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: Jun 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle would rumble and shake while driving at various speeds without warning. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was a blowout of the passenger’s side front tire which caused damage to the passenger’s side front quarter panel and step rail. The contact was able to place a spare tire on the ve... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2021
- What component or system failed or malfunctioned - Front suspension Fore Link - Fore Link Assy - How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Yes - Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer? - Yes - Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer? - Yes - Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem pr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2021
I was driving to the store around 1 month ago and I noticed the truck was trying to tail to the side as I was driving. I thought nothing of it until my Uncle Bobby noticed my rear shock was scraping the ground. We looked underneath to investigate and found both shock mounts completely rusted off and the frame in terrible shape. The truck itself barely has any rust other than the tailgate and bed f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the service rear axle message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2021
Power steering pump and high pressure hose gave out needing to be replaced. GM has manufactured a replacement pump that is superior to the original obviously noticing that it was not going to hold up.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
The Air Suspension System on my 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 4 X4 has stalled or has currently frozen and this makes it extremely difficult to steer the vehicle. Even at low speeds 25-45 mph it leaves the pavement when crossing the slightest pavement imperfections. The Highways of Louisiana and Texas are filled with imperfections and it is a horrifying experience to drive this vehicle in this condition. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2020
The front end of my truck shakes violently when I hit bumps (death wobble)
JAYCO FIFTH WHEEL
NORTH POINT
(2021) — SUSPENSION
Oct 21, 2021
Incident date: Sep 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Jayco Northpoint. The contact stated while inspecting the RV it was discovered that the rear driver’s side tire had experienced balding. After measuring the axle, it was determined that a 5/16-inch discrepancy on the driver’s side of the axle was present which caused the balding of the tire. The RV manufacturer and the axle manufacturer Dexter Axles were notified of the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2020
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V764000 (Suspension) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated there were abnormal rattling sounds coming from underneath the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the manufacturer had excee... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 RAM 4500. The contact stated while towing 3 vehicles and driving 60 mph, when the front of the vehicle began to vibrate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he continued driving but began to change to the right lane when he heard a loud abnormal noise coming from under the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 20, 2021
Since we purchased this jeep new it has been plagued with steering wandering and pulls to left or right without warning. It was dangerous to drive and unsafe for my family. After some researched I learned there was a technical service bulletin (8-003-21) for the 2018-2020 JL and supposedly the 2021 had the upgraded steering gear and updated software for the electric power steering. However this... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2021
Twice in the past 4 weeks, while driving, the car switches into Neutral. The car dash still says it is in Drive and the gear buttons still show “D/S” highlighted. However, the car is rev-ing the engine as if it is in neutral and the car is only rolling instead of driving. It lasts for about 10 seconds and then resumes working normally.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2021
Q-What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A-Suspension and steering effective. Any time I drive and make turns it makes like a clunking noise. You can actually feel it in the floor board. It's worse when you are driving down a not so smooth road. You can look at it as soon as possible. Q-How was your safety or the safety of others put at... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the issue. The contact was unsure whether she ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2021
Uncontrollable shaking at about 72 after hitting a bump in the road. Had to slow down to about 30 to get it to stop on a 70mph highway.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2017
the airbag light that is under the dash board always turns on all of a sudden I am concerned the airbags might open or their migght be something wrong and god forbid in a accident they dont open also the suspention has always had issues
Incident date: Oct 20, 2021
Heard some noise coming from the front left side of the truck. I parked it, took a look and noticed that the entire frame is completely rusted out with the front left wheel area with the most rust. The frame itself may break apart at any moment.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
Vehicle recall letter for recall N212340980 received stating service is needed but there are no parts. Check with the dealership. Called local dealership x3 and no call back. Went to dealership 10/5 and was told "there's nothing they can do". How do I know when I can get my car fixed???
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda CX-9. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 15V451000 (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 made a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
Severe "death wobble" condition occurred on highway.
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY SPORT
(2016) — SUSPENSION
Oct 19, 2021
Incident date: Sep 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH or above, the vehicle started wobbling with contact almost losing control of the vehicle. The wobbling lasted less than a minute before the vehicle would regain normal stability and function. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal noise detected. The electronic stability and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts were on order but could not confirm when parts would be available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact to call a local dealer as some dealers might have parts. The contact state... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2021
Front strut assemblies (both left and right side) were found to be leaking during annual state safety inspection. Before the inspection determined the cause, the handling of the vehicle had noticeable deteriorated were the vehicle was bouncing excessively while driving and compromising the vehicle's handling and steering. Contacted two dealers, who stated this is a common problem on 2019 and newe... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) — SUSPENSION
Oct 19, 2021
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
When I drove a little bit uneven highway overpass about 50mph with family, three teenagers and my wife, I saw the rear bounces back a lot, almost lost control of the vehicle. Next day, I took it to local Ford Service and they say the rear structs and shocks were completely worn out, and need to be replaced. It has only highway mileage of only just over 20,000miles. Actually they were talking about... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2021
Rear subframe has excessive corrosion which lead to a a lower control arm failure. In short the control arm bracket on the subframe rusted away and the control arm fell off. My wife could have been killed. It seems that this same issue pertains to several Tuscons. Car is sitting on transport trailer currently.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
Vehicle’s frame and suspension is showing major rust prematurely forming from the inside-out of the frame causing visible weakness in the structure of the frame that could cause engine or other suspension parts to fall off the frame of the car due to improper treatment of the frame. If I were to get in a car accident I don’t see the frame holding it’s structure. I would I highly suggest to h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
I was driving at 70mph, and the truck went into the death wobble. Violently shaking and bouncing as I drove and slowed down to 25mph on the highway until it finally stopped. I was on a section of highway were I could not get off the road for about another half mile. It happened this morning at 7:15am, and I have not had the opportunity to take it in for service. There were no warning lights that c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the check engine, traction control, StabiliTrak, and several other warning lights had illuminated the instrument panel. The contact also stated that an abnormal banging noise would emit from the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The deale... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac SRX. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
So while driving the stabilizer light came on and it swerved when I went to hit my brakes to stop the car because I was heading across a bridge the brake somehow lost power and I pushed and it didn’t do anything by the time I got the pressure to come back I guess after pushing a few times it was too late and I rear ended another vehicle and completed pushed in the entire front on my truck. This ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
truck frame, welds, seams, control arms, calipers, ball joints etc....all have significant rust. the drivers side rear fender to frame support has completely rusted through. i am stunned by the amount of rust underneath this vehicle. there are several areas close to perforating but no holes. toyota inspected my frame last week and said it was "fine" and to schedule the CRC treatment. the alloy rim... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2021
Rear toe-link failure, and part is available. The failure occurred while I was driving, about 20 mph, heard a loud noise from the back of the vehicle. The vehicle swerved a bit but managed to regain control and come to a complete stop. Was not diagnosed by the dealership, but have determined,through TSB lookup, that this component has been a failure point across various Ford models including the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2021
I was turning down a residential street and when I was getting up to speed. About 30 miles per hour. My truck jumped up a couple times like I hit a pit hole. I got out to inspect and see what I hit but the street was freshly paved 2 years before it was smooth as butter. I look at the truck and find out my passenger tire had fallen off. Upon further inspection I see my ball joints failed and try ti... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 20, 2021
[XXX] who performs automotive work out of his residence [XXX] and [XXX] of [XXX] have worked on this vehicle to spite the customer and to gouge the customer in unnecessary fraudulent repairs. They have deliberately set this vehicle up to fail with the braking system, the 6.0 engine being rebuilt to no avail, and constant driving problems such as pulling to the right and the left when brakes applie... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Mar 11, 2019
My jeeps auto start stop has had issues since the day I got it. Ive taken it back to jeep servicing multiple times and all they do is resent the card computer. The car still moves while in park, the car shuts off while driving on the highway (55mph) it slows down, shuts off and does start for a few mins. The entire right passenger side wheel broke off the car. The car jumps forward which cause a a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
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 contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2021
Steering has the Death wobble on certain numbs. Steering wheel shakes violently and there is loss of control. Back to Ford @ about 20 thousand miles for a new steering damper. Now at 60 thousand the problem is back
Incident date: Mar 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Coachmen Mirada RV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V202000 (Suspension, Power Train) 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 manufa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The suspension is very loud, and sounds like it is going to break. A Tesla technician who was fixing another issue indicated that it is the Upper Control Arm, which seems to be a constant issue with this car. While we did schedule this to be fixed (for next week - they have estimated the cost of repair is over $1000), I fear that it could be a significant safety issue if there were a failure o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
The rear subframe rusted off on drivers side. I financed this car only 10 months ago and now I can not drive it. It is very dangerous to drive, and the mechanic told me I should no longer drive it because of how dangerous it is. I have seen numerous complaints about people having the same rear subframe rusting. I can not afford to get it fixed and I’m still paying on the car. I got it for $7,500... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
Noticed bowing of my rear tires. Looked under car and noticed a lot of rust. Spoke to mechanic who said this is a known issues with murano-in particular corrosion if the rear subframe.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2021
Parts still unavailable to fix recall 20v764. How long is reasonable to wait for parts for an active recall? My recall letter is dated 1/2021, it’s now 10/2021 and parts are still back ordered? I realize there are supply issues but this is kind of ridiculous.
Incident date: May 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service rear axle warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The mechanic stated that the warning light was illuminated because of the rec... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconn... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
I was backing out my car from the garage at home and on the driveway my wife and I heard a weird sound. After checking we found a broken metal part on the driveway and a closer look, taking a picture, I could see that the suspension arm for the front passenger side wheel was broken, very much metal fatigue,
Incident date: Oct 14, 2021
The subframe is rotting prematurely and this issue is only present on the v8 equipped models. Cars in very good shape but the subframe is almost rotted totally through above the exhaust. Due to the poor layout of the exhaust which causes the paint on the welds to flake off and then the subframe begins to rust from the inside out.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2021
Suspension “DEATH WOBLE” Traveling on the highway 68 mph and had no steering with the steering wheel shaking violently and moved me over one full lane before I could slow down and get it under control again. Cars swerved all around me to avoid crashing and my life along with my passenger and other drivers were all put at risk. This is just crazy! Car just came out of the dealer for service ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2021
The suspension is going on a arm due to rust and the bearing which makes my car seem to not.have good.control.