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: Aug 11, 2026
My vehicle was diagnosed in August of 2026 with a suspension thrust arm failure showing leaking hydraulic fluid. The repair cost was quoted at $2,200.00. I found on the internet a BMW of north america service bulletin that called out these thrust arms can fail due to "Various external influences can cause premature aging of the tension strut hydro-mount elastomer; whichcan lead to cracks in the ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2026
Every little bump or weight shift my car makes, the rear suspension makes a creeping slide. I've already had to replace control arms in tube front suspension for a loud clunking noise
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
I own a 2021 Tesla Model Y with approximately 51,300 miles. Beginning in June 2026 I noticed a persistent creaking noise from the front suspension, most audible when accelerating and when turning at low speed. The vehicle had been rear-ended in June 2026 and repaired at a body shop; the noise was reported to the shop at that time and persisted after the repair was completed. On September 2, 2026 ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
My 2023 Tesla Model Y suffered a critical factory safety defect: under-torqued front suspension lateral link bolts, causing dangerous clunking noises under Autopilot. The official Tesla Invoice verified the defect and noted it was re-torqued to spec. Crucially, a close friend owning an identical 2023 Model Y in [XXX] experienced the exact same suspension noise. Upon inspecting his car, the Littlet... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Following a dealer transfer assembly replacement under warranty on a 2025 Hyundai Palisade, technicians failed to perform a post-repair alignment and left the driveshaft unseated. The 2nd dealership we went to subsequently misdiagnosed the resulting suspension warping as 'tire overinflation' on June 5. As a direct result, my family unknowingly drove thousands of highway miles across state lines to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2026
During a yearly safety inspection it was noted that 3 of my 4 shock absorbers are leaking and it would not pass PA safety inspection without replacement.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Sep 2, 2026
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to report a serious vehicle safety concern involving my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The vehicle is currently displaying the following warning messages: "Service Leveling System" "Vehicle Too Low, Drive with Caution" In addition, the vehicle is visibly sitting lower than normal, indicating a potential suspension system failure. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2026
Front lateral control arm bolt spontaneously loose and about to fall out causing front tire noise and unstable drive/steering. May have caused severe damage/accident if happened at high speed but fortunately we discovered this while driving at low speeds. Car only has 33K miles. No warning lights. Upon inspection other front control arm bolts loose and not tight. Dealer inspection scheduled a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
I am experiencing a severe defect involving a recurring clicking and popping noise from the front end of the vehicle when turning at low speeds. This issue is tied to a known premature failure of the front drive axles and constant velocity (CV) joints, which is currently the subject of federal class-action litigation ([XXX], et al. v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc.). The progressive failure of the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
My tailgate wont open at all ! I tried the button in the overhead console ,the key fob and manually! Nothing works and I can't get a dealership to get me a loaner to look at it because I can't be with out transportation! It's a little frustrating I have a new truck that was less then 1month old at the time. Not to mention the other electrical issues like (system keep unpairing my phone),my airbag ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
My 2014 Acura RLX has experienced a severe failure of the Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) Rear Toe Control (RTC) Actuators. The vehicle and its components are currently located at the Hiley Acura of Fort Worth dealership and are fully available for inspection. Safety Risk: This failure causes dangerous rear-end fish-tailing, violent swaying, and completely unpredictable steering control at highw... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF SPORTWAGEN
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Sep 1, 2026
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
The rear axle coil spring coil spring is defective. Safety recall Code: 42J5 VW did not contain the suspect parts since I have the same failure mode as recall. VW Sport wagon is on recall, but not my VIN number. I hope you can hold VW responsible for defective coil springs, I'm sure I am not the only one.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXLRST
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Sep 1, 2026
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
PRESENT RECALLS HAVE NOT BEEN REMEDIED BY MANUFACTURER.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
I took my car to ford and the guy working hit a curb in there own buisness and they had to replace my two tires and rims and I just don’t trust anything because it took them 2 months to fix it , happened like a year ago
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2025) - SUSPENSION
Sep 1, 2026
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
Both front lower control arm ball joints on my 2025 Bronco Sport failed prematurely at approximately 13,000 miles. Upon removal, both ball studs showed heavy corrosion and clear evidence of water intrusion past the factory boot seals. One boot's upper metal retainer was visibly deformed, allowing water into the joint. This level of corrosion should not exist on a vehicle this new and indicates a d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2026
At only 56,000 miles, one of the rear shocks completely snapped in half. While driving, hitting ANY type of bump caused the rear end to drastically sway side to side. Upon taking it to the repair shop, they stated it was a common problem with Odyssey's and only with Odyssey's. This website explains the issue well with pictures: [XXX] Why there isn't a recall is beyond me but this is a safety i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the babysitter was attempting to park the vehicle, the front driver’s side control arm detached from the vehicle with a loud pop. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle veered off the road toward the passenger’s side. The contact turned the steering wheel; however, the vehicle became uncontrollable, crossed into the opposite lane, and drove into a ditch. The vehicle was driven on a back road to the residence and was then towed to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2026
Driver-side front suspension is creaking and popping when turning the steering wheel, particularly at low speeds. Noise appears to be coming from the left-front suspension. Vehicle needs inspection of the driver-side front upper control arm/ball joint, lateral and compliance links, bushings and associated suspension components for wear or excessive play.”
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
The alignment has consistently been an issue since I purchased the truck in March 2025. I've had the wheels aligned 3 times since I purchased it. I took it in for the 25000 mile service and it's out of alignment again. I've never had a vehicle go out of alignment let alone 4 times in 18 months.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2026
The passenger side rear spring mount/Lower Control Arm separated at the weld and failed at highway speed. Control of the vehicle was momentarily lost and I was able to safely pull to the side of the highway to await a tow truck. Vehicle is not drivable. Mechanic confirmed it was an "Insufficient Weld" consistent with a safety bulletin that expired less than a year ago. Nissan corporate would not a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
This is a follow-up to a previously submitted complaint regarding the same issue. I am submitting this update to reference NHTSA's recently opened investigation into 2018-2019 Tesla Model 3 suspension failures. Previous complaint ID is 11732882.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Aug 31, 2026
Incident date: Aug 8, 2026
I was driving down that interstate where I felt that back end of the Jeep drop. I did not hit a bump or anything. When I got out of the vehicle I noticed a significant drop in the height of the vehicle. At first I though something happened with the shocks. My vehicle was repaired with the recall 23V413 however for some reason it didn't make 26V051 recall. I took it to the dealership and they ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2026
The rear lower control arms (lower links) on my 2015 Nissan Altima are actively cracked and broken at 91,359 miles. An authorized Nissan dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed the severe structural failure on video, explicitly stating it is an immediate safety hazard. However, the manufacturer is refusing to repair this dangerous manufacturing defect under Campaign PC690 due to an expired ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2026
When driving down the road, 55mph, I drove across some bumps in the road, and my steering, tires and the front of my Jeep started shaking violently. Couldn't hardly control it. Please help.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
Steering feels sticky/jerky when turning left. Front-left tire outer edge is severely worn down, while other tires are normal. Honda recall 24V744 for steering gearbox was completed, but the problem persists. I suspect the steering rack is defective, causing misalignment and abnormal tire wear. This affects vehicle control and safety.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
Currently receiving it's 4th engine (it has shut down on me while driving down the road, twice) onStar module has been replaced, radiator has been replaced (i think twice), sway bar has been replaced, front suspension problems multiple times (i don't remember all of them), coolant leak, for some reason eats up front tires in about 10K miles and nobody can explain why (discount tire says they have ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2026
During normal vehicle operation, the castle nut came off the control arm causing it to disengage from the wheel. It is currently with the dealer for inspection and service. They still have not confirmed if this and the associated damage will be covered under the extended warranty. I have also reached out to Subaru of America as this is a safety concern and is same as the recall on the 2023 model.
Incident date: May 13, 2026
I purchased a 2007 GMC Envoy from Premier Auto Sales in [XXX] in XXX. I put down $1,250 and I pay $500 a month, $250 bi-weekly. I owe $4767 left on the vehicle in total. A month or two after I bought the vehicle, my car started driving rough and not being able to handle small bumps without rocking violently. I took the vehicle to Jay's Auto Repair in [XXX] where the owner [XXX] placed the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
6/16 Vehicle issues while driving home from work. Rough idle, multiple check engine lights coming on, Multiple warnings display on dashboard. Vehicle in limp mode from work to home. 6/20 While driving in Roanoke rough idle began. Vehicle check engine light appeared, limp mode only lasted for less than 30 seconds before it went back to normal. 6/23 Vehicle issues began again while driving to work.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2026
My truck began emitting a strong oil odor on XXX. I took it to Amato in [XXX], where I was told the oil pan was leaking. They replaced the oil pan, and I paid for the inspection as well. About an hour after picking up my truck, the check‑engine light came on. I returned to the dealership, and they then said additional repairs were needed, even though I had already paid $2,211.57 for the work the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
This 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is subject to Limited Service Campaign 24TD01 for premature tire wear, caused by a factory front toe/camber angle defect acknowledged by Toyota. The vehicle received the campaign remedy (front alignment adjustment and tire replacement) in May 2024, but the same wear pattern on the front tires reappeared and has continued for over a year, documented across multiple d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle veered to the left or right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who performed a tire alignment; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the independent mechanic, who could not determine the cause of the failure and referred the contact to a dealer. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle pulled to the left. The driver pulled over, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear driver's side wheel suspension assembly had detached and the control arm mounting point had separated from the body due to corrosion. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2026
Creaking noise when turning at low speed or going over a bump.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
After vehicle has been parked for awhile, for example over night, there is a Popping sound or Clunking from front of vehicle after moving vehicle and applying brakes at first stop. Noise has been there since 2024. Popping, Clunking sound only when when vehicle parked again. There is also a loud Clunking sound sometimes, sounds like it is from the right front suspension, when driving on irregular,... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
Vehicle was purchased new from Yacht Club Powersports in [XXX] after remaining in its shipping crate since 2024. Yacht Club documented the pre-delivery inspection on XXX. On XXX, before leaving, the front tires visibly appeared very low. A family member and I questioned the salesperson and were told the tires were fine and the vehicle was safe to ride. I then rode more than 160 miles home. During ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2026
On August 26, 2026, my 2022 Ford Bronco experienced a serious safety related failure while I was driving. The vehicle displayed a sway bar disconnect system warning and became disabled, leaving me stranded on the side of the road. The Bronco had to be towed to a Ford dealership, where it is available for inspection. Ford previously claimed that it inspected my Bronco under a recall specifically p... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2026
Constant failure of the rear self leveling shocks there is tsb on the issue but manufacturer will only replace first set of shocks which causes the owner to pay every 20k plus miles for new rear shocks
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Struts good bad really quick
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
I am submitting this safety complaint regarding premature suspension failure on my 2021 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]), specifically concerning the front lower suspension links.During a dealer inspection at a Tesla Service Center on XXX, with 72,758 miles on the odometer, technicians diagnosed that the vehicle’s front lower lateral links and front lower compliance links suffered from severely torn f... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
As with many other 2019 Flex owners, I brought my Ford Flex in for a state inspection and surprise surprise! I have to replace my toe link already! Failure after failure.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
•Purchased the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium Luxury on XXX, at roughly 68,000 miles. •Within roughly 300 miles of ownership, the 6.2L engine suffered a catastrophic failure involving a rod and ultimately required a complete engine replacement by GM. •The incident involved a loss of propulsion while the vehicle was being driven, making the event more significant than an ordinary mechanic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
My 2013 Prius has 86,500 miles on it. It has been regularly maintained. A routine state inspection revealed a severely rusted rear axle beam and a front axle that is heading in that direction. Other Prius' in [XXX] have had this issue, and in some cases, the wheels have detached from the axle while the car is in motion. That is documented. That is a major safety concern, as who would expect t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
At 64,000 miles both rear shock absorbers failed (rusted), one completely the other on the verge. Driving the car was dangerous as the car became unstable at higher speeds when going over normal bumps and road holes. The repair including parts, labor, and necessary four wheel alignment was $1,051. The dealer did not acknowledge this being a common issue nor did they deny it. A google search indic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
The handlebars and front suspension develop a wobble at approximately 40 mph on up through 50 mph. Above 50 I believe the vibrations are happening so fast it feels a little smoother. However, with the throttle closed and deacceleration down through 50 through 30 mph the handlebars developed a significant death wobble. If you lighten or relax your grip on the handlebars, it is visibly shaking back ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C200
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
I am a mechanic speaking on the behalf of a customer; this customer is experiencing problems with her rear subframe. The older generation of her car has a famous issue with rear subframe rusting out. Her car uses an updated part number that is almost identical in construction to the failure prone part that was famous for rusting out, although they are NOT the same number. The failure prone number... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
The vehicle occasionally will change drive modes while in motion. In the past three months, it has switched from Normal to Baja mode three times and from Normal to Rock Crawl mode one time. The issues occured while driving on the freeway in construction traffic, driving slowly down rural county roads, and driving slowly in my subdivision.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
2018 Audi A5 Sportback has 16,500 miles only on it. Used for city driving only; never off road. Recently went in for annual inspection and was told that my right rear coil spring had snapped in two and vehicle was unsafe to drive. Took vehicle to local Audi dealer and they confirmed broken coil spring; they wanted $3000 to repair the vehicle. I took the vehicle instead to a local mechanic who did ... Read more