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: Oct 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his grandmother was driving and decelerating, the rear passenger’s side suspension suddenly failed, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who determined that the rear passenger’s side tow link had failed and that both the rear passenger’s side and driver’s side tow links needed to be... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
2023 Hyundai Tuscon - Very Low Milage approx 6500 Miles - while in a parking lot, The rear passenger Carrier ARM which holds the Control arm fully cracked causing the Control arm to fall off. This product failure is unprecedented as it was a total part manufacture failure. NO impact or under carriage damage was found, even upon Dealer inspection. I as the driver of the vehicle confirm that No impa... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
This report addresses the critical structural integrity concerns related to excessive corrosion, and frame material loss affecting the main ladder frame chassis. The degradation of the frame members poses a significant and immediate safety risk, including potential catastrophic structural failure, detachment of critical components, and failure of safety systems (e.g., braking and fuel lines) moun... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Oct 29, 2025
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
Right Rear upper and lower toe links broke nearly causing a serious accident when brakes were applied, vehicle pulled severely to the right causing it to swerve and narrowly missing another vehicle. The toe link failure on my vehicle which has only 29702 miles put my life and the life of my family members at risk. The vehicle was brought to our local licensed repair shop in Massapequa, NY where th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION), 24V031000 (STRUCTURE), and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstru... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 3500
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Oct 29, 2025
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
Issue started with hearing a clunking noise from the front of the car, had the dealer inspect at 37,000 miles. They said they the clunking was caused by ECU issue and reprogrammed the ECU to correct it. Obviously, a software update did not correct the noise. Had an independent repair shop inspect the vehicle and found both front control arm bushings were cracked and torn allowing the control arm t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear of the vehicle was bouncing excessively. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rear suspension that needed to be replaced. The contact was also made aware that the rear sensors were not properly installed following a co... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
Car has 45,000 miles and the rear shocks are blown and making a rattling popping noise.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The vehicle started showing excessive tire wear with only 3500 miles on it. We took it to the dealership to have this checked and discovered it the front suspension was severely out of alignment they aligned the suspension and 1500 miles later it was out of alignment again and was re aligned. Then 1500 miles later it was aligned yet again because of excessive wear and pulling hard to the left. The... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while the front tires were being replaced, corrosion was found underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving over 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle vibrated ab... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
My 2024 CR-V EX-L FWD has roughly 37,000 miles on it, and the tires have been rotated per Honda's built-in "Maintenance Minder". The inner shoulder of all four tires are worn to the extent that they need to be replaced. The rear suspension suffers from excessive negative camber; It is visually discernable upon approaching the vehicle from behind. I asked the service advisor at my local dealership... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
I recently purchased a new Tesla Model Y (Juniper refresh). The vehicle has a loud clunking/creaking noise coming from the front suspension at low speeds, especially when driving over small bumps, turning into driveways, or when the road surface is uneven. The noise is noticeable inside the cabin and feels like a mechanical component is shifting. I brought the vehicle to Tesla Service. They confi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
On the fourth transmission with a Carvana car. It’s dangerous to drive. I can’t go more than 65 and I drive 200 miles a week. It just had its left front axel done and now today it is the right front axel. Carvana offered me a 500 credit.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
At 31,000 miles the control arm lower ball joints are torn on both lower. They must be replaced. This is a safety hazard. This should not be an issue with low mileage on this car.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
Car is making loud noises while going over uneven roads. Only have 64,000 miles on it and I need to replace the struts.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
I purchased a 2005 Nissan Sentra on [XXX] from TMZ Auto Sales. The front passenger and driver side calipers, rotors, brake pads, brake hoses, front driver side hub bearings and knuckle hook up, were replaced by me, and the left passenger side ball joint needs to be repaired. All repairs were done within 30-60 days of purchase. The dealer replaced the front driver side caliper and brake, but I had ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while attempting to use the defroster, the HVAC system was not working properly, and paper towels were used to wipe the inside and outside windshield. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH or while slowing down to come to a stop, there was an abnormal creaking sound coming from the rear end of the ve... Read more
THOR MOTOR COACH
FREEDOM ELITE
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Oct 26, 2025
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
2011 Mazda6 rear subframe rot/rust, unsafe and dangerous to drive, Same situation as the front subframe that is part of a recall.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
Dealer has failed to comply an make repairs. I contacted dealer first part of july, same day I received recall notice, secluded recall, they said I was 5th in line for recall, have called once a month ever since, and they tell me I'm still 5th inline for repair. Note; this dealership first part of the year has changed ownership and how they do business. I am gravely concerned about the issue with ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
I had a recall on my 2011 Ford explorer for toe Links and bushings. Since ever since this has been going on I have gone through 38 tires in the rear in the past two years alone no shop will fix my car because the camber is so out of whack I have to have the whole rear suspension redone again when it should have been fixed the first time with the recall link Ford spent 5 minutes going through my ca... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
Shortly after purchase the dash board begain to display warning lights. Then suspension warnings. The pump for the air bag suspension stopped working. The cars ride height was bellow the bumpers & seemingly had no shock activity. I stoped driving it because it said i could cause extensive damage if it continued to be on the road. I replaced the pump/compressor & it appeared to have been fixed. Abo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
The problem started in the past year (2024-2025) with severe shuddering while driving over 35-40 mph and going over a patched pothole or other irregularity in the road. The shuddering would continue until I slowed to stop. It is quite alarming & feels like the car is falling apart and is more difficult to manuever when this occurs. Once I slow to a stop, the shuddering stops and I am able to pro... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Knocking in engine, loss of power, rod bearings needs replacing
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
Just in school driveway going over speed bumps and 2 bolts that is hold the control arm fell out.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
Pinched weld separation, in dealership for same noise since 2023, yes problem was confirmed by repair shop and engineer from ford, popping sound in front end right side since 2023 at 5400 miles
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that while performing an inspection of the vehicle, the contact became aware of severe corrosion on the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
STEERING IS SOMETIMES DIFFICULT. There is a popping/cracking sound that appears to be coming from the driver's side wheel assembly/strut area. Could this be the same problem as the CRV 2022-2025 Steering Gearbox recall, 24v744000?
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
I am writing to you regarding a persistent creaking noise in the front end of my vehicle when turning the wheel. I have brought the car in twice already for this issue, but the problem has not been identified or resolved. The vehicle is scheduled to come in again for the same issue. While I have been told it is not a safety concern, I am troubled that the source of the noise remains unknown. With... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
While driving home from a shop, my Tesla Model Y suddenly stopped in middle of busy road and became unable to move forward. I had to press the accelerator hard, which caused a loud noise before the car moved slightly and I was able to pull over to side of road. I narrowly avoided being hit by another car. Upon inspection, it was found that front tire connecting rod and suspension had failed, causi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2025
RECALL V06/NHTSA 19V-021. I BOUGHT MY 2018 2500 RAM NEW IN 2019. ON 10-10-25 I PUT MY FIRST SET OF TIRES ON IT 37369 MILES. AFTER INSTALL OF TIRES. I WANTED AN ALIGNMENT.TECH TOOK TRUCK TO ALLIGNMENT RACK AND PULLED IT OFF REAL FAST. SALES REP TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT DO THE ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THE DRAG LINK WAS WELDED. I SHOWED HIM THE QR CODE IN MY OWNERS MANUAL WHICH HE SCANNED AND SAID THEY DONT... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s side windshield started to detach. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 21V746000 (Suspension); however, the parts to perform the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirm... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
Dear NHTSA Safety Division, Please find attached my formal letter regarding an urgent safety concern related to Safety Recall D041 (Front Suspension Knuckle Crack) – NHTSA Recall No. 25V-514, affecting my 2016 Land Rover Range Rover. It has been nearly a year since the initial recall notification, and the defect has now rendered my vehicle unsafe to drive. Despite repeated attempts to seek ass... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and attempting to change lanes, the contact felt a small bump. Shortly afterwards, the vehicle started to wobble violently, almost causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle due to the increased steering effort. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway to inspect the vehicle, but found ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
I purchased this vehicle with 18,000 miles on the odometer. I am not a reckless driver, and primarily commute to and from work on paved roads. At 29366 miles, I had to have one of the rear shock absorbers replaced after it started making a strange noise. Again at 49596 miles, both rear shock absorbers had to be replaced. I recently took this car back to the shop with 86000 miles on the odometer a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
Rear subframe failure due to rust.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
When the car goes 75-80mph on the highway, there is a metallic "ticking" noise coming from the front two sides of the car, around the area where the tires are. KIA is refusing to do anything about it because they claim they cannot drive the car that fast due to speed limits. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? --unknown How was your... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
While driving my 2024 Mercedes-Benz S580, I have experienced multiple serious safety issues affecting both the power train and the wheels/tires. 1.Power Train / Transmission Failure: On two separate occasions at freeway speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost all power and came to a complete stop in the middle of the lane. I could not accelerate, steer to safety, or coast to the shoulder. The car was c... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
The contact's son owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal grinding and rubbing sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for brake service. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired, the independent mechani... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2024) - SUSPENSION
Oct 22, 2025
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
For the past few months now my 2018 Chevy Traverse has had a weird shimmy when changing lower gears. Got it looked at and they said one of the 9 clutches are going out and needs to be replaced for a total of $6664.63. After doing my own research, this is a common problem with the 2018 Chevy Traverse after reading all the complaints on Social Media and a few Chevy enthusiasts websites. I’ve calle... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2025) - SUSPENSION
Oct 22, 2025
Incident date: Oct 21, 2025
Control arm snapped on the I-71. Going 70 miles an hour when it happened. Definitely could have been a major accident but luckily no cars were around us when it happened. i rode over a bridge's transition and heard a big pop like a tire. Then it sounded and felt like we were riding on a rim. When we got out we saw what had happened. No warnings or anything before this happened.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
Since I purchased my 2026 Tesla Model Y RWD, the vehicle has had a persistent mechanical noise and vibration issue coming from the front suspension and brake area. This issue has been ongoing since the first weeks of ownership and has not been repaired or properly diagnosed after multiple service visits. Details -Component/System Failed: Front suspension/brake assembly (unknown exact component; ma... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
Front suspension has a clunk/clicking noise that is getting worse with time/usage. At first the noise was there but not noticeable enough to cause concern. Over time the noise has gotten worse and stability of the motorcycle has deteriorated significantly to the point that it feels unsafe to ride it over bumps, specially when leaning. Triumph claims there is no safety issue but i doubt they done t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
On Saturday 10/18/2025 the rear drivers side tow link of my 2018 Ford Explorer XLT snapped while driving 70 mph under normal driving conditions on a 4-lane section of i-75 in Detroit, MI. This caused a loss of steering, and my family and almost hit the median concrete wall when it sharply veered to the left completely unexpectedly. There were no warning sounds or symptoms and happened at random on... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
The steering and suspension suddenly vibrated the whole car violently for over two miles straight, steering is uncontrollable it feels as if the wheels of the jeep were going to fall off. This is well known in the Jeep community as the death wobble. It is a safety issue as there is a loss of control of the car and causes the need to pull over or stop immediately which is hard to do on a fast movin... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Oct 21, 2025
Incident date: Oct 21, 2025
Component/System Failed: The rear suspension strut assembly on the passenger side fully dislodged while driving at approximately 30 mph. The vehicle and damaged component are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The sudden failure caused the rear of the vehicle to drop and become unstable, creating a loss of control risk to myself and nearby drivers. Reproduction/Confirmation: The i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
The Tesla model Y Performance has a tire wear problem that causes uneven wear and creates cupping that occurs within 7500 miles of tire wear. There is also a weird sound even when you have new tires on the vehicle. The noise grows as your speed goes up it is almost painful at 70mph. It is a known issue and Tesla refuses to address the problem even though they are aware of it. This cupping issue cr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
I was driving slowly, about 5 mph, and was pulling over on a residential street to park on the street, and my Hyundai started shaking…the steering wheel and car were shaking and the brakes weren’t working. I nearly rear ended a car full of people. It did eventually a stop and the whole thing lasted maybe 10 seconds but it was terrifying. I had it towed to the dealership and they can’t seem t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
Took vehicle in for new tires and alignment at 47,302 miles on the odometer. I was informed that a camber bolt was completely seized and that the right rear control arm busing was bad/missing. My car is just over a year old and has been vibrating for a while at interstate speeds. I thought it was a belt broken in a tire as they were reaching the time to be changes but weren't at the wear marks. I ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
The trailing arm mounts are severely rotted due to rust and my mechanic has claimed that it is unsafe to drive. The element has been recalled in Canada for this same issue. It is a huge safety concern for a vehicle that is otherwise in great condition.