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: Jan 27, 2022
Rear upper control arm cracked. Very critical safety part. I have had a discussion with other owners and have discovered that several others have had the same issue. Very low milage. 10k miles. Could result in a fatal collision! Found issue during safety inspection. Bushing is now misaligned and control arm is not in the proper location due to the crack. Another crack could result in... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
A 220
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Jan 28, 2022
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V990000 (Steering, 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 local dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
With no indication the truck started shaking violently after driving over an overpass expansion joint at about 60-65 mph on highway. After slowing to about 20-25 mph in breakdown lane, it seem to go away. Approximately 3-4 miles down the highway, again going over an expansion joint to a bridge this time, it happened again. With the same process of pulling into the breakdown lane and reducing spee... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle rode over a pothole which caused a fracture in the subframe. The contact had taken the vehicle to several independent mechanics and was informed that the failure was caused by severe salt corrosion. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed her that ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
I have three signifcant issues with my Tacoma: 1. A few months after purchasing my Tacoma in 2016 Toyota (no accidents to date & 95% highway driving) and one outside alignment shop had never been able to get the truck aligned properly so it would never keep its alignment more than 3-4 months; repeated visits to Toyota maintence for alignment over the years became as routine as an oil change, some... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
Upon exiting from the highway at an approximate speed of 55mph in my 2019 Ford F250, I experienced a SEVERE case of what is commonly known as the "death wobble." I was essentially unable to control the vehicle in both braking and steering capacities, so much so that we ended partially in the grass median before regaining safe control. This again happened on the return trip home. So far I have been... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
I've had nothing but problems with my suspension and here in the past week or so I've been smelling like wires are either getting to hot or wires actually burning
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Jan 27, 2022
Incident date: Jan 27, 2022
It seems the top suspension arm on my front passenger side broke.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2022
30k miles on truck and have had persisting issues with a shaking front end / steering wheel while driving at speed. What many folks refer to as “death wobble”. Dealer has replaced drag link and steering stabilizer and I replaced tires prematurely out of my own pocket, none of which have solved the issue. Ford needs to figure this out. I’ve owned 2 other superduty trucks and they have all had... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
My struts , shocks on the front of my truck leaked and they replaced both under warranty. 1 year later drivers side leaking again. They would not repair but said it’s a safety hazard?? Should be recalled!
Incident date: Jan 22, 2022
While driving down the highway, hit a pothole, and the vehicle started to shake very violently. Was unable to control the vehicle and crashed against the guardrail causing damage to the vehicle. This happened on January 22, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas.
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Jan 26, 2022
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
brakes are squeaking at 15k , airbag light on, cracking noise when turning corners
Incident date: Jan 26, 2022
"death shake/wobble" driving 60 mph hit a small pot hole in a slight curve to the left front end started shaking so badly that i had to come to a complete stop by placing transmission in neutral and allowing truck to slow down by coasting. brakes made it worse
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated the information center was slow to respond. While driving at night, the screen went into daytime usage. While utilizing the turn signal, the screen options were not available. The contact stated that the shocks and struts became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the shocks needed to be replaced. The co... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2021
According to TSB 401548, car dealership/manufacture will not provide extended warranty to repair premature wheel bearing due to vehicle VIN not in their system as an affected vehicle. The 2016 A4 has premature wheel bearing as described in the TSB 401548. Covered vehicles are 2016 Audi A4. Faulty wheel bearing may result in loss of control of vehicle and will not pass Pennsylvania State Inspect... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
The contact owned a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and approaching traffic ahead the driver depressed the brake pedal to stop and the vehicle suddenly lost control, spun out, and drove into the opposite lane before two other vehicles crashed into it. During the crash, the vehicle was destroyed. The front passenger sustained a left shoulder injury whic... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
In January 2021, my 2021 Jeep Gladiator Overland became unstable at normal freeway speeds (60-75 mph) on many occasions. The slightest bump or surface irregularity stimulates a violent and sustaining side-to-side vehicle shudder/vibration from the front suspension that was very extreme that lasted for over 2 minutes or until the vehicle slowed to around 60 mph; where stable vehicle behavior restor... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2021
What Is Death Wobble On Ford Trucks - Terry Bryant Accident ...https://www.terrybryant.com About featured snippets • Feedback People also ask What causes Ford death wobble? How do you fix the death wobble on a Ford? What year Fords have the death wobble? Did Ford fix the death wobble in 2021? Feedback Videos f250 truck f350 super duty fix f150 recall causes ranger lawsuit new f550 explorer dies... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2021
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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part 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... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2022
Vehicle is difficult to control, especially when driving on uneven roads, or when it is windy. It takes a lot of effort to keep the car in one lane. The ride is rough, and you can hear and feel every little bump in the road. More than a rough ride, this will oftentimes throw my vehicle off path which feels like the car is not in my control momentarily. For instance, it will follow the direction of... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2021
Air suspension randomly fails to inflate, 1 or multiple bags do not inflate. Drivability is very dangerous as you have no suspension keeping the tires on the ground when going over any bumps on the road. Steering can also be affected as it can lean to one side causing steering pull to that side that is deflated. Loss of control is a factor as well while turning and accelerating, with the harshness... Read more
1 injured
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2010) - SUSPENSION
Jan 24, 2022
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
Driver side subframe broke in half due to rust. However, vehicle has low mileage and was very well maintained and is in mint condition throughout with no signs of rust anywhere underneath on any parts. This subframe rusted through from the inside and with no way of being able to see or catch any warning signs for owners.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2022
The frame is rusted completely throughout. VERY DANGEROUS!
Incident date: Jan 23, 2022
While driving down the interstate, at approximately 70 mph, the front suspension started to wobble to the point that it was almost uncontrollable. Once the vehicle was slowed to approximately 50 mph, the wobble stopped. This vehicle has 28,000 miles & this is a condition that has just started in the last 30 days.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed by an independent mechanic, she was informed the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. Additionally, the suspension was compressed onto the tire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approxim... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
Hello I went to the dealership many times. Every time I go for the recalls. They saying that the parts not available. I’m not sure what’s going on. They keep telling me try with us in a month. This is unprofessional and unacceptable. The recall for the suspension and the passenger door panel. By the way I tried 2 different dealership. On in eat Rutherford.NJ. And on I. Hackensack,NJ. Plea... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2022
The rear lower control arm failed and broke in half, causing springs, shocks, struts, pins, knuckles, bolts to fracture/break or collapse. The tire bowed inward at the top and made loud knocking and rattling noises for six months. I took to three different Nissan dealers, and all told me nothing was wrong. 1/6/22 I was driving on I-90S in Chicago, IL, and when the rear driver control arm failed an... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
DEATH WOBBLE IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. at speeds greater than 40mph, the vehicle becomes almost impossible to steer due to a major 'wobble' in the front end.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2020
The death whobble on front end of trk.i done repaired numerous times can't get it fixed. This is ridiculous! Done been in numerous near misses very scary on the road or interstate comes out of nowhere it will take you off the road now this is my only vehicle and scared to drive it over 40 mph what do I do?
Incident date: Jan 23, 2022
I have owned car for almost 4 + years I was roughly at 128,000 when I purchase I gave 159,xxx miles on now. In the past 4 years tires replaced 2 times. I keep having issues with tires needing plugged in front. My brakes have been replaced 3 times rotors 2 times plus struts ball joints tie rod u name it repaired suspension system sucks. I’m sick of having same issues repair. I have thousands ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2021
In December, 2021, my 2021 Jeep Willys Gladiator became unstable at normal freeway speeds (70-75 mph) on ~8 occasions. At these speeds, the slightest bump or surface irregularity stimulates a violent and sustaining side-to-side vehicle shudder from the front suspension that was so extreme that it splashed my cola and ice from the center cup holder to the dashboard and doors. R-L-R Steering input... Read more
JAYCO TRAVEL TRAILER
WHITE HAWK
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Jan 22, 2022
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
A weld failed on a spring hanger in the suspension to the frame on the passenger side rear axle. It dropped down and shifted the front axle which destroyed the front axle causing the wheel bearings to get hot and weld together. The trailer is currently at an RV Repair Shop being repaired. If we had not noticed this when we did, it could have caused a fire or accident on the highway. The RV Repair... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
At about 12 months we noticed an intermittent clunking sound from the rear of the car. We took it to the dealer and was advised they could not duplicate the problem. I went to have the car state inspected 1/20/22 and it failed. Both reared shocks were determined to be bad, one of which was leaking badly. I brought the car back to a Nissan dealer and was told nothing could be done as my mileage w... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GL450
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Jan 21, 2022
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The airmatic system in this vehicle fails continuously, causing the vehicle to bump up and down while driving. Unsafe to drive
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact noticed that the vehicle was sitting on the frame. The contact stated that whenever the weather was cold while driving, the vehicle would bounce while the air suspension defect warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the fa... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Jan 21, 2022
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
The contact's uncle owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that an abnormal rubbing sound was coming from the vehicle without warning. After an inspection, neither the contact nor his uncle could diagnose the cause of the failure. While the contact's uncle was driving 70 MPH, one of the rear driver’s side tires detached from the axle without warning. His uncle was able to pu... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The vehicle was repaired however, the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2022
I experienced the “Death Wobble” for my first time today! Very scary! I had just reached 65 MPH and suddenly my 2017 F250 starting shaking violently. I had little to no control of steering. Fortunately, I had heard of it before from family and friends who also experienced it. I let off the accelerator and it ended as if nothing was wrong! My vehicle has slightly over 38K miles. There wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2019
I am experiencing extremely horrible death wobble to the point that I cannot drive my vehicle. I have taken it to two different Ford dealers in the last five years as well as a repair on my own and it is still not fixed. Ford has not issued a recall as of this date. The death wobble started on my truck at 11,000 miles.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
I was traveling on the highway at approximately 65-70 mph when it drove over unlevel pavement and the truck started shaking uncontrollably from the front end. After slowing and pulling off to the side to check my wheels and tires I proceeded at a slower rate of speed with no further incident so far. I use this truck for towing my horse trailer. I don't know what would have happened if I was towing... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
My rack and pinion steering column and power steering pump went out causing a hefty cost to replace and it is starting to fail again creating hazardous conditions while driving. I do believe there is a steering issue in these models. Also my power lift gate in the back closes without stopping automatically while I’m loading the rear or unloading. There is NO STOPPING SAFETY SENSOR, I HAD THE B... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2022
Shock busted completely though the shock mount.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the stability warning light was illuminated. There was a rattling and knocking sound detected under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension). The contact was informed that there was a charge for the repair. The vehicle was repaired however t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2021
My jeep has bottomed out multiple times on normal road bumps. I've owned 4 other jeeps and have never experienced this before I've noticed there is one 3" of travel allotted between the front axle and the bump stops and I under stand that the diesel motor weight more than the 3.6l but to not compensate for the extra weight and running the same suspension setup as the 3.6l is not even right.... To... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
There is a problem called death wobble with our 2016 F250 truck. Driving down the highway and you hit a dip going over a bridge or a hole in the highway and it starts to wobble and you can hardly control it, you can not apply brakes because it feels like it is going to turn over with you. We use this truck in the roofing business and if we had had the trailer behind it there would have been an acc... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Jan 20, 2022
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
Engine valve lifter failure at 20,000 miles; engine hesitation and power loss. Error to parking brake and to electronic stability control. Chevrolet to replace damaged lifter but refused to replace both banks of defective lifters. As a result of dysfunction I was stranded 1200 miles from home and have been waiting 2 weeks for repair. Still 1200 miles from home with 2 kayaks, 2 bikes etc.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
My front axle support has extensively rusted, even though the vehicle is only approximately nine (9) years old. During installation of my Winter tires, a dealership technician found this component rusted through on the passenger side of the vehicle. The technician described this as severe damage to the suspension system, that is not repaired, could result in an accident. I have had the componen... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic for an alignment check; however, the dealer and the independent mechanic could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
Driving 65mph on I40 hit a transition area of the pavement and the truck began the shake violently almost unable to control truck due to the shake. Had to come to a complete stop to make it stop. Happened again when I hit the next bump. I have read this is referred to as the death wobble. It is very scary and could cause an accident even loss of life due to an accident.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
While my wife was driving our QX56 during normal conditions at approximately 40MPH, QX56 begun to swerve repeatedly left to right in a dangerous manner and she had to apply brakes rapidly. Looking under the vehicle, the lower control arm was badly cracked and the cause of the swerving. I towed to my local shop (not Infiniti dealership) for repair and they confirmed the right control arm was crac... Read more