Component
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
2,072 NHTSA complaints about wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs issues across 51 makes and 359 models.
The wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 2,072 filings from 51 manufacturers and 359 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 132 crashes, 4 fires, 71 injuries, and 9 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the FORD F-150 with 210 filings, followed by FORD WINDSTAR and FORD FUSION. 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 | FORD F-150 | 210 |
| 2 | FORD WINDSTAR | 98 |
| 3 | FORD FUSION | 93 |
| 4 | FORD EXPEDITION | 91 |
| 5 | ISUZU RODEO | 90 |
| 6 | FORD FOCUS | 89 |
| 7 | FORD ESCAPE | 73 |
| 8 | FORD EXPLORER | 67 |
| 9 | DODGE RAM | 28 |
| 10 | FORD EDGE | 27 |
| 11 | DODGE RAM 1500 | 25 |
| 12 | DODGE DAKOTA | 24 |
| 13 | FORD TAURUS | 23 |
| 14 | CHEVROLET BLAZER | 21 |
| 15 | ISUZU TROOPER | 20 |
| 16 | DODGE DURANGO | 19 |
| 17 | LINCOLN NAVIGATOR | 18 |
| 18 | CHEVROLET SUBURBAN | 18 |
| 19 | FORD F-550 SD | 17 |
| 20 | CHEVROLET S10 | 17 |
| 21 | TOYOTA TACOMA | 15 |
| 22 | FORD RANGER | 15 |
| 23 | TOYOTA SIENNA | 14 |
| 24 | CHEVROLET LUMINA | 14 |
| 25 | JEEP CHEROKEE | 13 |
| 26 | FORD ECONOLINE | 13 |
| 27 | PONTIAC GRAND PRIX | 12 |
| 28 | FORD MUSTANG | 12 |
| 29 | FORD THUNDERBIRD | 11 |
| 30 | FORD F-250 | 11 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that t
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle in for a routine tire rotation, the dealer informed the contact that the lug nuts were swollen, and the tires coul
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH through a Construction Zone, the front passengerâs side tire independently detached. No warning light was illuminated.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Sensor Fault" was displayed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in ei
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a front wheel alignment was performed, and th
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while changing the lug nuts on the wheels, the contact became aware that the lug nuts were swollen. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and
The contact owns a 2020 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and an unknown recall for the tires, and another for the trim aroun
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while receiving regular maintenance, the mechanic informed the contact that the lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The vehicl
To Whom It May Concern: RE: 2022 Ford F-150 â VIN: [XXX] Safety Recall Notice: 25S75 / NHTSA Recall 25V455 I am writing to formally express my deep concern and disappointment regarding ongoing and
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the wheel studs on the front passengerâs wheel detached from the wheel. The dealer was not contacted. The v
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the passenger side front tire detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warni
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the front driver's side wheel lug nuts fractured, causing the wheel to detach and the vehicle to shudder. The contact dece
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a tire rotation, the contact was informed that the tires were unable to be rebalanced due to swolle
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving 49 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened while driving, cau
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated while reversing, the passenger's side front wheel detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was no
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to change the tires on the vehicle and was unable to remove the lug nuts. The contact
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to rotate the tires, the service mechanic discovered that the lug nuts had swollen, and the wheel could not be immediately
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. While contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact's son drove the vehicle to the intended d
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front wheels became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling to one side. The v
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 65 MPH, he had to pull over to the side of the road due to a flat tire. The contact's son had a difficult time
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.