking scenarios. Extremely dangerous behavior under heavy breaking (65 mph to 25 mph). Life threatening severity of issue. 2 personal experiences. 1: Stoppi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving routine service, she was notified that the camber toe adjustment kit, suspension, and steering needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000.
Incident date: May 15, 2022
Rear control arm fell off while driving.
OLDSMOBILE
88
(1999) - SUSPENSION
May 16, 2022
Incident date: May 14, 2022
The contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile 88. The contact stated that while reversing out of a driveway, the front end of the vehicle lowered without warning. Due to the failure, the contact lost power steering assist as the steering wheel would spin with no control. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired for the failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileag... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
While driving on the freeway my steering wheel shakes uncontrollably this does not happen often but it’s happened in three times since I’ve had the vehicle. Happened today for the third time while I was driving about to exit off the freeway felt like I had a blowout scared the daylights out of me. Thankfully I was able to control the steering wheel and exit freeway
Incident date: Oct 25, 2021
I was driving my wife's vehicle at the time of this incident. While driving at highway speeds (55+ mph) I went over a cracked/uneven section of the roadway. The steering column began to vibrate and jump in my hands. The front wheels were rattling and bouncing, making it difficult to control the steering path of the vehicle. It was only after slowing down the speed of the vehicle that the rattling ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2022
While riding bike it goes into limp mode without warning because of loose steering and vibration in rear suspension. Limp mode causes the bike to travel at an unsafe highway speed. Bike throws numerous codes for suspension sensors and steering sensors.
Incident date: May 15, 2022
Reference: to a previous report.Photo's of problem messages.