Component
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE:TORQUE ARM
25 NHTSA complaints about suspension:multiple axle:torque arm issues across 16 makes and 22 models.
The suspension:multiple axle:torque arm is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 25 filings from 16 manufacturers and 22 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 2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM with 2 filings, followed by HONDA ACCORD and CHRYSLER CONCORDE. 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 | PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM | 2 |
| 2 | HONDA ACCORD | 2 |
| 3 | CHRYSLER CONCORDE | 2 |
| 4 | VOLKSWAGEN JETTA | 1 |
| 5 | SATURN SATURN | 1 |
| 6 | PONTIAC GRAND AM | 1 |
| 7 | LINCOLN TOWN CAR | 1 |
| 8 | KIA SPORTAGE | 1 |
| 9 | KIA FORTE | 1 |
| 10 | JEEP WRANGLER | 1 |
| 11 | INFINITI FX35 | 1 |
| 12 | GMC SIERRA | 1 |
| 13 | FREIGHTLINER SPRINTER | 1 |
| 14 | FREIGHTLINER FLS 112 | 1 |
| 15 | FORD WINDSTAR | 1 |
| 16 | FORD FREESTAR | 1 |
| 17 | DODGE INTREPID | 1 |
| 18 | DODGE GRAND CARAVAN | 1 |
| 19 | CHRYSLER SEBRING | 1 |
| 20 | CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO | 1 |
| 21 | CHEVROLET IMPALA | 1 |
| 22 | BMW 550I | 1 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2015 Charmac Outlaw Trailer hauled by a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V838000 (Suspension). The contact stated that while towing the
The contact owns a 2010 Infiniti FX35. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, an abnormal banging sound was coming from the vehicle without warning. The contact was unaware of what caused the bangin
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FREESTAR. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO
I NEED THE FOLLOWING US TIRE RETAILS TO BE INSPECTED, ANALYZED, TESTED AND/OR WHATEVER GOVERNMENTAL PROCEDURES NEED TO BE TAKEN IN ORDER TO FIND OUT, FINE, CORRECT, DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THE TIRES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHAKING OCCURS MAINLY ON THE HIGHWAY OR WHEN EXITING THE HIGHWAY. TH
I PURCHASED A 1998 WINDSTAR VAN FROM THE FORD DEALER LOCATED IN CORNING CA. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH IT PASSING SMOG FOR THE OXY SENSOR. AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS NEVER WORKED RIGHT. THE TUR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ACCELERATING UPHILL AT VARIOUS SPEEDS IN VARIOUS ROAD CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A VIBRATION PHYSICALLY FELT THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO
NOISE STARTED FROM THE REAR END ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASE. THERE IS A LOUD NOISE THAT COMES FROM DRIVESHAFT OR REAR END WHEN THE TRUCK SHIFTS DOWN OR UP IN LOW GEARS AND IS TWICE AS BAD AFTER TURNING .
AXLE BROKE SUDENTLY ON THE HIGHWAY THUS PROVOCING THE CAR TO STOP OUTSIDE IN THE FIELD..GM NOR THE DEALERSHIP REFUSE ANY RESPONSABILITY. CAR IS UNDER 36000 MILES WARRANTY.CAR HAS ONLY 23000 MILES AN
I PURCHASED A KIA SPORTAGE FROM A DEALERSHIP WHO SAID THE VEHICLE STILL HAD ITS FULL POWER TRAIN WARRANTY BUMPER TO BUMPER FOR 7 YEARS. THE KIA HAS LOW MILEAGE AND STILL DOES DUE TO THE FACT IT HAS BE
THE TORQUE ARM SHEARED OFF. AS A RESULT, AXLE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT BOLTED TO THE FRAME. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE AND IT STARTED BUCKING AN
I TOOK MY 2000 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN IN ON A FRIDAY TO THE DEALER FOR THE AIR BAG RECALL (CLOCKSPRING) AND PICKED UP MY VAN UP ON FRIDAY EVENING AFTER WORK. SATURDAY MORNING I RAN A COUPLE OF ERRANDS A
2000 CHRYSLER SEBRING.*MR THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A RAILROAD CROSSING CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRES AND RIM. TORQUE BAR WAS DAMAGED ALSO. *CB
ACCIDENT. NO DETAILS LISTED. *AK
2 NUTS ON TORQUE ARM CAME OFF, RESULTING IN 2 AIR BAGS LOSING COVER AND DEFLATING/ REAR END OF VEHICLE SHIFTING 2-3INCHES, AND REAR PASSENGER TIRE RUBBING AGAINST FRAME OF THE SHOCK BRACKET, AND TH
WHILE DRIVING 60 TO 65 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A CLANKING NOISE . LEFT REAR CONTROL ARM BROKE. CONSUMER ALSO STATED HAD IT WELDED BACK ON. CONTACTED DEALER.*AK *SLC
WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH HEARD A NOISE, SOON AFTERWARDS VEHICLE WAS SHAKING OUT OF CONTROL. DEALER STATED THAT REAR TORQUE ARM AXLE HAS BROKEN. *AK THE LEFT REAR TORQUE ARM BROKE AT A THREAD J
TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED PREMATURELY. NLM
THE REAR END OF THIS VEHICLE WAS MAKING A SCRAPING SOUND WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE NOISE WAS CAUSED BY TORQUE BAR BREAKING A TTHE POINT WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE REAR AXEL. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTAC
TRANSMISSION FAILURE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF TORQUE CONVERTOR AND VALVE BODY WITH UP-DATED VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY
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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.