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 12, 2022
Driving to work through mountain passes as I live in northern Montana, warning lights came on in dash. Lost power steering ran off road, regained control, took it to ford dealership they said $2200 to fix, I've only had the car just over a month, I pay $750, and now the car sits
Incident date: Apr 1, 2017
The rust and corrosion underneath the vehicle continually gets worse year after year. The main components of vehicle relating to the engine, powertrain and suspension underneath vehicle are corroded; holes exist in the frame of the truck through out. The frame of truck is rotted due to not being sealed properly during the manufacturing process. Due to the rust and corrosion on the frame of tru... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2021
When driving made horrible noises but took into the dealer Purvis Ford, we showed them the recall letter but then stated it was only the control arms which we ended up paying for .
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
Air suspension cuts in an out while driving. Causing my vehicle to have zero suspension at highway speeds. Without suspension any little bump in the road is causing the back end of my vehicle to jump around sending me into other lanes. This is a serious issue according to many forums and complaints I have read after purchasing the vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2022
Subframe rust so bad that the car has subsequently been deemed unsafe to drive. It is available for inspection. Safety put at risk due to insufficient support of frame at contact points of steering and stability mechanisms. Presently, vehicle has. Not been inspected by anyone other than myself and personal mechanic. There was absolutely no safety light, warnings or otherwise to indicate a problem... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The upper control arm, UAC, on my Tesla is rubbing against its joint causing significant noise such as squeaking and friction when turning the steering wheel due to normal wear and tear. More specifically, the lubricant inside the UAC has worn off. This is a known issue when researching online forums. However, Tesla refuses to acknowledge the defect and has "renamed" its part number. This has put ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2022
We were experiencing very difficult turning at low speeds. No vehicle warnings occurred. We took the vehicle in to Tesla service for evaluation. We were told the vehicle was unsafe to drive and they would not allow us to take the vehicle home. They have had the vehicle for 3 weeks and have replaced the "steering column" or "Left-Hand Steering Gear" on service estimate, but in the process have no... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
I’ve had numerous problems with this car. I’ve already replaced cv axles and now the steering knuckle needs replaced! The car is shaking and knocking and is not safe to drive. It’s being replaced in a few days but is costing over $800 and this car has not been in an accident and is only 6 years old.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2022
Hearing noise on drivers side. Took to garage for inspection and H Frame, sub frame, is rusting out and needs to be replaced. Motor and A Arms mount to this frame. Find out this is a common problem and no recall or help from Chrysler. This is a huge safety issue! Only have 68,000 on vehicle.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly began to shake and vibrate, and moments later the front driver’s side suspension system failed to render the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front rack and pinion rod had dislodged. The vehicle was repair... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2022
This recall N62 13V-528 was never done by Duwanne Lanes Everett WA even though I was told by the dealership service team that they had done this recall as requested while they had my truck for over 3mo ths time. On April 3 ,2022 my vehicle had a cautostraphic failure of my steerwheell column & caused my front left tire to break totally off the front steering stabilizer front ball joint tie rod e... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the steering wheel started shaking significantly and the front end of the vehicle started bouncing from side to side, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle then veered to the side of the road. The contact depressed the brake pedal until he was able to regain control of the vehicle. The contact continu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 FORD Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V675000 (Suspension) and 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH, the battery warning light illuminated and the steering wheel suddenly lost power steering functionality. The vehicle then lost electrical power. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking and that the passen... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving over bumps in the roadway at various speeds, a jolt could be felt from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) which she linked to the failure. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer for the repair; however, upon return of the vehicle, the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2022
I have been trying to get the recall done for a year and a half only to be told the parts are not available. Just got a letter from Ford that parts were available so I called for appointment. Guess what! No parts. Year and a half and still no parts. This is a real safety issue. There have been known s accidents caused by this part failure yet after all this time I'm told no parts. Crazy!!
Incident date: Feb 19, 2022
Rear suspension failed while I was sitting in parked car. I heard a pop and then felt the back of the suv drop low to the ground. Had it towed to Nissan dealer and was told the pop noise I heard was the air bag for the rear suspension. There was no warning for this issue. I had to replace the entire rear suspension for 1500 dollars.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2022
While driving car on highway the rear felt like it was going one way while I was steering another. Took to dealer that just replaced rear suspension on 2/23/22. They saw that the rear tires were worn on the inside to the point of exposed wires. The tires checked out fine on 2/23/22 which indicates an issue on their end. They could not get the rear to align, tried to sell me rear tires (which weren... Read more
THOR MOTOR COACH
ACE
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Apr 11, 2022
Incident date: Apr 11, 2022
Rear Sway Bar Bracket manufactured from weak cast iron. Known problem and FORD will do nothing to fix it except to replace with same faulty part.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Apr 11, 2022
Incident date: Apr 10, 2022
While driving the rear driver-side coil snapped and cause the car to veer across a lane. The car was driveable but this almost caused an accident. We had the broken coil inspected by an independent repair shop. Apparently, there is a recall for this exact issue on Volkswagens of this model and year but I'll specific vehicle is not covered under the recall. There was no warning prior to failure... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
I took my car to be inspected for yearly registration. I was told by the repair shop that I have parts of the subframe and suspension that are excessively rusted, to the point where they are a safety concern and have to be replaced. Other model years of the first generation Jeep Compass have been issued extended warranties on those parts, and I believe it should be extended to the entire first gen... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2022
On Sunday 4/3/2022, driving in a semi highway at 50mph the front passenger suspension arm broke off causing a lose of control of the vehicle. Ended up resting at the road shoulder.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on a bumpy road, the vehicle would skip to the passenger's side. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side lower control arm ball joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, while driving 20 MPH on an uneven road ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2022
My front stabilizer bar broke off from the frame the frame is rusting through in several places. I found this when my power steering started making noise and I was losing fluids took it to mechanic and a line on my rack and pinion had started leaking could not get just the line had to buy the whole rack and pinion when he was replacing it he found the stabilizer ba... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
Mechanic had the truck on the lift raised up to check the brakes for squeaking and while under the truck the mechanic inspected the frame because he noticed a lot of rust and called me to come look at it and pointed out that the frame has rotted to the point that he should not be driven and could break in half and cause major problems for the safety of the occupants and other drivers on the road. ... Read more
MITSUBISHI
MIRAGE
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Apr 10, 2022
Incident date: Apr 1, 2020
So after my car at about 2,000 miles on it my front strut mounts gave out I had them inspected and was told that they were bad the car was practically brand new I was having a lot of noise coming from the front end and I noticed that my car took a lot longer to brake than it should. And I believe that this is a safety concern because it shouldn't be going out that soon and the increased breaking d... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Apr 9, 2022
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
Lower control arm wasn't fixed it's detached its self and the belt tensioner wasn't fixed like it said it was fixed and control module needs fixed as well
Incident date: Apr 9, 2022
There hasn't been any accidents but the rails underneath of the truck bed are rotting completely off the truck and I feel that would be a safety problem if it collapses and I don't understand why they're so rusty when the rest of the truck is not it this could be a problem!
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
Vehicle front k frame is severly rusted causing concerns with front suspension stablilty.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2020
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the weight of the vehicle placed on the suspension caused the steering wheel and four wheels to not align. Due to the failure, the contact stated that the steering wheel would align 50% percent to the right causing the vehicle to be undriveable. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic for multiple repairs incl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle emitted abnormal sounds and the vehicle was vibrating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side and the front driver's side tires were wiggly and the front lower ball joints had failed. Additionally, the independent m... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Apr 7, 2022
Incident date: Mar 6, 2022
I drove over an object on the highway and noticed my car veering left and wobbly when turning. A week after, it is squealing like a load of piglets in my trunk whenever I go over a bump, then my battery light came on and I took it to the shop and contacted my insurance, who denied my claim saying it was 'wear and tear'.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
I was on the highway driving straight and steady. The driver side rear wheel/ lower control arm went to a 30 degree angle and pulled the axle from the rear differential. The wheel locked up and the vehicle was very difficult to control. I skidded to the shoulder leaving a 400 foot skid mark. Thankfully there was no one near me as traffic was very light. If road or traffic conditions were any worse... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
transmission broke down. am unable to put vehicle in reverse and it stays stuck in low gear. slipping of rear tires. Dodge dealer as transmission failure and needs to replace the entire transmission, oil cooler and oil lines. There were no warning signs that the transmission was going out. No lights, lamps or any symptoms showed up prior.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2022
As I’m approaching a steeper hill I go from 25 to 20MPH as I try to turn the corner of the hill I feel the speed of the vehicle picking up as I’m trying to slow down without slamming on the brakes the vehicle takes off hits the curb then a utility pole before coming to a complete stop
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
“Death Wobble” Several times I have had a mild bump in the road and almost completely lost control of the truck. The entire truck begins vibrating violently and I have to break hard to regain control.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2022
My Car was inspected by a Virginia Inspection Station and was cited for significant rust holes in the frame which have to be repaired. The frame should not have such significant rust that it needs to be fixed or it will be a hazard on the road. Based on other litigation around Toyota fames from this period of time is seems that this is a systemic issue and should be made to provide a recall based ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2022
my 2018 f350, has a very violent shake when driving 60 mph and above, I was driving when i hit a dip in the highway and the steering wheel started shaking real hard, I felt like i was gonna lose control it was wobbling violently. I took it into the repair shop where they to where able to mimic the issue. this issue just happened out of know where, with no warning.. i can see easily how thi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle jerked to the right with the traction control warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear passenger’s side tire was tilted in. Due to the failure, the contact called a tow truck and it was discovered that the rear control arm had corroded. The vehicle was towed to an i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2022
Loud creaking noise on the front passenger side. This seems to be a very common model X problem. I was told the front upper control arms need to be replaced. I see absolutely no reason why any of those parts should be failing unless it was faulty parts/engineering.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2022
Common issue with 2016 BMW message populates secure vehicle with parking break when stationary. Have the problem checked my service center. This messages populates every time the vehicle starts and when vehicle turns off. Common issue with vehicle and this hasn’t been recalled.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
Lower ball joint on drivers side sheared off.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated she restarted the vehicle and continued driving to her destination. The contact stated she had experienced the fai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and shuddering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact drove to a local mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the rear axles needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. T... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
On November 19, 2021, I purchased a vehicle from cars Lane on Hanover Road in Annapolis Maryland. Upon driving back to my residence in Gaithersburg I noticed that there was significant shaking when the vehicle was driven over 60 miles an hour. I notified the dealership and seemed helpful at first. I took the car to a good year facility and pay to have an alignment. That seem to fix one of the issu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
The tow suspension recall was supposed to be fixed but auto gather Lori Chevrolet in commerce Georgia the first time they had vehicle for two weeks after replacing with new parts vehicle did not drive properly whatsoever so they put the old parts back on aligned and problem was better as of before the replacement parts but core Adolf all the river on rear tires in less than two weeks took it back ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKS. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for routine servicing and was informed that the rear suspension toe links were loose and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact learned of a previous recall for the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approxi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
The entire vehicle shakes and vibrates violently at 50 mph and over.