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 ›

Clear

Showing 49,170 complaints - component: SUSPENSION

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: May 20, 2025

In May 2025, my 2021 Tesla Model Y, with approximately 50,600 miles, developed a squeaking/groaning noise from the front suspension, especially while turning. I brought the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center because of the noise. Tesla inspected and road-tested the vehicle and confirmed the squeaking/groaning from the front suspension. According to the Tesla service invoice, the noise was caused b... Read more

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

Clunking that happens at low speeds, sounds like control arm, but this is not the rear. It’s the front.

Incident date: Jul 21, 2026

I am filing an official complaint against American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and the local dealership regarding their handling of a mandatory safety recall on my 2017 Acura MDX (VIN: [XXX] / Manufacturer Case # XXX). The manufacturer and dealership are failing to provide a $0-cost remedy for this safety recall by attempting to impose conditional out-of-pocket charges on me: 1. Conditioning Recall Com... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

Vehicle makes a grinding noise when turning right or left

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

On July 10, 2026, while driving, I started to hear a rattling metal noise coming from under the right front side of the car. When making turns, the noise gets louder, less when driving straight. When I got home, I looked under the car and found a large metal piece hanging down adjacent to the right front tire. When the Tow Truck came to pick up the car, the right front tire started to get loos... Read more

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

Shock air leaking front right side. The car has 31,000 miles and is 5 years old. Is this to be expected?

Incident date: Jun 29, 2026

I am writing to request that the NHTSA investigate a potential safety and repair adequacy issue regarding our 2017 Honda Pilot Elite. On June 29, 2026, we brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership for a Rear Subframe Safety Recall. At drop-off, I specifically reported an ongoing grinding and rattling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle and requested an investigation. The Honda r... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

My frame of my truck rotted from the inside out and now I don’t qualify for their safety safety program, they only give you enough time and cover it up with a coating so by the time you realized it’s fully rotted through it’s too late.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the rear axle, rear differential, and another undisclosed warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V038000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approx... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2026

I purchased this 2026 Jayco Precept 34G Class A motorhome new in May 2026. During the first approximately 1,000 miles, it exhibited severe steering/handling instability requiring constant correction at highway speeds. As a first-time Class A owner, I initially thought this might be normal and continued operating it with family aboard. On XXX, a Ford commercial service center inspected the motorhom... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for service, the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension). The contact agreed to have the recall repair performed. The contact stated that approximately one month later, the contact discovered that the tread on the rear tires was shredding along the inner sidewalls. T... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2025

-The component that is failing is the Transfer case which is shuddering and jerking. Yes, available for inspection. -UNKNOWN because I take the vehicle to the dealership service immediately when the issue presents due to concern, and to avoid further damage to the vehicle or delay and risk issue to the safety of myself and others -Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by dealerships ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 6, 2026

An inspection of my vehicle on August 6, 2026 disclosed that the rear subframe has corrosion, including perforation. It is my understanding that this problem has been identified in mine and many other Mercedes-Benz models, and that Mercedes-Benz has offered an extended warranty to replace the subframe in certain of these models, but my model for the year it was manufactured was not included. I w... Read more

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

I have a 2011 Ford Escape AWD 3.0 engine. I took it for NY state inspection and it fails due the right side front subframe is rusted and unsafe. Ford has a recall on models up to 2004 but this vehicle has the same issue of the A/C draining on it causing the rust. I have been an auto tech for over 48 years, retired now, and strongly feel this should be a major concern and covered at least 50% by F... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

This truck is a 1500 Silverado custom with extended tail. There was a loud sound as if something happened , I moved to the shoulder and there was nothing visibly wrong. All tires had air in them, continued driving but did noticed a difference when I would back or turned to the right. Then days later one of my tires sort of was ruptured from the side of the tire and had to change tire. I put the sp... Read more

Incident date: Nov 14, 2024

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request Front steering and suspension. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Advertised as capable of 60 mph but between 40 and 45 mph it gets a death wobble and tries to throw you off the trike. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes 2 d... Read more

Incident date: Aug 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the driver's side of the vehicle was leaning. The failure had occurred while the contact and minor children were on vacation and ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the suspension on the undercarriage of the vehicle was separating from the vehicle. The contact stated that a year prior to the failure, the half shaft used to attach the wheel to the vehicle subframe was fractured and was falling off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a Tesla Service Center to be diagnosed, and it was determined th... Read more

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

While my wife was driving on a flat straight road, she heard a loud bang noise from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle made a loud grinding noise. Upon inspection, it was found the bolt securing the front right damper to the suspension had snapped and come loose. The nut fastening the bolt was lost on the roadside.

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

NHTSA Recall Campaign Number Associated: 22V430000 (Honda Codes AOU/AOT) My 2019 Honda Ridgeline is registered in Maine (a designated salt-belt state) and has a completely rusted-through rear subframe. The local authorized Honda dealership inspected the vehicle and officially grounded it, stating it is fundamentally unsafe to drive and cannot pass Maine State Inspection due to structural failure a... Read more

Incident date: Sep 14, 2025

When turning the vehicle, a clicking noise can be heard, intermittently. I have reported this to the dealership, they tell me they heard nothing. The car now has 20,000 miles and will need a tire rotation soon, I will then report it again. It appears the cv joint is the problem with many of these 2024 Honda Prologues. I’ve read, that a broken cv joint could cause loss of power, broken brake li... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2026

Pursuant to a manufacturer-issued safety recall (V06) on a steering assembly component, the manufacturer's remedy permanently damaged an otherwise functioning, adjustable steering component and created a financial barrier to basic vehicle maintenance. The component, post remedy, now would have to be replaced in order to allow adjustment to put the vehicle steering system into correct alignment. ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2026

Bad rear suspension control arm bushing

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

Components Involved: Engine Block Mounting Boss, Intermediate Shaft Bracket (Service Part # DB5Z-3K305-CA), Factory Bolt (OEM # W500131-S437) Incident Overview: During a low-speed (about 5mph) lateral impact to the front-right wheel against a curb, expected sacrificial suspension damage occurred (snapped CV axle, separated lower ball joint). However, lateral force transferred through the passenge... Read more

Incident date: Dec 10, 2025

Lateral link bolt was broken causing damage to subframe.

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

My 2024 Honda Prologue (VIN [XXX]) produces a loud clicking/knocking noise from the front drive axles when turning, most noticeable during low-speed turns and when accelerating out of a turn. The noise began shortly after I acquired the vehicle at low mileage, consistent with the widely reported front CV joint/axle defect affecting 2024-2026 Prologues. This is a safety concern, not merely a noise.... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

My 2003 Sequoia was in the garage for a check on the brakes. I also asked them to check the frame for any rust issues, because I had previously been concerned about it earlier. They reported to me that the car should be off the road because the rust in the frame was so severe. They said they would not put it up on the lift anymore because it could break in half. The stabilizer was barely connecte... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-50 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the toe links and the suspension needed to be replaced. The vehicle was... Read more

Incident date: Aug 14, 2026

when trying to accelerate car is yanking very bad seems like it is a very bad shutter or something with the transmission there is also a very bad squeak when you drive under the car

Incident date: Aug 17, 2026

2022 Tesla Model Y - Premature inner rear tire wear due to excessive negative camber from factory. Both rear tires worn to cords on inside edge at 17k miles, outside tread 6/32 still. Alignment specs show rear camber out of spec caused by short factory rear camber arms. This is a known defect, creates blowout risk at highway speed. Vehicle never modified, never in accident. Mileage 113,136. I have... Read more

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

I am the original owner of a 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited. At approximately 114,719 miles, the vehicle began exhibiting intermittent shaking, rumbling, swaying, wobbling, and lateral instability. The condition is most noticeable at highway speeds and after bumps or other road disturbances, although it has also occurred at lower speeds. At times, the vehicle continues swaying after the initi... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2026

The suspension has malfunctioned on a car with only 89,000 miles. Upon starting the car, the vehicle says to please wait while it is rising. However, when I drive it, a red alert says to stop driving because it's too low to drive, and the car looks very low and lopsided. This is a safety concern when driving on the highway and around town. This appears to be an issue on other Mercedes models, suc... Read more

Incident date: Jul 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, there was an abnormally loud metallic sound coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a spring sticking out of the middle of the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a QR code attached to the coil spring with the part information. Upon fu... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The contact was informed by his daughter that the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle was low, and the ride height of the vehicle was not normal. The contact inspected under the vehicle and discovered that the rear passenger’s side suspension coil spring had detached from the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufactu... Read more

Incident date: Aug 16, 2026

Both the right (April 2024) and now left (Aug 2026) upper control arm bolt became loose. The left created damage. Now I routinely check the bolts and now on a check on the right it loosen naturally freely spinning by hand. Caught the right bolt early before damage and serious safety issue. Note this is a wide issue and NHTSA should issue a wider recall as Tesla argues about repairs and doesn’t ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 22, 2026

This vehicle recieved the [XXX] recall treatment in 2019 but the crossmember snapped anyway in april 2026. It snapped all the way through on the driverside causing the wheel to go completely sideways pulling out the cv axle with it, smashing into the wheel well and fender making the driverside door inoperable, and causing the TOTAL loss of control and needed emergency towing off the roadway. INFOR... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 2026

jeep was in 2 accidents, first accident downtown [XXX], in feb 2026, progressive claim number XXX 2nd accident jeep was involved in high speed police pursuit on march 20th 2026, [XXX] police dept, pursued car for 30 miles, [XXX] to [XXX], the car went off road by railroad tracks, heavy under carriage damage , got stuck on railroad tracks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Aug 11, 2026

I am reporting a front suspension failure on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor, that appears relevant to NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE26006 and similar to Recall 23V-235. While driving slowly in a parking lot, I heard a clunk and felt the front wheel/steering alignment become slightly skewed. After entering the highway, the vehicle developed severe vibration and became unstable and difficult to ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2026

Today (8/15/26) the vehicle broke down while driving. A component to the rear left suspension has busted off that appears to be the rear lower control arm/link. Not drivable. Steering wheel and tire are crooked. I have read that for the years 2013-2018 this is a known issue for these makes and models.

Incident date: May 31, 2025

While driving at approx 65 mph on a highway, I heard a loud thunk from the left rear side of my 2015 VW Golf and the car swerved a little bit. I was thankfully able to control the car and get myself to safety. A family member looked under the car and the broken coil spring was clearly visible, with a very sharp end at the point it broke, right next to the tire... could have been a disaster. I had ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

My 2021 Tesla Model 3 with approximately 70,000 miles developed front suspension problems. It began with squeaking, creaking and groaning, similar to a rusty playground swing, especially while turning or when the suspension moved. The noise was worse in hot weather and progressively became extremely loud and constant during normal driving. I also began hearing intermittent knocking/"bonking" or cl... Read more

Incident date: Aug 14, 2026

Seemingly at random whenever the truck goes over a bump at about 25MPH to 65MPH the whole truck will start to shake violently and uncontrollably like an earthquake is happening and the steering wheel will shake back and fourth and not stop until the truck comes to a complete stop. I've had it happen at least fifty to a hundred times since I bought it on 3-6-2026 and it only has 155,000 miles on it... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2026

At random any time the truck goes over a bump in the road at about 25MPH to 65MPH the whole truck will start to shake violently and uncontrollably like an earthquake is happening and the steering wheel will shake back and fourth and not stop until the truck comes to a complete stop. I've had it happen at least fifty to a hundred times since I bought it on 3/6/2026 and the truck only has 155,000 Mi... Read more

Incident date: Feb 5, 2025

The front-left CV joint/drive axle system malfunctioned. A loud repetitive clicking began during turns at approximately 1,050 miles. The vehicle and components are available for inspection.The condition creates safety concerns because the vehicle sometimes feels unstable while turning and the steering/drivability regularly feels abnormal. The tires have also developed uneven wear, raising concerns... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on uneven road surfaces, the vehicle experienced violent shaking in the front end and the steering wheel. The contact stated that the vibration reoccurred while depressing the brake pedal and ceased after the vehicle had decelerated. The failure was associated with the death wobble. A diagnostic test... Read more

Incident date: Jul 21, 2026

My 2021 Kia Telluride has suffered two consecutive component failures of the rear suspension's self-leveling shock absorbers. This component is the exact subject of Kia's August 15, 2024 Extended Warranty Program (WTY040), which acknowledges a widespread engineering defect causing premature rear shock failures. The factory-installed original shock failed previously. The official Kia genuine repla... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

Camping world Hamburg delivered to me fifth wheel they Ammit they did not have inspected causing Catastrophic structural frame failure and pin-box cross-member buckling (Frame Flex) engineered within the upper deck chassis frame. This structural failure has caused widespread, secondary body panel collapse, including deep spiderweb fractures tearing through the upper fiberglass radius wall paneling... Read more

Incident date: Aug 9, 2026

the suspension lower lateral links bushings are wearing down without much usage. my car had 31k miles and the bushings already need to be replaced. this is very dangerous.

Incident date: Aug 13, 2026

Frame completely rusted through, multiple holes found in the frame. This is a death trap!

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 ... 983 984 Next

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

Read more from our blog