Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 48,554 complaints — component: SUSPENSION
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2023) — SUSPENSION
May 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
Driving at low speed, the control arm became unfastened from the frame and the front driver's side wheel collapsed into the frame of the car.
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The suspension module failed due to water accumulation on floorboards. Suspect other electronics may be at risk. Water ingress cause by a combination of what dealer said was a worn out sunroof gasket and two of four drains that became plugged. Further examination from dealer found the plugged drains were crimped from when the vehicle was manufactured. The dealer blamed the excessive water ingress ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
This vehicle has major suspension issues containing the complete strut assembly, lower control arms, and strut yokes/forks, which can not be replaced due to the discontinuance of the vehicle and parts itself. Because of this the car cannot receive an alignment which cause the tires to be eaten up at a rapid rate. When going over a bump in the highway the steering column goes one way while the car ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
Coming to a stop sign or red light the car won’t accelerate or will go in traction control making it difficult to move or not accelerate. Had 2-3 fuel leaks this year also having problems to keep the car going sometimes the max speed it will go is 20-40 miles n won’t go up unless u keep letting it slow down slowly n then accelerating n even after that it won’t make it above 60-70 miles it us... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
Rear Suspension Dampers leaking prematurely which could cause unsafe driving issues.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
1.The USB port not working in the center console 2.Battery was draining and it was struggling to start, died at lights and barely turned back on 3. Door sensor on passenger side kept saying it was open when it wasnt 4. Air barely working 5. Wind sound whipping through the driver side 6. Raining in to the vehicle on the passenger side 7. Screen barely works, sometimes it takes forever to turn on ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
I have a 2025 honda odyssey, I bought mine with 2 miles on it, it was rhe first vehicle ive owned that was new so we had something safe and reliable and this has been far from it. So far we have had 1.The USB port not working in the center console 2.Battery was draining and it was struggling to start, died at lights and barely turned back on 3. Door sensor on passenger side kept saying it was o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Car has airbag light on. The car keeps leaking which then caused damage to my spark plugs and coil pack. It then led to the O2 sensors being burned. It has been at the dealership multiple times within a 3-week time frame. The low fuel light comes on when it is on a full tank, then it begins to hesitate and the car lunges forward when at a complete stop. Tires act like they cannot keep traction whe... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The front driver-side lower control arm bolt completely fell off the vehicle while in motion at 5pm in a parking lot. The failure caused the front suspension to immediately collapse, resulting in the front driver side of the vehicle dropping and resting directly on the wheel. The failure was witnessed and confirmed by the roadside assistance tow truck operator. The operator had to temporarily jack... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
The vehicle has experienced recurring suspension, drivability, and pulling issues associated with the 4-corner air ride leveling suspension system since early ownership. The first major incident occurred at approximately 4,600 miles when the vehicle displayed suspension warnings and would not accelerate properly past highway speeds. Since that time, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced pulling d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
Driver side rear control arm broke in half propagating along what appears to be a weld seam line for this hollow aluminum suspension part. It is incredible that a critical safety component holding a 5,000 pound curb weight vehicle was allowed on the car. The potential situation of a complete lower control arm break while driving at highway speeds is beyond imagining. Not only would such a situa... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) — SUSPENSION
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
I was driving in Topanga Canyon, heard a loud clang. Noticed the steering was off, so pulled over. The front lateral links had failed and it took me 6 hours to get a tow. Had I been at freeway speeds when that happened, I may have crashed and not been able to pull over safely as I was headed towards the 101 freeway before the links failed. Upon researching this, I found online this is a common i... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
The control arms on all make and models of tesla have a horrible design that all water off of the car flows down the sides of the front hood and down onto the control arm bushing. This could be a simple fix for tesla to out a boot on it to cover the bushing. The control arms start to fail at any given time. This is costing owners thousands of dollars. I have had to had them replace once under warr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Rear axle joint degraded, the vehicle cannot steer smoothly, indicator shows AWD temporarily disabled; large vibrations and unsafe to drive. In the end the vehicle was having troubles turning directions.
TOYOTA
COROLLA CROSS
(2026) — SUSPENSION
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
in beginning of January of 2026 my vehicle had lifter issues. Brought it to Chevrolet Group 1 in Spring Texas. Three weeks without transportation. Beginning of February the vehicle stopped in the middle of the feeder. Vehicle lights up but goes dark for five seconds and will not start. Had it towed back to the same dealership and told it was the battery cable that needs to be replaced. Three weeks... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2013) — SUSPENSION
May 8, 2026
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Please consider opening or expanding an investigation into frame, underbody, brake-line, and suspension-mount corrosion affecting Toyota FJ Cruisers. I own a 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4WD. A professional inspection found multiple fluid leaks, heavy rust, rusted exhaust, leaking rear shocks, and brake line/hose concerns. After reviewing the condition, the mechanic essentially declined to repair it and... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Rear shock absorbers failed with only 8009 miles on vehicle
Incident date: May 1, 2026
when towing the rear end bounce you in on coming lanes! I saw oil on shock took to dealer they fought me on replacing it then they said they will replace 1 and want to send me down the road 1/2 fixed ! No dealer will replace 1 always in pairs because it will cause un even braking and safety issues ! This was at Auburn jeep [XXX] ! If they do this type of work jeperdizing peoples safety they shou... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
The contact's daughter owns a 2020 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal, squeaking sound would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact called the service center where they gave the contact an estimate for a diagnostic. The contact was also informed that the vehicle may be covered under a goodwill warranty. The vehicle several parts of the f... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Vehicle was determined to be unsafe to operate per inspection performed by Mike Maroone Chevrolet on 8/26/24 immediately after I purchased from Rocky Mountain Auto Brokers in Colorado Springs on 8/8/26. It was discovered by customer immediately after sale that bank 2 catalytic converter was restricted internally (after Rocky Mountain failed to correctly diagnose and repair 3 times before and after... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
My 2019 Dodge Durango R/T began experiencing drivetrain and warning system issues after collision/body repairs were completed by a repair facility. The original repair work involved suspension/body-related repairs and did not originally include documented transfer case or internal drivetrain damage. At the time I picked the vehicle up from the repair facility, the tire pressure monitoring system ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
The vehicle experiences major engine performance issues following a replacement engine installation (approximately 8,000 miles on the new engine). Additionally, the catalytic converter is malfunctioning, the steering exhibits significant pulsation during braking, and the suspension system is malfunctioning. These combined defects create an unsafe driving condition and pose a serious risk to the dr... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Frame is rusted to the point of failure
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
My steering feels loose and truck doesn't sways and wanders. It wasn't that way when I got it and I only put like 20000 miles on it. It shouldn't be having these issues. Other models 23-24 have a recall for this same issue.
Incident date: May 6, 2026
During acceleration from 40-60 miles per hour, there was a pronounced vibration/shudder through the front end of the vehicle. After taking it to the dealership, they advised both front axles would need to be replaced. The catastrophic failure of an axle is likely to cause a car crash. The problem has been identified by Ford Motor Company and also confirmed by the Ford Dealership where I got it ... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2026) — SUSPENSION
May 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
I was slowly turning left into an alley when I heard a loud noise, the front of my car dropped, and the car immediately stopped and was immovable. Upon getting out of the car, it appears some joint separated from the wheel.
Incident date: May 2, 2026
Suspension and wheels do not stay aligned even after 7 attempts by Honda dealers to reset and realign. Suspension always jumps out of alignment.
Incident date: May 3, 2026
I have experienced a persistent steering and suspension-related issue with my 2019 Toyota 4Runner since early ownership, beginning at approximately 6,800 miles. The vehicle repeatedly pulls/drifts to the right at highway speeds and requires constant steering correction. I have also experienced steering wheel vibration and instability, particularly at speeds above approximately 50–60 MPH. Over s... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Engine is burning a tremendous amount of motor oil. Dealer does acknowledge engine is burning oil. No warning lights on. Told burning motor oil is normal for a hyundai engine. Engine can seize during driving with no warning and is a safety issue. Front struts are also failing. No warning and is a safety issue: Currently trying to get dealer to cover defective components under warranty. Nothing has... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
I noticed that my front tires were showing abnormal wear on the outer edge of both driver and passenger side front tires. I would also hear a loud popping/thumping/grinding noise coming from front tires when I would back up and then have to turn my tires to move the car to leave a parking spot, etc. The tire pressure warning light will come on and off randomly. I have checked my tire pressure an... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
On a side street approximately 1/4 mile before we were going to enter a highway the car suddenly resisted motion substantially and I had to immediately pull to the side. I tried reverse and the resistance was higher, I put it back in forward and it released. However, I immediately but slowly headed for my service station 2 miles away. A warning message appeared just as I brought the car to a stop ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Both rear coils for my rear suspension broke at the same time. There was a recall for the 2019 VW Atlas back in January 2019 for rear suspension coils due to breakage. My vehicle was purchased in July of 2019. My VIN is not listed with the prior recall however I find it odd that after 56,000 miles both of my rear coils break at the same time. My car is used to travel to and from work on local road... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
The vehicle experienced a failure involving the automatic transmission gear shift cable (recall AOC 2013–2016). The gear selector indicated the vehicle was in “Park,” but the transmission was not fully engaged in Park due to the defective shift cable/bushing. This created a significant safety risk, as the vehicle was capable of rolling unexpectedly after being placed in Park. This condition... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Our 2021 Dodge Durango Citadel with only 46,000 miles on it and purchased brand new has had the left driver side CV boot replaced and now the left driver side motor mount is leaking hydraulic fluid and needs to be replaced. Have read online of other owners having similar issues with the driver side suspension and powertrain.
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The lane keep assist has never worked. It doesn't not keep you in the lane, it just chimes when you drift out of it. The bigger issue is the axles. I only owned the car for 1 month when the axles started loudly clicking with every turn. Honda is claiming this is just a cosmetic defect and it does not affect safety, but I don't believe that for a second. Clicking axles are NOT normal, and could o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
prior to every trip i make i do a pre trip inspection . I purchased a brand new brinkley rv on 2/18/2026 the hitch where it connects to my vehicle on the rv side has a major CRACK in the frame . my rv came equipped with the the LIPPERT TCS suspension and I am experiencing a suspension failure where the suspension parts are falling off as I am driving without warning .i did a post trip i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Ecm, p0303, yes, not yet, no, cel light before the car was brought to the dealership, 2019 Hyundai Sonata SE, 2.4L Theta II GDI. Perryville Hyundai IL refused applicable TSB in writing 5/4/26 despite active P0303 misfire, fuel-in-oil smell, crankcase pressure. I have Photos prove falsified multi-point inspection: 1.0 inch (.0833') wheel well discrepancy, same mileage in/out. Vehicle has stall ris... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH approaching a red light, the rear trailing arm detached from the tire. No warning lights were illuminated. The driver was able to dive to a parking lot. The vehicle was transported on a trailer by her father. The front door latch had become inoperable. The contact had to tie the door shut but was later repaired by ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The rear sub frame has completely rusted through, on both driver and passenger sides. This makes the vehicle extremely unsafe to drive. It is a 2014 q5 with 160k miles. There is a hole on the bottom of the frame on both sides due to a poorly designed cover that traps salt and other road debris leading to premature failure.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) — SUSPENSION
May 5, 2026
Incident date: May 2, 2026
Around Halloween 2025 my Toyota’s Transmission started slipping. I called a few places and no one except Toyota would address the issue except a local shop in [XXX] , Ridge Auto Repair who after checking out the vehicle said they can’t repair it because the parts are not available November 6th, 2025, The Shop LAG LLC was recommended to me by a family member, and they came to check out the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rear control arm (rear suspension component) failed catastrophically by snapping while the vehicle was in motion. This is a critical structural component responsible for maintaining proper wheel alignment and vehicle stability. The failed part has been retained and is available for inspection upo... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Repairs of the control arms indicated on recall NHTSA 16V-596 were never done on my vehicle after the recall was issued in 2016. Smart motors Toyota in Madison confirmed that the replacement of the control arms was never done on my vehicle, but they are showing no open recalls on my vehicle in their system due to this being a re-recall. From what I've read many vehicles were incorrectly marked "co... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding multiple serious safety defects in my 2021 Subaru Outback purchased in July 2021, currently at 48000 miles THERMO CONTROL VALVE FAILURE (26,307 miles) While traveling in the center lane on [XXX] southbound in [XXX] the evening of 1/6/2024 my vehicle suddenly experienced a complete loss of control. It seemed that the car was accelerating and braking at the s... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQB 300 4MATIC
(2023) — SUSPENSION
May 4, 2026
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Ref NHTSA 24v-896, Recall C4B The problem started back in 2021 when the anti-lock brake Hydraulic Control Unit failed. It was replaces and then it failed again in Dec 2024 while on vacation. When returning home in Jan 2025, the truck was brought to the dealer for repair. It was found to have failed again and told that a repair parts were not available, nor was it known when the redesigned part wou... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
There is suspension noise coming from driver side when driving in low speed (10-30mph). You can feel it when turning and accelerating slowly. It started around 9000 miles after first service of the car. There was no noticeable noise before. Reported to dealer but they cannot fix it and told me everything looks normal.
TOYOTA
LAND CRUISER HYBRID
(2026) — SUSPENSION
May 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
The failed component is a fuel pump, and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk due to the following: 1) Sudden engine stalling 2) Dangerous power loss while accelerating 3) Potential fire risks; a damaged fuel pump assembley can cause fuel leaks and overheating due to insufficient fuel supply can increase the risk of explosion or fire. 4) G... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
I purchased my 2025 Palomino Columbus RV in February of 2025. I have towed it less than 600 miles, so including the delivery from the factory the RV has less than 2,000 miles. While inspecting the RV I noticed that the wheel spacing between the front and rear tires was different from side to side. The passenger (right) side was 5" but the driver's (left) side was 8.5". I inspected the suspension a... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
Safety Complaint Description Vehicle: 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid LX 2025 Mileage: ~6,000 miles Issue status: Ongoing, multiple dealer visits (3 attempts), unresolved Related Kia case number: [XXX] Problem Description The vehicle demonstrates significant highway instability and unsafe handling behavior under normal driving conditions. At highway speeds (approximately 50–70 mph), the vehicle exhib... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
Persistent unresolved front-suspension defect on a 2022 Polestar 2 (Polestar Approved CPO, purchased 03/20/2025). Vehicle pulls right under normal driving on flat, level pavement — a directional control hazard requiring constant steering correction at highway speed. A front-suspension noise over bumps developed after recent repairs. The Polestar-authorized dealer (University Volvo / Polestar Ch... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
When turning, accelerating and/or decelerating I hear a clicking sound coming from the rear of my car. My initial determination is the infamous cv joint/axle clicking sound. I have a service scheduled with dealer in a couple of days (5/6/26) to review. I did not receive any error or warning messages. The problem started yesterday (5/3/26).