Component
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
1,438 NHTSA complaints about suspension:front:control arm issues across 44 makes and 295 models.
The suspension:front:control arm is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 1,438 filings from 44 manufacturers and 295 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 78 crashes, 1 fire, 42 injuries, and 0 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT with 92 filings, followed by DODGE DURANGO and CHEVROLET BLAZER. 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 | VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT | 92 |
| 2 | DODGE DURANGO | 92 |
| 3 | CHEVROLET BLAZER | 90 |
| 4 | HYUNDAI ELANTRA | 59 |
| 5 | DODGE DAKOTA | 52 |
| 6 | GMC JIMMY | 40 |
| 7 | FORD CROWN VICTORIA | 34 |
| 8 | MITSUBISHI GALANT | 27 |
| 9 | FORD EXPLORER | 27 |
| 10 | DODGE AVENGER | 27 |
| 11 | JEEP LIBERTY | 26 |
| 12 | FORD F-150 | 25 |
| 13 | AUDI A4 | 23 |
| 14 | CHRYSLER SEBRING | 21 |
| 15 | CHEVROLET MALIBU | 18 |
| 16 | FORD WINDSTAR | 16 |
| 17 | OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA | 13 |
| 18 | MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE | 13 |
| 19 | EAGLE TALON | 13 |
| 20 | DODGE INTREPID | 13 |
| 21 | AUDI A6 | 13 |
| 22 | HONDA ACCORD | 12 |
| 23 | CHRYSLER PT CRUISER | 12 |
| 24 | DODGE STRATUS | 11 |
| 25 | DODGE CARAVAN | 11 |
| 26 | VOLVO S80 | 10 |
| 27 | PONTIAC GRAND AM | 10 |
| 28 | HYUNDAI SONATA | 10 |
| 29 | DODGE RAM 1500 | 10 |
| 30 | DAEWOO NUBIRA | 10 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the front windshield camera became inoperable. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the control arms failed. The loca
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a right turn, the driverâs side control arm detached from the vehicle, and the contact
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the contact lost control of the vehicle, and the front driver's side suspension low
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The
The contact owns a 2013 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was pulling to either the left or right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehic
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 40-50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that there was a misfire coming f
I have purchased replacement lower control from Detoit Axle. On 8/13/2024. On 10/18/2024 car had to be take to repair shop because replaced control arm failed. Lower ball joint came out of socket.
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed t
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while in the driveway, the power steering warning light illuminated, and the service power steering message was displayed. The contact stat
This is a manufacture defect. The windshield water comes down and fall dropping on the upper control arm. I Needed it to replace this every year. This is a well documented issue. It is all over the w
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while her wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly after th
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, there was an abnormal creaking sound. The failure occurred at various speeds a
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while turning left or right, there was a grinding and scratching sound coming from underneath the front-end of the vehicle. The vehicle
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving 60-62 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and other unk
The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started swerving side to side without warning. The contact was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was tow
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle began to wobble and almost crashed into another vehicle. The traction control warning light wa
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal banging sound coming from the driver's side front wheel well while turning l
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop at approximately 25 MPH, the front passenger's side subframe emitted an abnormally loud sound, and t
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a wheel alignment, and at that time he was informed that the lower control link subframe ne
Related Vehicle Components
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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.