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
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Dec 4, 2024
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
Front halfshaft bracket replacement Campaign/NHTSA# 20S63/20V692 Issue Date 2020-11-10 Description: On your vehicle, the support bracket for your front drive axle halfshaft may fail. This may result in a vibration, grinding, banging or clicking noise from the driveline while moving. Safety Risk: The support bracket may fail without warning and could result in a loss of movement. In some instances,... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
While returning from a recent camping trip my wife while following the trailer home noticed the house structure was swaying and bouncing too much. She had thought the rig would fall apart. We arrived home and notice that the slide was out 2-4 inches, the cabin door had opened, an interior wall had separated from exterior wall and a side wall had flexed 2 or more inches out by another slide. There... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2024) - SUSPENSION
Dec 4, 2024
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Encountered the famous death wobble too often the last couple of weeks even at moderate speed of 45mph
Incident date: Dec 16, 2020
Leaf spring fractured and failed twice on the same side of RV following NTHSA mandated recall repair 16V579, and safety modification kit part# 425750. This time the leaf spring failure caused the tire to rub the wheel well and create enough friction to start the interior wheel well carpeting and a garment bag on there to ignite and smolder filling the interior cabin with smoke. Contacted manufac... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
Rivian has a 'kneel' option that uses the powered air suspension to lower the vehicle to make entry and exiting the vehicle easier for users. Yes, this can be turned off or on. When on, the function stops if a main door (driver/passenger) is open and left open the car will not continue to kneel for safety purposes. However, it does NOT stop if you are using the rear hatch to access anything. T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
After hitting a small bump on the highway my steering violently vibrated and i had to pull to the side of the interstate over a bridge because I though I had a tire blow out. I almost got rear-ended due to slowing down form 70mph to a safe enough speed to pull over. After inspecting the tires I couldn't see anything wrong. The drove fine until i hit a similar bump on the way back. Once the vibrati... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2021
Rear differential leaks and failure leading to loss of vehicle control.
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
1) While the car is in a gear OTHER than park, the key is able to be fully and completely removed from the ignition. 2) SIGNIFICANT rollaway risk and in direct violation of § 571.114 Standard No. 114; Theft protection and rollaway prevention. 49 CFR 571.114. Specifically subsection 5 (S5) 3) No 4) NO 5) No issues noticed, no warnings, lights, or other indications.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The right front wheel may drop as soon as the tilt lock is released. The rider may fall over onto the ground unless the rider is fully prepared to support the weight of the bike. I can only assume this vehicle tends to fall to the right because the shift lock lever is on the right and the riders weight and focus may be slightly biased in this direction. I have pictures of the wheel stuck in ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
I experienced what is known as the “Death wobble” after contacting a bumpy road at approximately 70 mph. I was able to exit the freeway and determine that it wasn’t a blown tire or some other condition that caused this. After some research on my vehicle, I determined that this “death wobble” is fairly common with my model and year of truck.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
Vehicle wobbles violently on highway when it hits a bump. Had several near collisions. There were no warnings, happened suddenly.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Grand Design RV. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RV the front and rear doors inadvertently opened. The RV was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed; however, the dealer informed the contact that the doors had been repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear tires blew out. There was no warning light illumina... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the inner chords of the front driver's tire were showing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the camber arms of the front, rear, ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
My rear struts are leaking and Kia is refusing to repair them. I know that Kia recalled self-leveling struts for my make, model and year, but I'm told that my version doesn't have those struts. Even though I'm at ~85,000 miles now and it's out of warranty, I believe my struts failed much earlier and it didn't become noticeable until now. Moreover, in searching the internet, many other owners of Ki... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
I was driving to my drs appointment and as I was pulling up to the hospital I saw a message from my dash and my steering wheel locked up and I had to get it towed and then sent to the dealership but since I had made a few of previous attempts to get it fixed with u guys it wasn’t getting no response, so I had to go get it fixed force and I ended up with a bill..
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact experienced failure known as the death wobble. The contact stated that the vehicle started shaking violently after driving over a bump in the roadway, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact regained control of the vehicle once the vehicle had slowed down and the shak... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
The front struts has started leaking. I was searching about this issue and realized it is a very common problem that Pilots have. Even the car maintenance person also indicated that this was a common problem in2017 Honda Pilot. I am raising a complaint hence. Honda needs to fix this design flaw
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Driving at highway speed, approximately 65 mph. When vehicle drives over uneven section of pavement, for example when changing lanes, front end starts to vibrate violently and steering is compromised. Vibration persists until speed is reduce by approximately 10 mph. Vehicle is stock and has 11,000 miles.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
I've reported multiple times to my dealer about the oil comsumption back in 2022 and work was performed on the vehicle in the prior year to fix leak and brake noise issue since approx 2021 on my 2015 Q5 that currently only has 65,000 miles. No warning indicator presents regarding the brakes. However oil indicator and engine light icons display. I'm constantly checking the oil indicator level to se... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
This is the 2nd time within a year my airmatic suspension system has went out while driving and I have lost control of driving my vehicle. I have paid 3900 to have the problem repaired it has not been a year and the same issue has happened. Faulty dangerous suspension system airbag suspension is dangerous and faulty.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
In reducing the truck's speed, there is a sharp-pitched, loud, one-click sound , when I turn the steering to the right hand side. (This sound seems to come from the driver's left side, between the front door and the rear door.) It happens very often, but not every time.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
The vehicle is owned and operated in Costa Rica. I submitted the vehicle for the 4 incomplete recall items associated with its VIN. I was told by Grupo Purdy Toyota of Costa Rica that Manufacturer Recall Number G0V NHTSA Recall Number16V596 does not apply in Costa Rica and they declined to complete the recall remedy. Is this correct or should they be completing the recall remedy?
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Dec 2, 2024
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 50-55 MPH, the front passenger side tire detached from the vehicle, and the front passenger side was damaged. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. His wife sustained injuries to the neck and shoulder which required medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Cross member holding file tank rusted through causing the fule tank to not be supported and shock mounts no longer support the shocks to frame causing shocks to bounce around with possibility to puncher fule tank or lines Also rear cross member that holders electrical components rusts off Excessive rust on top of fule tank causing a inability to make repairs without replacing fule tank in en... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Dec 2, 2024
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
My husband was pulling in a parking spot and heard a pop like noise and went out to inspect the car and saw the rear tire was falling off the car. We are told it was the lower suspension link
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
I was driving home when I heard a bump sound and the malfunction came up on the control panel, the steering wheel would not stay straight and I had to put it a little to the left to drive straight . I proceeded to go forward through the stop sign and turned left to get to the house and when I went to turn l=right to get in the driveway it felt like I had a flat tire all of a sudden. I put it in pa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
Front upper control arm ball joint separated from socket.
Incident date: May 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 50-60 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started to bounce and shake abnormally, and the vehicle drifted towards the side of the road. The contact linked the failure to the failure known as the death wobble. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
Both rear coil springs broke. Was not obvious when I was backing up. I heard a bang. I thought I hit something, but in fact I didn’t. I never knew what was wrong. The dealer reported that both rear springs were broken. He said it was a safety problem to keep it that way. The Audi dealer said it was a safety problem I think you should believe him. It is a safety problem. The car drove but I had t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
Started to develop a rumble/stumble upon acceleration. It seems to be getting worse. Finally took it in the dealer. The dealer confirmed that it is the CV axles. They need replacing. Dealer said no parts in stock and not sure when they will arrive. WTH. I asked about driving and they said keep on motoring. What. How can this be good for all the other connected parts! It shutters so bad I am not c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
My 2016 Nissan Rogue shakes terribly when it goes over 60 mph. This has been happening for over a year. I have twice taken it to garages for repair, most recently this week. They replaced the axels but this did nothing and they told me they have been reviewing Nissan service bulletins. They said they know the year of my car has had numerous transmission issues. So as of now, I can't drive my ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GL450
(2010) - SUSPENSION
Dec 1, 2024
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
= Customer states that when hitting a bump they have the typical jeep death wobble Conditions?= Found the vehicle to have play in all steering joints and the right front axle joint t9 have play. The vehicle has 31,000 miles on it and has never been in an accident. it started the "death wobble" Oct 2024. I traveled to Michigan, not realizing it was this bad, and it became worse over the course of ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
Front right (passenger side) shock absorber assembly rusted out and separated from shock strut mounting bracket.Shock strut retaining nut is stick attached , but entire upper mounting bracket is separated from strut mount.Car only has 65,000 miles and is not operated in excessive salt area.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
The rear trailing arm, normally attached to the rear suspension is clearly corroded and came detached when driving under 25 mph up a road. The SAME issue Honda had to do a recall on their 2005 CRV model. Researched Honda Pilots, in our (Midwest) area, EVERY SINGLE 2005 Pilot had the corrosion. Also cause the muffler pipe to detach from the catalytic converter (included in the photos attached).
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
severe vibration when accelerating and/or going up a hill. As of now my safety has not been at risk, unless you count being scared out of my mind (just turned 76). How do I know it will not fail trying to avoid crazy/careless drivers! The cv axel has been back ordered since Oct 3th 2024. I don't understand why it could take so long for a new part to come in. This has been going on for at least 4 m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
This vehicle is a 2018 model with 27k miles, non of it off road. Upon driving a freeway a few days ago, the vehicle went into a violent vibration/shacking motion,AKA "Death Wobble" that required immediate and dangerous driver action to keep from having a high speed (within legal limits) accident. In addition, the steering system sticking (stops and won't move) and wanders both left and right. The... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
NO ACCIDENTS REARS TIRES LEANING INWARDS
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Nov 30, 2024
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
While the motorhome is traveling down the road, hitting any dips or bumps in the road at any speed, one of the supports for the coach frame hits the helper springs in the rear of the coach. Also, at the front end of the spring, the head of the shackle bolt rubs against one of the welded brackets. Coachmen RV installed helper springs that are manufactured by Super Springs Inc on the rear suspensi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The car is under a year old, and started having a popping noise from rear driver side. The problem was determined to be the shock failing. This was confirmed at the dealer as a known issue that Hyundai is working on. We asked for it to be documented and put on file for our car. The service technician decided to replace the part and a new shock was installed.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Nov 30, 2024
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
Push start button failed during highway driving and cause the engine shut down /lost power After dealer checked: they said: - the push button stuck - air damp cannot close - CV Axis loose (safety concern) The truck is less than 5 years and only 69K miles. The quality of the truck is not realiable.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
We bought a brand new 2020 Kia Sorento on [XXX]. A little after a year we started to notice noises from the wheel hubs. Kia has replaced the tires thinking that was the problem, but it failed to be fixed. We have replaced Rotors, wheels, hubs and bearings but the problem persists. The last facility that replaced all 4-wheel hub bearings assembly said that since we have brought the vehicle to 4 dif... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Slowly over time it is becoming harder to turn the wheel, making a loud clumping voice when I turn the wheel a certain direction.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
One morning, I tried to back my door out of garage and I couldn’t. I found front tire could not be turned. Found that front tire steering tie rod is snapped into 2 pieces. Further inspection showed that the steering rod had some deflects before broken. I took the photos to show the evidence.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
GMC currently has bulletin out on the issue and how to fix it. unfortunately this doesn't not fix it and I am going to have to replace my whole rear differential at only 60,500 miles. Gmc is well aware of the situation and has not done a recall. The fix the bulletin proposes would not work and there was over and inch of metal shaving found. This is a huge issue in the specific vehicle and the part... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
Our 2019 Jeep recently experienced the “death rattle” where the steering and suspension shake violently at speeds 65 mph and above. This recently occurred on a 70 mph freeway and nearly caused a sideswipe accident with a large semi as I was thrown from my travel lane. The Jeep owners forum (and Fiat Chrysler America) know about this issue with the steering dampener, but neither the NHTSA nor F... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
Replaced steering rack 2/12/20 Replaced steering rack 12/07/22 Replaced sway bar links 11/09/23 Inspection found rear Lateral Link Bushings torn and alignment hardware seized in bushings torn and seized/replaced bushings and hardware to complete a proper alignment. 01/23/24 Replaced front sway bar links and strut mounts and performed alignment
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
The front subframe on the passenger side is rusted through. I have also heard this part referred to as the engine cradle. I noticed while changing the serpentine belt and had it looked at by a mechanic. Took it to Midas and mechanic said front subframe should to be replaced but couldn't get the part. I researched this online and found it to be a common problem. People say it may be from AC water d... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Nov 28, 2024
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
In August 2024 with roughly 7,000 miles, I noticed a creaking sound when turning left. This issue was intermittent and the sound was getting louder over time. I made a service appointment at the next available date (10/8/2024) at the Tesla Service Center in Fresno, California, and the service technician was unable to duplicate the sound on a test drive and refused to look at my car. The issue be... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The front frame has been in for repairs before for flexing issues/excessive movement. We have had a door pop open during travel and suspension parts break (hanger and leaf spring) in 2 separate incidents. The frame appears to have further issues on the passenger side more recently.