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: Mar 20, 2023
Jeep wrangler jl with 23,000 miles driving 55 mph. Jeep front end started shaking violently and brake pedal pulsating so that I could not brake or steer vehicle. Did Google search and this has been a major Jeep wrangler issue. As an engineer Jeep designers did not understand harmonic frequencies when designing or specificity front end design. This happened 3 times before Wisc. Cambridge service c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2020
Vehicle started to have bumpy ride and loud popping noise from the rear. I have an appointment at the dealership next week, but we know the shocks are leaking/malfunctioning. This seems to be a very common problem with Hyundai Palisades. The concern is replacing with the same OEM parts to have the same issue again.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
At estimated 25500 miles in the vehicle, I started to feel vibration at 65- 75 mph. Bouncy ride and slight bad bearing noise at 45 mph . After taking to the dealer, they also felt vibration and recommended tire balancing. After having that done, the problem still existed. I took the car next day and at first they where not willing to check my car but then when I forced, they test drove and conf... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Jul 16, 2024
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
Front end uncontroable wobble from the front end. causing swearving and lane departure. causes uncontroable driving until under 30 MPH.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Element. The contact stated there was an extreme amount of rust on the vehicle. The contact stated that the trailing arm was corroded and had several holes. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to assist with the repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assis... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
Had several wheel alignments car would read straight but is not straight I have all new front extension work done my car is still going out of control going into different lanes while I’m going g straight I took it to the ford dealership they can’t even find the problem
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
While driving home my truck started making an unusual sound like a dry bearing rubbing in a bearing would make, and I found it difficult to keep the steering wheel centered, a little further down the road I made a turn while doing so the steering wheel abruptly cut back the opposite direction of the turn yanking the wheel out of my hands no lights on the dash illuminated nor were there any warnin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
My 2012 c300 has a rotted rear subframe making the car not able to be driven. It has major ,life threatening, costly damage and this issue already has a recall all over the world but not in the United States. If I can get the assistance to pay this repair, it will be gladly appreciated.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Jul 16, 2024
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
Vehicle has had a noticeable vibration at highway speeds of 75-80 mph through the entire steering and front end, seemingly resulting in dangerous tire wear (to the point of being bald on the outside edges of front tires.) Problem has been evident since new. It has had tires replaced, been aligned by multiple dealers and had tires road force balanced, however nothing has improved. Vehicle does not ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
My Tesla (dark gray) was t-boned by a 2015 Hyundai (white) while it was passing the intersection on green light. The Hyundai hit my car when it tried to turn right on red light. My car was running at around 25 mph at that moment. About one second before the accident, my car's front collision warning went off, but everything was too late; the Hyundai's left front bumper hit my car. The crash did no... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Rear lower control arm snapped this model isn't under recall it really should be
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rear passenger's side wheel was pushed upward and was nearly rubbing the inner wheel well. The contact stated that upon inspecting the rear axle, he became aware that the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
Reversing out drive way and coil rear suspension spring snaped
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
The rear differental is grinding loumd when stopped then go
Incident date: May 3, 2023
Recent incident regarding the left front control arm of our 2004 CTS Cadillac. There was a recall for the lower control arm ball nut/washer attaching the control arm, which could lead to disengagement of the control arm, disengagement of the wheel and tire, and possible crash. We purchased the car in 2015. The Cadillac Service Center in Beverly Hills confirmed that they have records showing the c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Had to replace tie rods two times before 11,000 miles.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
The axle broke in half. We reached out to The manufacturer of the axle (Dexter) and determined that the axle had been cut in half and shorted 5 inches by the installer. The axle manufacturer (Dexter) delivered 3 of these axles to the same installer for 3 food trailers.
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Jul 15, 2024
Incident date: May 27, 2024
A clunky noise coming from the front wheels whenever we encountered any sort of bump.
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Jul 14, 2024
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
Steering system due to "death wobble".
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
A spring snapped in two near the mounting point to the frame. Rv was not overloaded. Grand design authorized replacement of all springs which is now complete. Others have had similar failures. Im guessing the metal used was too brittle. The busted spring can cause the rv to pull sideways a bit making safe controlling on the highway a possible hazard to everyone on the highway. An accident c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
The transmission has quite a bit of slop or play when placing it in park. I do not believe it could be parked safely in a residential driveway. Tranny knocks a little in low gears.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V631000 (Suspension, Structure) where a coating was sprayed on the passenger side lower control arm and the area was drained. After receiving the recall repair, the contact became aware that the vehicle was pulling to the right and the steering wheel was tilted to the left. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced severe shaking and vibration. The contact indicated that all four tires were replaced on several occasions, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assis... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) - SUSPENSION
Jul 12, 2024
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
Rear Drivers side spring cracked failed and corrosion on the bottom mount. Passenger side corrosion also visible and needed to be replaced. Confirmed and documented by dealer and repaired on 7-12-24. Vehicle has 93K miles and was last brought in for multi point inspection at 50K.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
On 07-June-2024 @14:47 my 2012 Toyota Prius suffered a catastrophic failure. I was attempting to back my 2012 Toyota Prius vehicle a few meters back into my driveway while turning slightly. This was a very slow speed backup. Suddenly, the rear passenger side wheel collapsed inward, and rendered the vehicle unmovable. A video of the incident is attached for viewing The vehicle has low mileage a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
We purchased this truck as a certified used vehicle in January of 2019. In September of 2023 we started experiencing a death wobble every time we try and take the truck over 55 mph. We have taken the truck to the ford dealership six different times to try and fix the issue, and ford can not figure out the cause of the wobble. Currently the truck has been in the shop at ford for almost 2 months con... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
we have reported to the dealer multiple instances of noises (crunching and low thuds) and 'thumping' felt through floor boards coming from what appears to be front passenger side. Dealer installed right from sway bar end link as well as subsequently perform NHTSA mandatory recall repairs on Front Upper Control Arm to Steering Knuckle Pinch Bolt. After each 'repair' the problem appears to be gett... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
I bought my 2016 Jeep Compass Latitude in September of 2021 with a warranty which because of some rotor and other issues they gave me a loaner vehicle while they did the repairs for a week or so. It didn't give me too many problems for a while but then in these last two years or so then a lot has been breaking on it or acting up & I only got a little over 86k miles on it, but any warranties are ex... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Audi Dealer inspection report said severe rear sub frame rust is a safety issue and requires replacement
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
The fork seals on the bike went bad at 5000 miles with no accident or damage to the bike. The oil inside of the fork tube is leaking onto the wheels and the brakes. The bike does not want to stop as fast. The front end of the bike dips upon a complete stop. Braking in general is compromised. If the bike does need to be stopped in an emergency the seal could blow, and dump oil all over the fro... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Upon driving, the Left control arm snapped in two. The car veered to the left but I was able to regain control fortunately. Ten minutes prior I had been on a major highway. Results may have been different in that regard. Firestone Complete Auto Care assessed it and quoted me up to $600.00 for repair. I researched the Control Issue only to discover that this was a common problem on 2013 Nissan Alt... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle swerved into the next lane. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot where several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was then shifted into reverse(R) and the contact heard a loud bang coming from under the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that th... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - SUSPENSION
Jul 10, 2024
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
When the vehicle was recently brought in for annual PA state inspection, I was informed by the inspector that there was so much corrosion where the rear trailing arms attach to the subframe that the rear wheel on either side could suddenly collapse leading to a sudden and unpredictable loss of vehicle control. I then brought it to an authorized Honda dealership for their inspection. They produce... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2023) - SUSPENSION
Jul 9, 2024
Incident date: Jun 29, 2024
While driving at freeway speeds (typically above 50mph) the vehicle will have extended steering oscillation (violent shaking of the steering wheel) after going over normal expansion joints in the roadway and other roadway bumps. It is impossible to control the vehicle steering when oscillations start. Sometimes the only thing that stops the oscillations is slowing, and leaving the freeway. No w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Was driving to the store for groceries with my 2 young children, when my car just stopped accelerating and the engine seized up on a local road. Had noticed a ticking and knocking sound when accelerating a few prior and a weird sound coming from the suspension but it was dismissed by the dealer. Had the vehicle towed to my home and had to tow to dealership as it would no longer turn over at all. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. Additionally, the steering was sticking while turning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The rack and pinion were replaced but the failure later reoccurr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz S600. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the active body control warning light illuminated, after which the front suspension lowered to the ground, preventing the vehicle from being driven. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the hydro-pneumatic suspension pump and high-pressure hose. The vehicle was not repaired. After inve... Read more
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2013) - SUSPENSION
Jul 9, 2024
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The vehicle severely swerves when hitting any type of bump or hole in the road. This is a common issue and very dangerous.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
The trailer arm rusted at the mount. I was told it was not safe to drive. I have learned that this is a common problem with this vehicle and Honda has issued a recall in Canada, but not the USA. I also learned that there is a similar issue with I believe the Honda CRV and that has been in recall from Honda in I believe both Canada and the US. I found a place to do the repair and he said he has... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2020
Driving on Highway multiple times 60-65 mph hit a bump or groove on highway jeep start wobble so bad couldn't hardly control it. July 08, 2024 driving on highway 60-65 mph crossing bridge with grooves or small bump jeep went into wobble, steering wheel flipped upside down I grab tight as it is wobbling to left turning trying not to hit truck as i had no steering control hit another bump thank god ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
On [XXX], while traveling NB on [XXX], my 2022 Forest River Shockwave (purchased new in July 2022), suffered a catastrophic suspension failure on the driver's side while hauling my son's dirt bike and a golf cart. I was able to safely get my vehicle and the toy hauler off to the shoulder. A wheel had nearly come off the trailer. After being previously torqued to spec, it still somehow loosened its... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Jul 8, 2024
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
Frame failure at the pin box, 2 cracked welds, missing lag screws on upper decking rails and wrong size, had dealer inspect and make repairs per Grand Design, these defects are putting me and my family, and other people on our highways at risk due to possibility of complete king pin failure and rv coming detached from tow vehicle, I personally feel that Grand Design and Lippert are covering up a s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
My front ball joints went out own my 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 truck recently and had to be replaced the vehicle only had 58, 343 miles at the time. I contacted Chrysler even though the vehicle was not under warranty, because one of there team members said all the could do was try to get me a reimbursement, but I was recently denied. The vehicle also has right arm shifter issues that keep occurring even... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2024
The front wheels suspension are squeezing. For a relatively new and low mileage car I don’t think this should be happening. I understand there’s been a lot of complaints about this issue. We believe it should be recalled. Thank you!
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
I experienced what I now have come to understand is called the death wobble. It was terrifying and I was going about 60 mph on an interstate that was under construction. I hit minor bumps and the whole truck began to wobble back-and-forth violently. it would not stop until I came down to about 15 miles an hour, after that steering felt loose. I thought I was going to die. The incident chewed up my... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
My whole front end of my jeep when I stop feels like it's coming out from underneath me
MERCEDES-BENZ
B-CLASS ELECTRIC
(2015) - SUSPENSION
Jul 6, 2024
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
Rust thru/failure of the front cross member subframe. I noticed a clicking/rubing sound coming from the front of my 2011 Jeep Compass. Over several days it got worse. I took the car to the same dealership that I bought the car from new and was told it was a rust thru on the subframe and that the car was not safe to drive. At this point there were NO warning lights or other indication that the fron... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
Rear subframe has rust perforation causing instability and stopping issues with the vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
The engine light keeps going on and off and I reported to their dealer a couple times during the warranty but when they checked the car the light got off and they asked me to keep driving it until out of warranty and they ask me to pay for fix the same problem