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
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - SUSPENSION
Nov 8, 2024
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Having noise from the rear suspension while hitting a bump or turning. dealer says its in the shock or the mounting assembly. I am concerned if its in the mounting of the shock, and the shocks are loose it could be a safety issue. Its been months now and it is getting worse. the dealer is not communicating with me on fixing the problem.it was fixed once on. 11/9/2022 invoice [XXX] and on 8/22/2024... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a clanking and knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who discovered severe subframe rust and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while backing out of the driveway, the front driver’s side co... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
We were driving along and noticed the trailer swaying. I looked and notified the trailer wheel bent on the passenger side. I pulled over and noticed the axles were bent. The trailer was loaded with approximately 2400lbs. The carrying capacity rated on the sticker is 4780lbs. I’m worried the trailer manufacturer is building dangerous and illegal trailers that are not rated to carry the listed cap... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 3500
(2016) - SUSPENSION
Nov 7, 2024
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic for routine maintenance, and it was determined that the rear suspension toe link had failed and prematurely worn down the rear tires. The contact was advised by the local independent mechan... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
My mechanic informed me that this car will no longer pass NYS inspection due to body rust/corrosion holes where the rear trailing arms attach to the car's body. Honda has issued a recall for the same model year CR-V, which has a nearly identical trailing arm attachment design, due to the risk of losing control of the vehicle if the trailing arm mount separates from the body.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V720000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Additionally, the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
Air suspension failure on front drivers side 2019 Ram Rebel. When it was below freezing outside, a warning message flashed across the screen saying service air suspension immediately. Went home and got up later to drive again and the warning message was gone, never to be seen again. Fast forward and it was extremely hot out. Noticed the truck was leaning to one side. Jumped in, started it, and the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
The structural integrity of the hood and front bumper failed due to unsafe modifications performed by Rocky Ridge and endorsed by Ford Motor Company. The hood's structural reinforcements and crush zones were cut to fit a hood scoop, and sections of the front bumper were removed, compromising crashworthiness. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and I have documented with images. T... Read more
Crash
1 injured
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Nov 5, 2024
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The suspension is making loud clicking noises when turning or accelerating. The suspension system seems to have an inbuilt design flaw as many people are reporting the issue online.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
Subframe rusted resulting in failure of left rear suspension mount causing dangerous loss of control of car under braking.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at speeds above 55 MPH, the vehicle experienced the "Death Wobble" causing the front end of the vehicle and the steering wheel to shake and vibrate abnormally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted regarding the failure, but no assistance was of... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
On the afternoon of November 4th, at approximately 3:40 pm, while driving at around 20 mph after picking up our child from school, we suddenly heard a gurgling sound coming from the front left area of the vehicle. Shortly afterward, additional noises emerged from the direction of the front left wheel. We are sure the car didn't hit or drive across anything before the first sound emerged. Upon ma... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
My front right suspension linkage under the vehicle has come loose and drags on the tarmac. The problem is the suspension linkage is held on by what appears to be two bolts. The two bolts have backed out, causing this linkage to fail.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
Experienced a loud clicking noise from front wheels. Took into Tesla service and the front lateral link bushings are torn. There was a recall in 2021 of some Model Y and Model 3 Teslas, but not all. I am concerned that my car and others should have been a part of this recall and that cars that weren’t inspected could be driving in a dangerous vehicle. Here is the recall number: 21V83500, SB-21-3... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
While driving, the back of the car near the tire makes a clinking noise.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
Normal driving on highway. I drove over a rough section of road and the truck began shaking uncontrollably. Was able to slow down and the shaking stopped.. I've spent over $4000. 00 to fix problem. Within 6 months the issue returned. Have told Ford dealship. They will not fix problem. This is the 5th time I've reported the issue.
Incident date: May 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the front passenger’s side wheel detached. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The VIN sticker and cargo carrying capacity sticker on my 2022 Jayco North Point 382FLRB have a major discrepancy. The VIN sticker says the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 16,995 pounds, but the yellow weight rating sticker on the outside by the VIN sticker and on the inside of the door says the GVWR is 19,995 pounds. This is a MAJOR issue, because the axles on the camper are only rated at 7... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
The car started clicking while turning sharply recently. Tesla service advised it was safe to drive and scheduled me for routine inspection in 2 weeks. A few days later the control arm completely detached while driving through an intersection. There was no incident that could have damaged the suspension and I almost got in a severe accident.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Nov 3, 2024
Incident date: Aug 19, 2019
Both front knuckles found to have cracks in the aluminum casting where the upper control arm mounts to the knuckles. Failure of this portion of the knuckle will result in complete loss of control of the car. This problem is well documented in other L494 and L405 Range Rovers with recalls currently active in other countries where these car were sold. The components have not been inspected by 3rd pa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
The front left suspension arm failed and fell out as I was parking my car. If this would have happened at highway speeds it would have caused an accident because the car would have run into incoming traffic, potentially resulting in death. This occurred after a collision repair. The collision center that did the initial repair also fixed the issue. The car has had issues with pulling to the right ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
Stellantis/Ram for over 10 months now have claim that the ABS Module is under engineering review to me. The ABS Module controls the brake anti skid, sway control, cruise control and other systems. Since 3/2024 I've tried to replace this module but it's not in stock because of not being produced. It's a manufactured control item only. I was informed by Gator Dodge this has been a problem for almo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
Front Suspension (shock Absorber) uneven wear and bouncy, some vibration on the steering wheel at about 30k miles, on highway exit round about circle, the vehicle swerves left or right. very unsafe. long story short, drop it off at the dealership Lexus of Pembroke Pines FL, they said the issue was my tires and it needed to be replace, I rotated the tires rear tires went to the front and front to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
Less than 40k miles and the rear suspension has completely gone out. The jolting at low speeds is significant. At higher speeds, the lack of suspension is dangerous. Never used for towing. Purchased with tow package and self leveling shocks. Began early this year and has not subsided.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
1)Both rear TOW LINKS were found to fail state inspection and were replaced. The vehicle only has 22,000 miles on it Dealer said this a common issue with this model vehicle (2019 Chevy Traverse). 2) Shift to Park. Vehicle displays this error message and does not allow the vehicle to completely shut down, aux mode, which the radio stays on and doors will not lock. Have to start and shut off vehi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
Brought vehicle in for a recalled issue concerning the rear toe. After the repair, had accelerated tire wear in a month. Replaced the tires 3x in 2 years and the issue is still there. Currently tires are needed again for 4th time in 2 years.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
Control arm failure and two bolts came unscrewed.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
Two days ago, as I was turning left into my neighborhood, I suddenly lost control of my car's steering. Just as I started the turn, the steering wheel unexpectedly pulled to the right, causing my car to veer off course and head straight toward the curb. Despite trying to correct it, the steering wouldn't respond, and the car collided with the curb. The impact was substantial, and the vehicle conti... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Steering Stuck: It happened several times that the steering wheel completely locked up while driving on the road. Today it happened again. It does not move, cannot turn left or right. I was in the middle of the road, the only thing I could do was to back up. I had to stop in the middle of the road and reboot the car. Luckily the cars behind me were able to stop before crashing into me. In May 2024... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The driver suspension knuckle is cracking, I guess there was a recall for the same issue on models 2021 and 2022 and when I asked Tesla service I was told by them this not a common issue and I can drive on it until they can get the chance to look at it (which will be after month and half!!!) they are claiming the car is safe and from what I ready that if this part get broken the car will fail whil... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
On several occasions the vehicle experienced the 'death wobble' this is a known issue and was recalled on earlier models but the 2021 has not been recalled. The suspension shakes aggressively out of nowhere at highway speeds. This is extremely dangerous! The entire car shakes and rattles aggressively on the highway, it is so easy to lose control of the vehicle! I could not get it to stop and had... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Rear spring and lower plates have snapped and are broken. This happened at around 60,000 miles. A lot of 2017 & 2018 Audi Q7 owners are complaining at Audi Forums. Please take a look at this issue. Thank you.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
In March of 2008, I purchased a new 2008 Toyota Tacoma (VIN: [XXX] ) from Orleans Toyota in Massachusetts. In July 2010 I re-located to New Hampshire and registered the vehicle in that state in July 2010 where I have resided since. The odometer reading at that time was 21,220 Miles. In September of 2014, I received a safety recall notice from Toyota regarding a potential frame corrosion problem.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
2008 chev. Silverado severe u underside rusting , including factory tow attachments. uncle has 28599 miles , bought new and not driven in inclement weather. Wax coating on frame almost completely worn off. Was told it will not pass NYS inspection next year.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
-The right knuckle sheared upon wheel impact with a curb at approximately 35 mph. At the time the vehicle was pushed northward by 46mph gust as the driver attempted a left hand turn onto a westbound lane from a northbound road. The part is still attached to the vehicle which is currently at the collision repair center. -Failure of the part left the driver stranded and the vehicle unmovable maki... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
The ball joint metal part broke. The ball joint is not connected to the lower control arm instead the ball joint is a part that has a metal piece included that connects to the lower control arm. The piece is thin and break in my car over a small pothole doing speed limit this would not happen in any other make. The part looks cheap on the metal piece. The safety of the vehicle was bad until I got ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Oct 31, 2024
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear toe link fractured. The contact stated that the rear end of the vehicle swerved to the left. The contact stated that it was difficult to control the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact exited the vehicle. The contact stated upon inspecting ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
The contact owns a 1994 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 01V037000 (Vehicle Speed Control) and 99V214000 (Suspension); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer and a second dealer, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (5401 I-30 Frontage Rd, Greenville, TX 75402), were contacted. The contact stated that the... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 3500
(2024) - SUSPENSION
Oct 31, 2024
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
Fortunately no catastrophic failure or accident occurred. At about 40,000k miles the rear spring mounts are significantly corroded and need replacing. This appears to be a galvanic reaction that occurs due to a design flaw which shortens the life of the critical mounts. I’m told one could fail imminently and the other is headed that way. Had this failed in use the damage would be significant... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a death wobble. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle while driving or while idling. The failure became more persistent and more pronounced over time. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, a f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
At 8100 miles whenever driving on interstate and hit an uneven patch of road, such as a bridge entry, exit, the wheels start vibrating heavily and requires decreasing speed to get under control. This vibration gets out of hand and creates an out of control feeling that requires sudden deceleration and this gets dangerous with traffic behind traveling at interstate speeds.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
while driving on Interstate Highyway aproximately 65 MPH and passing over a bridge the front end started shaking violently. I hit the brakes and it finally stopped as I slowed. It did this 6 times on the same trip and has repeated multiple times. I took it to the dealer and told them it had done this when I first bought it and they said they would have to evalaute it. When I first bought the car i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a loud clucking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a fractured front stabilizer and stabilizer link. The front stabilizer and stabilizer link were replaced, and the vehicle was repai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
Steering not returning to center, when making a turn across the street you have to quickly center the vehicle to prevent going into on coming traffic. Very stiff to turn and make popping sounds when turning.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - SUSPENSION
Oct 30, 2024
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while turning to the right, the passenger’s side front wheel seemed to be rubbing against the rubber or plastic piece underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the front suspension cross member had failed due to excessive rust. The contact was informed that the front suspension cross mem... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
The contact rented a 2023 Jeep Gladiator from Budget Rental Car Company located at 28 Ibm Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and driving over a pothole in the roadway, the front end of the vehicle and the steering wheel started shuddering violently. The contact stated that upon releasing the accelerator pedal and decelerating to 55 MPH, the vehicle operated as need... Read more
GENESIS
GV80 COUPE
(2025) - SUSPENSION
Oct 30, 2024
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra. The contact stated while riding at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the motorcycle. In addition, the contact stated that an abnormal vibration was coming from the handlebars while riding. The contact used a trailer to tow the motorcycle to the dealer where it was discovered that the front and rear w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving at 15 MPH, the contact heard a loud popping sound and the vehicle was pulled to the right. The front passenger’s side wheel assembly and wheel were detached. The contact stated that due to the failure, the contact's vehicle damaged two vehicles that were parked on the street. The Toyota Sienna was scratched and damage... Read more
Crash