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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 49,170 complaints - component: SUSPENSION

Incident date: Dec 31, 1969

The steering system malfunctioned. The vehicle is at the dealer for inspection/repair. When driving the steering is loose, when you go over bumps there is an audible thump in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle is at the dealer in Rockwall Texas for the 3rd time for this issue. The lower steering shaft was deemed defective by the technician due to excessive play on the first visit. Even with the... Read more

Incident date: Aug 3, 2026

Front subframe is rusted out. Went to do brakes and found holes in frame. I contacted subaru of north olmsted and was told this is common. Was told to call subaru of America and complain and see if they would help. So I called and was told it's common because the car is exposed to snow salt. I have never seen anything like this. I joined a subaru Facebook page and everyone confirmed that this real... Read more

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

The right rear shock absorber failed and was replaced under warranty at approximately 22,000 miles. The car was making noise, the shock was leaking, and not working properly. The dealer admitted to problems with rear shock absorbers failing at low mileage on Hyundai Tucson Hybrid SUVs 2022 through 2025 Tucson Hybrids. The left and right rear shock absorbers are the same part number so we now exp... Read more

Incident date: Oct 24, 2025

Following an engine-out service at an authorized dealer (Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru), a primary powertrain mounting bolt was left unthreaded by approximately 1 inch, creating an undetected 8,000-mile safety hazard that resulted in extensive drivetrain and suspension component failures. Subsequently, during a diagnostic inspection at another authorized dealer (All American Subaru), heavy rusted metal pli... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2022 Grand Design Momentum 381, that is exhibiting numerous symptoms commonly associated with excessive frame flex, structural deformation, and potential frame failure. The symptoms observed include concerns affecting multiple structural systems of the RV, including the front pin box area, walls, slide-outs, floor structure, suspension attachment points,... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2025

premature/uneven tire wear, have had 3 blown tires and replaced 7 tires in 55K. i purchased the 2024 Prius awd new. all 4 tires wear on inner edge of tire even with 5k tire rotation. had a wheel alignment done at 50k nothing was out of balance.

Incident date: Aug 23, 2026

2018 Tesla Model 3, VIN [XXX], approximately 58,736 miles. Front lower suspension lateral link (fore link) separated from the subframe on the right (passenger) front. The fastener that attaches the link to the subframe backed out and is missing. The link is hanging down and the right front wheel sits at a visibly different angle compared to the left, indicating the alignment has shifted. I discove... Read more

Incident date: Jun 17, 2026

At approximately 58,000 miles I discovered that the rear upper coil spring mounts on my 2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited Rubicon are separating from the frame. The factory welds attaching the upper coil perches to the frame rails have cracked and torn, and the mounts are no longer securely attached. I found this condition only incidentally, while inspecting the vehicle for a separate ongoing steer... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The front driver-side control arm came loose after two bolts fell out. The vehicle had no prior accidents, and the failed area can be inspected if needed. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The front driver side of the car suddenly dropped onto the wheel while I was backing int... Read more

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

Hennessey Lincoln in Atlanta repaired my car in June 2026. My Torque converter needed to be replaced. My car was there over 20 days. Two weeks after getting it back from shop it started jerking and smoking. It needed another torque converter replacement. Two weeks after getting this car back it did the same thing again. I contacted Ford Warranty they did not help. Lincoln iin Michigan did ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

The steering started to feel intermittently difficult and then would release. It has been looked at by 2 mechanics and they report that it appears to be a structural failure of the front strut. The strut tower has separated from the body, the adhesive has failed, the rivets have broken loose, and the movement is causing the strut tower to contact the steering shaft resulting in intermittent bind... Read more

Incident date: Jul 30, 2026

During an inspection, an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership discovered severe corrosion and perforation, including holes, in the rear subframe of my 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA. There were no warning lights or messages alerting us to the condition before it was discovered. The dealership confirmed that the subframe requires replacement and estimated the repair at approximately $6,000. The vehicle has ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2026

On the highway, at Highway speeds of 70 mph, going over small bump my jeep goes into a death wobble. Both tires bouncing erratically steering wheel racing back-and-forth. To stop the death wobble I Have to let off the gas and slowly break to a complete stop before the death wobble stops. The frustrating part is, the Jeep Wrangler, is only five years old, and it has never been off-road, and has les... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 2005

While I was driving down a flat road this past week, the front left coil spring on my 2018 VW Tiguan S spontaneously broke, causing a large chunk of the coil spring to bounce around in the wheel well of the car and ultimately flying out into oncoming traffic as well as the left front end of my car to dip forward due to the shortening of the leftover coil spring. After going to the repair shop, I l... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2026

Car makes loud noise from front axel

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

I purchased a brand new 2026 Honda Pilot Elite AWD in March of 2026. Since then, I've taken my vehicle in service 3 times, with the first time being 1 week of purchase after noticing loud noises, rumbling, shaking and clunking as I drove over speed bumps, potholes, etc. The first service, the Honda technicians weren't able to identify the issue. The second and third times I've taken the vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2026

While operating the vehicle, a loud clunk occurred, followed by a grinding noise. I stopped the vehicle immediately. Upon exiting, I observed the rear driver‑side tire positioned at an abnormal angle. Inspection underneath the vehicle revealed a fractured rear control arm. This failure is consistent with recall 23S55, which applies to Ford Explorers manufactured between 6/25/21 and 7/6/22. My ve... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

The vehicle hit a dip in the road and the shocks immediatly lost all damping force causing the front of the vehicle to bounce and oscillate. The lack of damping could cause a serious accident due to loss of control in an emergency manuver. I did exchange the shocks and the new ones are exactly the same. I have contacted the manufacturer and they have stated there is no issue, however they did not ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

Incident date: Aug 24, 2026

Square tube connecting spring hangers under the frame failed. Appears that square tube never was complete adhered at the joint, causing a total failure of holding rear of spring assembly to the frame.

Incident date: Aug 21, 2026

During a recent inspection at Audi Chantilly (Virginia), the service department inspected cracked upper control arm bushings in the front suspension that were noted during a recent service to install new tires and perform an alignment (see attached photos. There is cracking and what appears to be some type of fluid leakage). The dealership denied warranty coverage, claiming these are merely "cosme... Read more

Incident date: Aug 20, 2026

1) The rear structural subframe (crossmember) has completely rotted, perforated, and failed due to severe corrosion. The factory-installed plastic underbody rock shields trapped road salt and water, causing the frame to rust from the inside out. The corrosion has spread, completely fusing and compromising the rear suspension mounting points and the rear differential brackets. The vehicle is fully ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2026

Dealership held vehicle for approximately 2.5 months for major service totaling nearly $6,900 (primarily covered by extended warranty with ~$1,000 paid out-of-pocket). Upon return, the vehicle failed to function properly and was released in a dangerously compromised, life-threatening condition—specifically with a brake line left completely disconnected from the caliper, loose/wiggling, and activ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

The U bolts on my RV suspension failed which let all the leaf springs fall out. My family was very lucky that no one was injured or killed. Please see the attached photos.

Crash

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

On July 27, 2026, while driving my 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 under normal conditions, the vehicle suddenly displayed a suspension warning stating, “Malfunction — Drive at Max. 50 mph.” The warning appeared while the vehicle was in motion; I had not received this suspension warning before the incident. I photographed the warning when it occurred and presented the vehicle to an authorized M... Read more

Incident date: Aug 24, 2026

The rear sub frame has rusted and part of it has failed

Incident date: Aug 3, 2026

While driving my 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (VIN [XXX], approximately 354 miles on the odometer), I was involved in a frontal collision. Event Data Recorder (EDR) data retrieved from the vehicle's Airbag Control Module via Bosch CDR tool confirms the following: The Pre-Collision System (PCS) On/Off switch was ON and the system reported "Enable" status (no fault/DTC) throughout the 5-second pre-crash ... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

Driver side rear lower control arm broke/rusted through. Was able to get the vehicle home prior to an catastrophic incident. See pictures attached. Warning light came on the dash at the time of the brake of the control arm.

Incident date: Aug 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, there was a shimmy coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled into a parking lot, and the front passenger’s side tire, rim, brake assembly, and ball joint suddenly detached from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and it was confirmed that there was no warr... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2024

The affected components are the BOTH FRONT DRIVE AXLE/CV JOINT ASSEMBLIES on my 2024 Honda Prologue. This is not merely a suspected problem. After I reported the clicking/popping condition to Honda multiple times, the vehicle was finally inspected by a technician, who determined that BOTH FRONT AXLES WERE BROKEN AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. The original clicking/popping was not present when I obtain... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2026

We experienced three consecutive tire blowouts on our 2021 Keystone Hideout 198RB. All blowouts were on the same side (passenger side). Since we purchased the trailer new we noticed unusual tire wear patterns on the passenger side resulting in a cone like wear. The outside of the tire wears faster than the other. We reported this to the dealer and the axle was replaced. However, despite the replac... Read more

Incident date: Aug 23, 2026

My tire light is on a my 2012 nissian murano. It flashes at startup, with the light on, telling me I have low tire pressure. I put air evenly in all four tires. The light still remains on; how can all four TPMS go bad? I wouldn't know if i have a leak or low pressure due failed TPMS. My check engine light is on due to air/fuel ration on bank 1 sensor 1. This issue is causing poor fuel economy and ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2026

I was driving normally and drove in a dip in the road. The vehicle went completely into auto drive, leaving me helpless behind the wheel. It spun and swerved wildly for 30-45 seconds on a neighborhood street resulting in the left rear tire and the rim being mangled. When it was spinning out of control, the left rear tire was seemingly stuck, dragging in whichever direction it chose. Thankfully, no... Read more

Incident date: Aug 20, 2026

Vehicle shifted into neutral while driving down the highway, extremely dangerous. Would not shift into gear and could not accelerate. Was able to pull over and the vehicle would not restart. Had to have the vehicle towed to a dealership. Dealership found a blown fuse, problem happened again twice and the dealer could not find the problem. This was July 28th, 2026. On August 20th, while in cruise c... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2026

lower control arm broke due to recall #21v144 resulting in transmission cv axles lower control arms front steering components and drive train failure. emergency tow bill etc vihicle is at burdick mitsubishi in cicero ny and dealer says mitsubishi has denied as secondary damage as per recall. waiting on dealership for denial letter.

Incident date: Jul 31, 2026

1.The rear wheel assembly, lug nuts, and potentially the wheel studs/rear suspension system failed due to improper torque and installation by the dealership. Yes, the vehicle components are available for inspection 2.The dealership released my vehicle with completely untorqued lug nuts on the rear wheel assembly. A lug nut physically fell off onto the public street while driving back to the shop. ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

Seats: Driver’s seat shifts forward when normal braking pressure is applied. Bottom cushion seems to be loose/shifting. Cause for major concern if emergency braking should be needed and seat does not restrain driver Steering: Steering wheel has vibrations when driving over normal aberrations/roughness on paved roads. Accompanied by rattles and mechanical noise. Extremely annoying Suspension: F... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

There are known issues with Honda crv’s frames rusting in many states. There was a recall which we had inspection and straps added to strengthen frame. Now, frame has failed and even after filing a case with Honda care in April 2026, they continue to close the case, reopen it when we call back, call us with ring less voice mails so we are never able to talk to any case manager, and leave recorde... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2020

I haven’t experienced an issue yet. A safety recall was finally issued to my 2018 Ram 2500 pickup truck in 2024. I had taken it to the local Ram dealership (Rairdon’s Ram, Bellingham, WA). On two separate occasions for my truck throwing the following warning light, “Check Electronic Braking System”. At the same time, traction control is deactivated, and cruiser control turns off, so if ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 6, 2021

Recall caused full engine failure which caused 75mph to abrupt stop on Highway. Violently shaking and leaked gas inside vehicle. I was confused because I had no collision and liberty mutual denied my claims, but I was hurt from a recall - dealer frequently recorded as fixed during a scam that caused me to lose my full savings and be stuck with a unfixed covered car. (Dealer tried to say they were... Read more

Crash Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

Failure brake suspension

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

My 2023 GMC Yukon Denali XL, used as a commercial vehicle for my business, experienced sudden and complete engine failure at approximately 70,000 miles with no prior warning. No check engine light, no unusual noise, and no other symptoms. The vehicle had previously been inspected/serviced under GM Safety Recall 25V-274 (L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion) and had been deemed safe prior to this failure.... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2026

Rear passenger side coil spring fell out. Vehicle was previously inspected and deemed not affected by the known coil spring recall by a CDJR service department. More recently deemed not included in the investigation looking into later ongoing issues. Currently the vehicle is in the possession of this service department awaiting parts and the Dealership is correcting or repairing via an extended wa... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

I am getting a creaking and clunking sound in my front passenger side suspension. It happens when I turn and go over bumps.

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

Lower control arms failing, rubber gone creating uneven tire wear, driftng when driving and going over bumps. Less than 60k miles

Incident date: Aug 7, 2026

Several months ago while having my truck serviced, I asked the repair shop to inspect the ball joints on the passenger side because they would make a popping noise when turning the wheel. The shop inspected them and said that was a normal sound due tot he factory lift. Recently I was driving home and about to turn into my lane when the front passenger wheel assembly collapsed under the truck due t... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding two serious safety-related failures with my Tesla Cybertruck: a braking-system malfunction and a rear suspension/subframe failure at approximately 12,500 miles. The vehicle previously experienced a significant braking problem that required repair by an authorized Tesla Service Center. The initial repair did not properly resolve the issue, requiring the veh... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2026

The front upper control arm failed and the driver side wheel collapsed. There was no warning. Luckily I wasn’t pulling my RV camper down a mountain, it could have been catastrophic . I towed it to Carson Chevrolet. They gave me an estimate of $6,000 + for repairs. They had no reasonable explanation.

Incident date: Jun 9, 2026

The truck when put in parking it still roll forward a little bit. Back up camera can’t not see during night time. Dealership stated they will not solve that problem and tell us to do manually by turn around look back. The suspension really bouncy but the tech stated that is normal. Spoke to other 3rd party tech they said that not normal at all.

Incident date: Aug 19, 2026

1. There was front suspension failure where the lower ball joint has separated, causing the steering knuckle and wheel assembly to detach and collapse while driving- yes it is available to inspect if done tomorrow 2. Driver could not control car, passengers and other cars on road in immediate danger. Car was swerving with loss of control 3 Independent service center looked-this should have not h... Read more

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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