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 24, 2022
I noticed that driving with the top down (the car is a convertible) leads to premature and uneven tire wear. Subsequently the tires generate a lot of road noise and vibration, which is felt through the steering wheel. At 62000 miles I brought the situation to the attention of Volvo service and as a result they made some repairs / changes / updates to the rear suspension, (at my cost of over $2000)... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2018
Not sure, but it sounds like the springs. The air condition makes a stumping noise when I turn it on.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The BMW E36 Z3 1996-2002 (I have the 1998 1.9) are prone to having a separation of the Rear subframe from the differential causing the drivetrain to hang off the vehicle and/or rip out of the trunk's weak aluminum sheet subframe. BMW Germany has acknowledged the problem for a few individuals over the past decade and a half and kept it on the low for them to not spread it further. BMW North Americ... Read more
MITSUBISHI
LANCER
(2008) - SUSPENSION
Apr 24, 2022
Incident date: Apr 13, 2022
Our car crashed after getting off the highway in NJ. This appears to be related to Safety Recall Report 20V-279. The cross member has completely rusted and the driver side control arm came off, crashing the car and severely damaging the car, with loss of control. I have contacted Mitsubishi Motors but have received no response from them. There was no warning sign, and the car was on the highway ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 28, 2022
You have many reports of Tesla Model 3 ball joint failures. The ball joints are failing due to lack of lubrication. If an owner complains enough Tesla will squirt some lube in and reseal with silicon goop. Owners are even DIYing with WD40. Here is a Tesla in the junkyard with upperball-joint popped apart and all other ball-joints busted. https://www.iaai.com/VehicleDetail/33393366~US Just wonderi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 18, 2022
Recall for Rear Suspension arms. There was a recall on my car which was processed in Aug 2016 at 89k miles by previous owner. I purchased the car in Dec 2021-Jan 2022 at around 93-94k miles. This means the car was almost not used by previous owner for 5 years as the recall wasn't performed well Also, the label for "safety recall" is still on the entire rear suspension arms which proves the point. ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2019
Vehicles electronic swaybar assembly shorted out in light rain causing cascading faults in abs braking system and power train system. Have video of issue occurring and paperwork from dealer documenting all of the error codes created by the short in the swaybar.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2022
This is my second submission. I will continue to submit to attempt to have NHTSA find out why FORD will only offer a software tweak to fix a very dangerous physical issue with all 20-22 Ford Explorers. Ford provided Advance Notice 22S27 to dealers dated 4/19/22 advising them to STOP delivery of any in stock Explorer due to a possible bolt fracture on the rear subframe which if cracked will disable... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2022
Front end death wobble. It began slightly about 6 months ago but progressively has gotten worse. Today driving from 40mph to interstate speeds of 70mph. It is scary and dangerous. Please do whatever is necessary to have FORD recall and fix for this issue.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2022
The slightest gust of wind turns off the traction control which disables cruise control and other important features. If this happens, you have to pull off the road, turn the vehicle off and restart to reset all of the features. Ford is well aware of this and has yet to determine a fix.
Incident date: May 1, 2021
For about the last 12 months, my truck has what they call the death wobble. This is happened continuously at speeds of 40 to 60 miles an hour and sometimes even takes me off the road and I have to pull over and stop. In addition, I believe the brakes went out due to the continuous wobbling
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Apr 22, 2022
Incident date: Apr 13, 2022
I want to report a structural issue with the Mercedes rear subframe rusting. Three Mercedes dealers told me that it is common but there is no recall. The mechanic told me that if this is not corrected the back wheel will fall off while you are driving. There are no warning lamps. Please help.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The vehicle makes a clunk and pop noise when making turns and upon acceleration and deceleration. Both dealer and repair shop could not visually locate the problem after checking. Suggested the problem was internal. Vehicle purchased March 2022 with 63,500 miles.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Apr 22, 2022
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
I have a 2013 Mercedes Benz C 300 sport, and I felt my car shaking if I drive above speed of 35-40. Took it to Mercedes Benz dealership is Rockville center NY, they told me it is my subframe, which cost parts $2496 and labor $3704, Total $6196. Sad part is that my car is in excellent condition and Mercedes refuse from even helping to reduce cost.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2022
My truck now has what’s called the Ford Death Wobble. This is 100% factory problem and has happened to many trucks. I demand a recall
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
I was driving in the freeway approximately 70 mph when the truck drove over a small imperfection in the road and immediately started to shake violently and uncontrollably (often referred to as death wobble) I left off of the gas and as the vehicle slowed to 50 mph the shaking went away. This shaking is very violent and takes away from the drivers ability to control the vehicle in a safe manner amo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
I was told by a mechanic that this 2006 Acura TL I bought from Joe's Garage here In Clovis Ca was a car I do not want to be driving. Now when purchased from Joe's Garage he stated he put engine didn't say new or used, He also said the car was practically brand new because previous owner was a high school kid who assume he cracked his radiator and was not the problem, but the kid bought a new car a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
My truck started severely shaking after reaching speeds of 50mph when driving over bumps in the road. Our mechanic replaced many front end suspension parts and it is still doing it. I have almost crashed numerous times. I have videos of this happening and almost crashing. This is NOT OK!
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLB 250
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Apr 21, 2022
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
The integral carrier that supports the front axle caused it to fail. Front axle carrier failed and resulted in a loss of steering control, and hit the curb. Luckily, there was no crash, although the Manufactured had warned about the risk of a crash. Here is a recall description: NHTSA ID: 21V990000 Issued: Dec 12, 21 Number of Vehicles: 00038312 STEERING Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recall... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the adjustable rear toe link of the vehicle was previously replaced with a non-adjustable toe link under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The contact later noticed that the interior of the brand new rear tires he had purchased were worn. Upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an alignment, the contac... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2009) - SUSPENSION
Apr 20, 2022
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
My 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 4 Matic sedan fishtails at the rear end when I apply the brakes. I’ve owned the car for 8 years. Prior to this happening, I took it to the Mercedes Benz Dealership Repair shop, it was fully inspected on a hoist and fully gone through from bumper to bumper. May 6, 2021, I have a report and a video of the inspection but nothing was revealed related to the undercarriage ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The rear suspension cross member on my Kia has cracked in two places. This item has been recalled on other Kia Sorento's. The NHTSA campaign ID is 16V480000. This is a factory defect but Kia says it only applies to a cetain number of VIN numbers. Kia needs to apply this recall to more VIN numbers, especially the parts that have cracked. As Kia says in its recall, this could cause a serious ac... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Apr 20, 2022
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
The vehicle only has 38K miles on it and all 4 struts have failed. This is apparently a very common problem for Ford. This creates control issues and an unsafe ride. I had the vehicle in for a different recall and the Ford dealership confirmed all 4 are leaking and need to be replaced, but Ford will not cover them.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2022
Traveling speeds excess of 60 mph, any bump or flaw in the road will cause the vehicle to enter into severe vibration and shaking of front end/ axle. The steering wheel violently shakes from side to side and the vehicle will stay shaking until you reduce your speed to under 50 mph. Ball joints and other steering components are put under severe stress. The issue has been reported to the dealer who ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while driving over a bump in the roadway at high speeds, the vehicle intermittently experienced the death wobble without warning. The shaking continued until the vehicle had slowed down and the contact was able to regain control of the vehicle. The contact notified the dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be perform... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
Hello. I am writing this report to describe a dramatic decrease in steering responsiveness and vehicle front-end control over my ownership of this car from new. Over about the last year, I have noticed that the steering and handling of the vehicle is not nearly as composed as it was when new. Today, the car has difficulty staying centered in the lane. This unsteadiness is especially evident at Int... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
Ford released a bulletin - 22S27- to all dealers to immediately stop demo/delivery for all new Explorers in stock as of 4/19/22. At issue is a possibility of a fractured bolt that causes the differential to separate and cause "severe vibration" rendering the vehicle disabled. No fix was mentioned other than a software update possibly by the end of June 22 (2d qtr). This is serious if dealers are t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
When driving down the road, generally occurs during deceleration at speeds over 50mph the truck begins to have a death wobble. The death wobble it so violent that you feel like the truck is going to just fall apart. Dealership claims they can’t find anything wrong with truck. It happens everytime I drive the truck. I don’t have another vehicle and when paying $60,000 for a truck you would exp... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power while coming to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two separate occasions. The dealer replaced the auxiliary battery and the timing intake bracket arm; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2020
vehicle failed inspection due to hole in frame-- 08/14/20-- had to cover repairs--under body has severe frame damage from rust--toyota recalled and replaced truck frames from bad steel on 2004 tacomas but not to the 2004 4runners
Incident date: Apr 16, 2022
-The vehicles front subframe failed to support the vehicles stability, structure, weight, and momentum, during normal driving ,braking, acceleration from a stop, etc. -The corroded and complete 'rusted thru metal' subframe is available for visual/safety inspection, and photo's are attached. - Safety was severely compromised while driving, as the "Subframe to main channel frame" fastening bolt wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Bentley Arnage. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was out of alignment. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the front suspension lower ball joint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2022
Took the trailer to have the fender rewelded, the weld had broken. That afternoon received a call from the dealer saying there were 20 points on the trailer that were broken and the trailer was unsafe to use. He had notified Aluma and had sent them pictures. The dealer, I had taken it to was 4 Corners Trailers, 39894 US-160, Bayfield, Co 81122, (970)884-2828. The person I talked with at 4Corners ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Apr 19, 2022
Incident date: Apr 19, 2022
Rusted Rear Subframe presenting a safety hazard. Possible separation of suspension link could lead to loss of control. Brought the 2014 Mercedes Benz E350 (85000 miles) in to the local dealership today for spark plug replacement. Technician performed a visual inspection of the underside of the vehicle and found that the rear subframe had rusted completely through making the care unsafe to driv... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2022
Front left wheel fell off. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? FRONT LEFT WHEEL. YES, AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? WHEEL FELL OFF Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES. TOWED TO SHOP; THEY AGREED THAT FRONT LEFT WHEEL FELL OF... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2022
The car shuffles on the concrete highway and causes a safety issue, and we cannot drive safely in this new vehicle purchase. I contacted my dealer Smat Honda, and Honda.com within 3 days and told them that I cannot drive the car, and I want to return it. It’s a safety risk, and it causes vertigo for both me and my wife.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
My cars suspension (driver side shock) has been making creaking, grinding, and/or knocking noise when traversing over mild bumps or road defects at slow speeds. The sound can be replicate by bouncing the car up and down. I am concerned my suspension components will fail under prematurely or under extreme stress. Noted, I brought my car to Toyota for inspection on 2/11/22 and they were not able t... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2011) - SUSPENSION
Apr 18, 2022
Incident date: Apr 16, 2022
Due to design flaw and/or poor material quality, I have a car with less than 100,000 miles that has completely rusted thru the subframe. I was told by a Mercedes Benz dealer that this is a common problem with this car. The cost of repair was quoted at $4000. This was only discovered due to the MB mechanic removing the covers on on the subframe discovering the rust. I was told it would not pass... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH on wet and snowy roads the tire would go inward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the lower control arms needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA ID Number: 10206391 (Sus... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH through a slight right curve, the vehicle independently shifted from side to side without warning nearly causing the vehicle to flip. The contact had an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle and the mechanic discovered severe corrosion throughout the entire subframe of the vehicle. The mechanic informed him tha... Read more
HOLIDAY RAMBLER
VACATIONER
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Apr 18, 2022
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Holiday Rambler Vacationer built on a 2020 Ford F53 chassis. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V202000 (Suspension, Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact attem... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
After hitting a small bump in the interstate on I65 North, my F250 began shaking uncontrollably. Only by emergency breaking, was I able to regain control on my truck. This has happened 4 times. It is not safe to have to do this on the expressway, at any speed.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2003 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle from a towing company, the vehicle would not start. The battery was instantly replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle would wobble and shut off inadvertently while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the stabilizers and shocks were replaced. The independent mechanic then took th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2021
The contact owned a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated while her husband was attempting to decelerate to speed, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into an apartment building. No further information was available. The driver and the contact (front passenger) were taken by an ambulance to the hospital to seek assistance with their injuries. No further information was available. A po... Read more
Crash
2 injured
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2016) - SUSPENSION
Apr 18, 2022
Incident date: Oct 17, 2020
While driving on the interstate in good weather on flat even ground the suspension fault warning came on. Maximum speed recommended 30 mph. Pull over, stop the car, turn off the engine and investigate. Car is still at operating height, no blown air suspension components. Get back in, start the car…. No warning, suspension button on console adjusts the suspension to access height, clearance, e... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and the dealer had rescheduled the appointment twice. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was ma... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2019
Over 5 times my truck become uncontrollable at highway speeds; 60mph or greater. A seam, groove, joint or other minor imperfection in the road instigates a violent shaking from the front of the truck. The only recourse is to jam on the brakes, at which the shaking subsides and control returns at approximately below 40 mph. As this normally happens at highway speeds, the loss and control and spo... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2022
Violent steering wheel shaking at speeds 55 - 65 mph.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Apr 17, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2019
Air conditioning compressor busted and spilled oil and metal shards all over road. Condenser coil sprung a leak in 2019. Heavy vibrations in cabin when driving interstate speeds. Oil cooler lines leaking causing oil leaks and now I am noticing a leak on the radiator! Leak on the inner drivers side axle seal.