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 78,884 complaints - component: SERVICE BRAKES
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
A vehicle that is able to start and shift out of park without depressing the brake pedal can result in unintended vehicle movement which can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle. There has been a recall out for over an year yet no available solution.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2025
I am the owner of a 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf with only 52,000 miles. Recently, an abnormal noise appeared coming from the gearbox during energy regenerative braking. I looked up online and found it's a common problem in Volkswagen e-Golf model. https://www.myvwegolf.com/threads/egolf-scraping-sound-when-driving-in-neutral-coasting-or-regen-braking.16708/ The issue was diagnosed as an internal fail... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2025
The brake vacuum pump has went out twice with no warning and has caused my breaks to become instantly extremely stiff.
MERCEDES-BENZ
SLK320
(2001) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 21, 2025
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
I was driving slowly, about 5 mph, and was pulling over on a residential street to park on the street, and my Hyundai started shaking…the steering wheel and car were shaking and the brakes weren’t working. I nearly rear ended a car full of people. It did eventually a stop and the whole thing lasted maybe 10 seconds but it was terrifying. I had it towed to the dealership and they can’t seem t... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 21, 2025
Incident date: Oct 21, 2025
Contacted TMC and was told a recall WAS performed on my car in 2010 for excessive acceleration. However, after further investigation, I learned there was not ONE but TWO different recalls for SIMILAR circumstances(acceleration) and was not informed whether BOTH were completed. I have had vehicle for approx. 5 years and have intermittently experienced the SAME problem. The last few weeks, it has ha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
I’m writing this message out of frustration, exhaustion, and genuine concern for public safety. Over the past months, I’ve been renting and driving multiple cars from different brands and models — Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, and now a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E — and all of them show the same dangerous behavior: •sudden phantom braking for no reason, •traction control malfunctioning, throwin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2025
Recurring water intrusion through firewall/wiper cowl causes electrical corrosion and loss of vehicle communication (CAN bus). Dealer repeatedly documented: • 05/19/2022: “Cowl drains clogged; water entering passenger side” (Invoice #XXX). • 08/15/2025: “Water intrusion through firewall due to wiper cowl drains being clogged with organic debris; water found in passenger kick-panel conne... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
Jerks when accelerating, loses power, hesitates backing up, brake on left front does not release and overheats, right back brake following suit. Took into repair shop for brake service. Quote the inspection "Front passenger caliper seized no flow from house caused caliper to lock up." Was advised after rear right brake was found to be developing the same symptoms to have it towed to dealership f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
I have been trying to have my brakes line repair for a recall for over a year with the local Kia dealer as they refused to see me for over a year due to not buying vehicle there. I lost my brakes due to the recall on the lines and not being able to get an appointment. I almost died when my brakes went out. I called the local Kia dealer was told again I had to wait and that no promises could be mon... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2022
I have 2023 Jayco Redhawk SE mounted on a Chevy Express 4500 Cutaway chassis with only 5300 miles on it. Chevrolet dealer ran diagnostics and replaced an ABS sensor which had no impact on the problem. I have an appointment to have it looked at by another dealership recommended by Chevy Customer Service. It is not safe to drive, going up straight steep grades on the interstate the right rear wh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
I was driving northbound in on I15 in Salt Lake City when a Home Depot Bucket blew into my lane. I slowed down to change lanes when the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) deployed without warning, bringing my car to an almost stop causing a semi tractor trailer to hit me from behind.
Crash
Incident date: Oct 21, 2025
Lost brakes completely. Brake pedal went to floor. After Limping home I checked master cylinder and leaks at wheels. No leaks and master cylinder was full. I would think if ABS went out I should still have had brakes!!!!!! I was lucky no accident.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2025
Driving the car at under 20 mph making a left turn into my cul-de-sac which has an upward slope. Car system thought it would crash into the tree straight ahead and started emergency braking making loud noise and then the steering wheels locked. Ended up hitting the parked car in front of neighbors house due to brake and steering malfunction. Heard from other Volvo owners that this has been a probl... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
Rear brakes needed to be replaced at 20,000 miles. Dealership stated it was normal for electronic brakes to go out that early, which is absurd. Took the car to another mechanic to have the work done, turns out it was a defect in the assembly of the car and the brakes were not fully releasing so we basically were riding our brakes for 20,000 miles. According to the dealership they were getting a lo... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 21, 2025
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
We have had four previously documented issues with the electrical, brake and engine in our truck. Today, we were advised by the dealer that the truck had been fixed, and a new ECM had been installed. They advised they drove the truck for 100 miles and there were no issues. We picked the truck up and on the way home, while on the highway, the truck went into low power mode, the brakes went out, the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
Passenger side brake light keeps going out and has been replaced twice
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Anti-lock brake module faulty - shorted out. Recall on newer modules but not older ones
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
When approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal became extremely hard I was unable to stop, and rolled through the intersection avoiding collision. I was able to slow down enough to engage the emergency brake. There are no lights on the dash.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Stabikitrack error causes ABS to trigger while on the highway. Brought in for repair at dealer and needed new wheel sensor and EBCM, significant safety issue!
KIA
OPTIMA HYBRID
(2016) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 21, 2025
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
With the car stopped & the transmission in the Drive or Reverse position with foot off the brake pedal: 1. Pushing the Power button once to turn the car off results in the transmission automatically shifting from Drive or Reverse to Neutral without automatically setting the Parking Brake. 2. If the car's front-end is on a slope pointed up-slo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
ABS, BRAKE AND Stability lights came on, i have to press all the way down the brake pedal for car to stop.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
There is a wobbling sensation on my Highlander during braking at highway speeds. There is no such feeling while driving around city. It appeared after my trip on highway in heavy rain. There was no traffic, and I were using cruise control. Suddenly, doing nothing from my side but steering, I started to feel heavy break impacts, which scared me (I was with my family). I switched off cruise control,... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
My wife experienced an unintended acceleration in her 2018 Subaru Legacy. My wife had begun to slowly back out of a parking space in a school parking lot when her 2018 Legacy went into an unintended rapid acceleration in reverse. The car took off in reverse and did not respond to her applying the brakes. Somehow she managed to steer the car which was rapidly acceleration in reverse, virtually u... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
First brake switch stopped working. I could not move vehicle and had to have it towed to dealer where the brake switch was replaced. Now less than year later I get a SVC 4WD notice.this happened right after I had my vehicles oil changed and tires rotated. I am told I now have a faulty PTU actuator that must be replaced for almost $2k. I have a 2019 Cherokee L with 88,500 miles.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
My battery light has been on for about a week it will come off and on thos morning as I was pulling into work I notice the power steering wasn't working right!
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 20, 2025
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
Speedometer not working correctly analog and digital do no match. Trailer brake and lighting module failure warnings displayed. Both have been looked at by Ford Dealership, twice. You don’t know what is true, you can’t rely on any warning lights as all have proven wrong. I am in the process of 3rd trip in tomorrow to leave the vehicle a few days since it has to be parked on the Ford lot and st... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
We were driving on the freeway in nice weather when the cars automatic emergency brake engaged at 75mph. No warning light came on the dash it was without any warning very scary thankfully no other cars where around us.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
While pulling a 38ft 5th wheel camper on an incline with the cruise control set at random the vehicle completely dies. It experiences a total shutdown of the engine, which in return causes a complete loss of power steering, brakes etc. The truck will not restart until you push the off button and open the drivers door to shut the entire system down
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
while driving the 2013 Prius hybrid , the ABS , brake light, and traction control lights came on. The brake was rock hard and the car would not stop at the light, causing me to swerve away from the cars in front of me and pull into a nearby parking lot. The brake would not work. There is a constant beeping noise in the car , which is a brake warning. I looked up the problem and just like many othe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2025
Driver side rear wheel speed sensor. This is a known issue national back order on the part, mechanic installed new part system does not reset and clear. In the current state, abs offline four-wheel drive system service required traction control service required. What is the true fix for this?
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 - 25 MPH in the rain at night, the brake pedal was bouncing up and down. The contact stated that the doors locked and failed to open. Additionally, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the hazard lights were inoperable. They stated that one of the passenger’s side tire warning lights was ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
The vehicle has been in the shop since August 2025 attempting to be fixed. I have been making monthly payments and have not been offered any rental assistance or vehicle loaner assistance. My vehicle has multiple safety recalls and no current remedy.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
When I change gears to P or R the car shut down , also it shakes when I break
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 19, 2025
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
I was sitting at an exit from a store waiting to pull out into an intersection. Full foot on the brake, and I know for certain I wasn't accidentally hitting the accelerator because on the first "jump" I checked to make sure. It lurched through the brakes multiple times bucking like a cammed car would. Then threw all these warning lights, turtle icon came up saying speed limited, and the collision ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
My car keeps shutting down, battery dieing, lose parts , brake caliber come off completely. Gas gone right after putting gas in the car . I have taking it to dealership were I purchased the car Eddie said it would be fixed and it's been one year now. Northgate Ford on colerain Ave Cincinnati ohio where I purchased it They have been tracking me threw GPS system shutting down my car when they wa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
There is an issue with the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies that causes this vehicle to brake poorly. These parts are known to malfunction in Lexus CT 200h models and recognized by Lexus/Toyota. This issue needs to be extended into a recall for the vehicle due to the danger it poses while braking. Lexus/Toyota have acknowledged the issue via their letter: Customer Support Program 21... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
Car won't crank lights on dash on. KEEP saying ABS Braking system.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle’s collision avoidance automatic braking system is malfunctioning. It engages unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving with normal traffic flow. The system is still installed and fully available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The au... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, while driving northbound on the Palisades Parkway at approximately 11:30 PM, the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion without any prior warning. I was traveling around 45– 50 mph when the dashboard lights began flashing, and the vehicle shut down completely in active highway traffic. All systems—including power and acceleration—dropped instantly. I was unable ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
The problem I am reporting I found reported on the internet. My dashboard lite up with power steering and brake warning lights and told me to contact the dealer. Power steering was lost and braking power diminished. Pulled over and restarted the car several times and steering and braking came back but the warning lights still on. After sitting for an hour while we ate the car started with no warni... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
Traction control and ABS work intermittently. Ram sent out this notification for recall concerning stated problems but state there is no fix at this time. They continue to state there is no fix. This is a safety issue and you are not forcing them to repair. They are dragging their feet hoping it goes away. DO SOMETHING!!!!
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
The windshield camera went out. I am now unable to use cruise control auto lights auto breaking.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF R
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 19, 2025
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
My traverse breaks gave out while going to pick my kids from school. I cannot safely drive my vehicle. Master break cylinder needs replacement,
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
While driving the vehicle and applying the brakes the vehicle shifted to one side of the road. There was an accident 03/2024 after having the brake control arm serviced. The braking system failed. There was a recall on the front control arm 2016. The vehicle was totaled and was salvaged due to damages to the vehicle. The brake inspection failed. Today the braking system has has no control even af... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 4, 2024
My brakes locked up suddenly on the rear end causing me to get stuck in the middle of the road and unable to move it, even to tow it. I had to take 2 days almost to fix it in the middle of the road, since yesterday morning. They also began locking up suddenly on the front end, the wheel bearing, CV Joint, Tie Rods, CV Axles, CV Boots, and sway bars began failing out of nowhere as well. The brakes ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
This is a notice for Ongoing consumer fraud and deceptive business practices that are negatively affecting the community and jeopardizing life and safety and through unsafe work practices that are negatively affecting the community’s safety and well being. When I returned to request official documentation of their unsafe work practices, I was lacked up by the employees and manager [XXX] , who th... Read more
Crash
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 18, 2025
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
On May 16, 2024, Plaintiff [XXX] was in urgent need of replacing the front passenger side tire on his vehicle. He began searching online to compare automotive service providers, focusing on those offering competitive pricing and professional-grade installation. During my search, 1 came across Mr. Tire's website, which prominently displayed claims such as "Expert installation for less" and "Qualit... Read more
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 18, 2025
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
The car breaks itself so abruptly when there is no real danger. This has almost caused for me to be rear ended on multiple occasions. Especially scary on the freeway. The forward collision warning is set to "late," and it still causes a huge jolt.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
I was driving down the highway at speed limit when the dash lights came on and the truck started jerking went to a mechanic and he stated it was a fuel ejector after getting it replaced the issue still occurs often check engine light comes on and off and this the only transportation I have for work
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
I was driving and needed to come to a stop because there was a four-way stop sign, and the brakes didn’t work. The pedal went all the way to the floor and even though I pumped the brakes, it wouldn’t stop. This is the second incident where this happens. I checked the brake pads and fluid everything is good. No warning lights come on when this happens. So the mechanic says they cannot check ... Read more