Component
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
697 NHTSA complaints about power train:axle assembly:axle shaft issues across 42 makes and 251 models.
The power train:axle assembly:axle shaft is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 697 filings from 42 manufacturers and 251 distinct vehicle models, a footprint large enough that defect engineers can isolate part-family patterns across different platforms that share the same supplier or the same federal motor vehicle safety standard.
Among filings citing this component, owners have reported 38 crashes, 16 fires, 68 injuries, and 0 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE with 32 filings, followed by SUBARU SVX and FORD EXPLORER. These severity counters are what separates a nuisance complaint trend from a pattern NHTSA is likely to escalate into a Preliminary Evaluation.
Component-level analysis is how the Office of Defects Investigation spots cross-manufacturer supplier issues — the same airbag inflator, the same takata-style ignition switch, the same brake hose material — before they become industry-wide recalls. When you see a single component accumulating large complaint volume across several unrelated nameplates, that is usually a signature of a shared supplier or a shared federal standard being stressed by real-world conditions. Use the affected-vehicles table below to see whether the pattern is concentrated on a handful of models or distributed evenly, and cross-reference each model's full recall and investigation history before drawing conclusions about any one nameplate.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE | 32 |
| 2 | SUBARU SVX | 31 |
| 3 | FORD EXPLORER | 27 |
| 4 | DODGE RAM 1500 | 26 |
| 5 | FORD F-150 | 14 |
| 6 | FORD TAURUS | 10 |
| 7 | FORD CROWN VICTORIA | 10 |
| 8 | DODGE DURANGO | 10 |
| 9 | CADILLAC DEVILLE | 10 |
| 10 | KIA SPORTAGE | 9 |
| 11 | JEEP CHEROKEE | 9 |
| 12 | DODGE RAM | 9 |
| 13 | SUBARU IMPREZA | 8 |
| 14 | PONTIAC GRAND AM | 8 |
| 15 | HONDA ACCORD | 8 |
| 16 | FORD CONTOUR | 8 |
| 17 | DODGE DAKOTA | 8 |
| 18 | DODGE CARAVAN | 8 |
| 19 | FORD WINDSTAR | 7 |
| 20 | SUBARU FORESTER | 6 |
| 21 | LINCOLN TOWN CAR | 6 |
| 22 | FORD RANGER | 6 |
| 23 | DODGE STRATUS | 6 |
| 24 | DODGE RAM 2500 | 6 |
| 25 | CHEVROLET SUBURBAN | 6 |
| 26 | CHEVROLET MALIBU | 6 |
| 27 | TOYOTA COROLLA | 5 |
| 28 | MITSUBISHI GALANT | 5 |
| 29 | FORD AEROSTAR | 5 |
| 30 | EAGLE TALON | 5 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormally loud howling and winding sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lig
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 55 MPH or faster, there was a misfire coming from the engine. The
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact stated while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure progres
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact stated that while his son was driving at unknown speeds and making a right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact sta
Axle bolt was shredded off and making a clanking sound while driving. They replaced the axle. Should have gone ahead and replaced both sides because the other axle bolt will also break soon and is a h
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle vibrated violently before returning to normal functionality. The ABS warning light was illuminated.
The bolt the holds the rear axle/hub on the 9.75 HD rear-end sheared off. This is an ongoing issue with their rear-end.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer
I was driving south on Interstate 5 near Stockton CA and I noticed an awful sound coming from the back of my truck. When I gave it more throttle nothing was happening, my truck was slowing down, the m
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after all four tires were replaced, the following day while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear driverâs and passengerâs side tire
Rear axle bolt broke off
2013 FORD EDGE-Consumer had already taken vehicle for tune up 2 months after purchase. Consumer heard bad thumping noise from back of vehicle. Consumer took it to a mechanic and was told about Recall
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking spot and approaching a stop sign, she heard an abnormal popping sound. The contact shifted into park(P); however,
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated there was a default of service axle notification warning light on the instrument panel while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed at
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving, the axle broke on two occasions without warning. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v770000 (power
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 FORD BRONCO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO STEVEN'S JERSEY CITY FORD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2106 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 25 MPH WHEN THE FRONT WHEEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DR
OUR TEENAGE BOYS WERE TRAVELING AT A SAFE SPEED, DID NOT HIT A POTHOLE OR OTHER OBJECT, AND DID NOT SWERVE WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE SNAPPED. THIS DIRECTED THEM INTO A TELEPHONE POLE AND THEN THEY PR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 750I. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER (ERHARD BMW OF FARMINGTON HILLS, 38700 GRAND RIVER AVE, FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48335, (888)
FOR GM RECALL 2014079, REGARDING A POTENTIAL FRONT AXLE RIGHT HALF FRACTURE, HOW CAN DRIVERS, PASSENGERS, AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD BE CERTAIN THAT A ONE-TIME POINT-IN-TIME INSPECTION GUARANTEES THAT THI
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Data Sources
Vehicle complaint data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database. Includes consumer-reported safety issues filed with NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Severity counts cross-reference NHTSA FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) for fatal incidents where a corresponding FARS record exists.
Component categories are standardized by NHTSA. Crash-test ratings where shown are drawn from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Complaint counts, crash reports, fire reports, and fatality data reflect consumer-submitted reports and may not represent all incidents.
Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for vehicle purchase decisions. NHTSA complaint data is self-reported by consumers and has not been verified or investigated. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a defect. Always consult a qualified mechanic and check official NHTSA recall notices before making safety-related decisions.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.