Consumer Safety Complaints

Search 2,192,899 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 137,559 crashes, 55,854 fires, and 8,555 deaths.

2,192,899 Total Complaints

137,559 Reported Crashes

55,854 Reported Fires

8,555 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 2,192,899 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 48,099 complaints — component: SUSPENSION

Incident date: Mar 27, 2025

I was parking my car at home when all of a sudden there was a violent/sudden drop in the front of my car. I initially thought I got a flat tire, but when I took a look the entire front suspension was shot and dropped as low as possible. The Model X feels and is very unsafe to drive and has a grainding sound like the car is about to fall a part.

Incident date: Mar 3, 2025

vehicle is 2019 year, 2500 series, crew cab, 4wd, cummins 6.7 turbo diesel. Steering systems wanders and will not steer straight at all speeds. vehicle was bought used with 127,000 miles and was to be used just to pull a 9,000lb travel trailer. as of 03/27/2025 vehicle has been in repair shop over 4 weeks now. upper and lower ball joints replaced, steering gear box replaced, entire suspension sy... Read more

Incident date: Jan 30, 2025

When driving slow and on turning radius, suspension clicking noise

Incident date: Mar 24, 2025

Operating around New York City there’s a lot of potholes. Attempting to avoid potholes, I have hit a few and every time I may have hit one my bike feels as the tires are going to bust. The bike hits very hard.

Incident date: Mar 22, 2025

As I was operating in Virginia speed limits was 70 and above my 2024 Harley Street Glide began to wobble at high speeds.

Incident date: Jan 28, 2025

Toyota Corporate is refusing to acknowledge my Tundra's eligibility for remedy under a safety recall and campaign. My Tundra is experiencing the failure mode outlined in the safety recall 90M and extended safety campaign Tundra BXD. The spare tire crossmember of the frame is almost entirely rotted through with rust and is barely connected at this point. My Tundra's VIN number falls within the VIN... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2025

Multiple problems. Suspension/axles grinding and popping when go around corners, multiple messages to service high voltage system, complete loss of power while driving, loss of awd system, extremely loud thunking under hard acceleration (merging onto freeway etc), that shakes the whole car and can cause it to go off track a bit. deathtrap on wheels, dealer's no help, corporate is no help.

Incident date: Mar 8, 2025

“Gearbox Fault” error popped on dash. Vehicle stopped changing gears while driving. Went into limp mode. Toward to Land Rover dealership. Technician states that there is a fault inside the TCM module within the transmission. Which caused the transmission to fail.

Incident date: Mar 12, 2025

the rear axle bolt fractured while driving causing damage to the differential, axles, and mounting bushing. the problem has been confirmed by Baytown Ford Dealership service dept. located at 4110 I-10, Baytown, TX 77521. it has been inspected by the Service Dept at Baytown Ford. located at 4110 I-10, Baytown, TX 77521 no prior symptoms or warnings.

Incident date: Jan 20, 2025

Undercarriage is susceptible to, and has excessive rust including steering and suspension components, braking systems, frame and body mounting components, as well as the spare rim and mount. Rust increases in severity from front to rear. It has completely eaten through both of the rear shock absorber mounts, which is a very common problem for this model due to a faulty design where mud and debris ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2025

I am writing to formally complain about significant issues I am experiencing with my 2022 Polestar 2, vin: [XXX] . Specifically, I am experiencing the following problems: Front Knocking/Rattle Sound: A distinct knocking or rattling sound is emanating from the front tire area, particularly noticeable during low-speed maneuvers and over uneven surfaces. This noise is concerning and suggests a pote... Read more

Incident date: Sep 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V451000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mile... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2025

Heat shield over drive train not installed properly. While driving since purchased I’d hear a metal reverberation / clunking sound that seemed to be under the truck. I even had it in for oil change service w/ dealer and no mention of finding anything. On Sat 3/15/2025 I took it back to dealer with the heat shield that was torn from the undercarriage over the drive train, the service person sai... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 2025

Factory Aluminum Steering Box presents a severe safety hazard and should be immediately recalled due to its dangerous failure in cold and probably all temperatures. In low temperatures, the steering sticks and does not move freely, making normal driving extremely hazardous for both the driver and others on the road. While straight roads may not reveal the issue, attempting to turn on a curve becom... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 2025

The rear frame has failed due to corrosion on the right side. The rear passenger tire is canted in on the topside worn severely worn. This was noted when I drove home from my job. This is a critical part of the vehicle and should've never failed. I'm hopeful to hear from the NHTSB for a repair to be done properly by Mazda;

Incident date: Mar 17, 2025

The vehicle’s front suspension system failed, specifically the driver’s side and passenger’s side front strut assemblies and the driver’s side inner and outer tie rods. These components have been identified by the dealership as needing immediate replacement. The defective components should be available for inspection upon request, pending completion of repairs. The vehicle exhibited wobbli... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2024

Engine oil is burning with out discharging from the engine. Can find no leak anywhere in the engine compartment. Constantly adding oil to the car as the oil indicator isn’t working either. The engine compression is spot on to manufacturers specifications. If the engine runs out of oil it could lead to a crash. Suspension: Loud popping in the rear drivers side when first moving. Don’t know ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 23, 2025

I just purchased this vehicle from Hertz authorized dealer in December 2024, January 2025 the Electrical system, infotainment became non functioning. This caused my vehicle to stall, on star safety charge, etc to fail and not function. No communication within the vehicle that is an electric vehicle that requires this system for all components to function and provide a safe car to drive. Power to v... Read more

Incident date: Mar 21, 2025

While driving on [XXX] N in Jacksonville, FL on [XXX]. Driving below the recommended speed limit my Jeep Cherokee Sport started to rattle and shake so violently I almost lost control of the vehicle. I hit a small bump in the road, was forced off to the right side and the front drivers wheel broke off from the drum. It was a frightening experience and could have lost my life as the highway was bus... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2025

Rear leaf spring failure at the front mounting point. This happened while the bed was empty and under normal driving conditions. The dealer would not say if this part would be replaced due to a defect because the vehicle was past the manufacture warranty. I will replace the part myself due to how long the dealer said it would take to schedule me for an appointment as I can not go without a vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Mar 24, 2025

Had my truck in for service and they found a cracked right front CV axle and carrier joint. I was told that this is a safety issue and could lead to uncontrolled steering, but then was told by two different dealers that the part is on national backorder with no time frame for availability. I was also told that this is a common issue and other RAM1500 models have had warranty repair or recalls, b... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

Every time this car comes to a stop, it rocks back and forth significantly on its suspension. Even at low speeds, it is noticeable when breaking, with about a second and a half of five to six rebounds back and forth. It is highly prominent with stronger braking or stop-and-go traffic, resulting in about two seconds of hard rocking back and forth. This problem happens more when the car is being dr... Read more

Incident date: Mar 19, 2025

We purchased a Tesla Model X 2 years ago and have driven a little over 10,000 miles on it. The car has had continuous suspension problems which resulted in replacing the half shaft twice, control arms and now suspension pins. We drive solely on city roads and highways, it does not seem safe that a car used for regular commute to/from work and school would have such serious mechanical problems so e... Read more

Incident date: Mar 21, 2025

Rear left axle snapped in half. Heard hissing noise which turned out to be fluids spraying. Purchased vehicle from Anderson Ford dealership in Kingman in 2022 with 95995 miles on it. I've only put 12,000 miles on it in 3 years. I'm [XXX] and do not drive aggressively. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident date: Mar 15, 2025

Oil consumption causing hesitation and near-stalling. Hard shifting as well. These issues led to dangerous situations where I was afraid to drive the vehicle and feared for my family's safety. Also had a failed A/C compressor which i had to replace out of pocket. These things shouldn't be happening on a 4 year old vehicle.

Incident date: Mar 22, 2025

The suspension on this vehicle is out of control. The vehicle jumps, and It moves from one side to another over any road bump. The car only has 60,000 miles and it shouldn't be doing that, it's unsafe and it can cause an accident.

Incident date: Mar 19, 2025

Vehicle suspension fault detected light turned on. Vehicle keeps adjusting on its own while on the freeway in traffic. Feels like it stalls. Hear popping noise. Vehicle only had 14k miles and was never used for off roading.

Incident date: Mar 21, 2025

The Bluetooth system consistently malfunctions with detaching from the Internet while listening to music When making hard left after washing car there’s a loud rubbing sound emitting from the undercarriage on the left side

Incident date: Feb 14, 2025

Loud popping noise when steering started at about 2000 miles. The entire steering rack was replaced. At 7000 miles the noise is back along with a clicking in the steering wheel. Took it to the dealership again and they adjusted the clock spring, but it is still there. I am worried because I am afraid my steering will fail. The dealer did reproduce the problem both times. No independent inspection.... Read more

Incident date: Mar 21, 2025

We purchased the coach fall 2022. First major trip was in summer 2023. The main slide out failed (stopped working halfway out and would not extend or retract) the second night of camping. There was not a local repair facility available. A mobile repair person was able to get the slide out retracted. He informed us there was only one screw holding the main slide out frame in place. We wrapped a rat... Read more

Incident date: Feb 12, 2025

Clunking and bouncing from right tire followed by acceleration not working properly

Incident date: Mar 14, 2025

After seeing the rear subframe of a 2014 Audi Q5 nearly split in half due to rust, causing vehicle handling and steering issues, I inspected the rear subframe of my 2014 Audi SQ5 and found similar rust, though not quite as bad. The plastic gravel guards that use plastic rivets to attach to the rear subframe trap water, salt, and brine inside the hollow steel tubing of the subframe causing it to ru... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

Noise possibly coming from the transfer case shifting into different gears. Four wheels lowe is not working, end movement and impact when accelerating and when slowing down. Sudden movements when turning right

Incident date: Feb 1, 2025

While regularly driving I experienced a gradual squeaking sounds from the front suspension. A few moments later I noticed that my steering wheel was acting as if it didn’t have power steering. I’m lead to believe that due to the poor design of my Model 3, that the outside elements were easily able to make its way to my Universal power steering shaft leading Tesla to remove and replace my steer... Read more

Incident date: Nov 6, 2017

Since I have had this vehicle, the message " steering assist fault" for my electronic steering has been popping up in the dash screen since as far back as 2016 when there were recalls on the Ford fusion. However, a simple fix would be to turn off the engine and restart the vehicle, and it was go away, only to return a few weeks, or a month later. I repeated the same steps. Now, it has gone out com... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2025

When turning from a stop there is a loud clicking noise that occurs. This consistently happens with either right or left turns from a stop.

Incident date: Mar 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V025000 (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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2025

Front and rear subframe rust leading to gaping holes, outside of normal wear and tear.

Incident date: Jan 22, 2025

4wd is unavailable - Service 4WD light on

Incident date: Mar 20, 2025

My car passenger side control arm has dry rotted and cracked in half I noticed this because my car steering wheel has never turned all the way to the right side so as I pulled up to the store, I had got out my car to check to see what the problem was and come to find out that the lower control arm by the lower ball joint was cracked in half from the control arm

Incident date: Mar 17, 2025

The contact owned a 2000 GMC Sierra. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH the driver's side front wheel control arm had fractured and the vehicle went out of control. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled over three times. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled off of the road and stopped on its roof. The contact stated no warning light had illuminated. No air bags had... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Aug 1, 2024

Hope to be able to get this solved. My 2008 Toyota Tacoma had a recall with the previous owner but they didn't take it in. On the rear section of the frame on the inside beside the gas tank and on the driver side there is a lot of rust there the frame has expanded and is starting to go all away through also same place back beside the muffler on the passenger side. Also there are a few spots on the... Read more

Incident date: Mar 12, 2025

Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2015 Cadillac SRX VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 75,000 miles Location: Flint MI I am experiencing multiple issues with my 2015 Cadillac SRX that pose serious safety concerns. EVAP Solenoid and Throttle Failure: The EVAP solenoid and throttle are not functioning properly, leading to performance issues. Gas cap light comes on.The SUV struggles to accelerate, especially when attemp... Read more

Incident date: Aug 20, 2024

The vehicle history does not show any type of accidents. The vehicle history says that the vehicles airbags are in tact. In reviewing my contract from the dealership there is a page that states the vehicle has no airbags.The airbags not being present means the have been deployed due to a collision, right? Im concerned that the vehicle is not the vehicle aligned with the vin. Visually inspecting ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Forest River Cardinal. The contact stated that while driving and making a right turn, the electric living room slide unexpectedly deployed and opened. The RV was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the RV was extremely unstable and difficult to control or steer. The contact stated that the exte... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2025

Upon completing a trip with the RV mentioned, an inspection was completed of the units suspension system where it was found to be compromised. Not knowing what compromised the suspension (leaf springs, shackles, hangars, etc), further investigation was done where the underbelly of the camper was removed. Upon gaining access to the actual RV frame, it was found to have at least two major cross me... Read more

Incident date: May 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH over a bump in the road, and the front passenger’s side tie rod was fractured due to a corroded cross member, and the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front cross member and tie rod assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

The factory installed Hellwig sway bar and links were incorrectly installed. Bolts and nuts were missing.

Incident date: Jan 13, 2025

Around 20,000 miles, I took my vehicle to the dealer due to rattling and knocking in the front right wheel well and it was discovered the stabilizer arm was cracked. Received the vehicle back, and approximately 1000 miles later, there is rattling at the front driver and passenger wheel well and squeaking going down the road. The sounds coming from vehicle are that of a 40-year-old vehicle.

Incident date: Mar 17, 2025

Rear shock leaking and in need of replacement at 39,000 miles. Note multiple owners on forums citing the same issue

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