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: Jul 1, 2022
On or around 9/13/25 my ABS, Brake, Traction and Emergency Sign sensors turned on in my 2015 Toyota Prius. I noticed that my brakes became squishy and when I drove, it took longer for my car to brake (there was more distance in my braking ability to stop the car). My car also felt a bit more airy than it usually does when I drive it. I took it to 2 independent car repair shops for a diagnostic and... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2025
The brake system on my 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid produces a pronounced creaking and groaning noise when releasing the brake pedal from a stop, especially on steep slopes. The issue becomes significantly louder when the vehicle is carrying more passengers/full luggage. This noise is distracting to the driver, particularly in stop-and-go traffic and on inclines and reduces confidence in safe braking p... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 2, 2025
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
My vehicle only has 12,000 miles and it’s a 2024 and the brakes are constantly squeaking. I’ve reported this multiple times at my dealership and they are stating “this is normal and because of the new heavier materials there is not a fix for this.” I’m really concerned about this as it’s a safety issue. This car is also too new to be having this type of issue. I’m also apart of a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
Breaking is very harsh when the car is cold. Makes rough sounds and feels like having grinding rocks between breaking pads and disc. Sounds could also be described like being under water. Very unsafe to break. Breaks very rough and sudden. No pump action on the breaks when is performing like this. Dealership acknowledged the problem saying is a recurring situation but they say there are no safety ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
ABS kicks in with even the slightest bump. Had an incident a couple weeks ago where I went over a bump while leaving a store and the car almost did not stop before hitting oncoming traffic. Have had issues for 10 months with the car not accelerating properly or shifting properly. Have tried to drive in every mode (smart, sport, comfort) and nothing makes it better. I have had the vehicle to the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Good Morning, I have new Honda Accord 2020 which always been taken care of regular services and oil changes etc. This morning I tried to start my car going to work but suddenly all brake related warning signs came off. My card still not starting the engine. I researched online and found out many people who have same Honda facing same issues. So I figured it's better to be reported before someone ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
The brake and pre collision system suddenly fail without warning.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
My 2022 Ford E-Transit 350 has had repeated safety and performance failures. The vehicle has an open recall on the rearview camera, which caused a police incident when I hit another car because the camera was not working properly. On several occasions, the vehicle has also completely shut down and would not start at all, leaving me stranded. The van often loses acceleration, gets stuck at 20 mph,... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
On multiple occasion parking sensors activate for no reason. Emergency braking occurred while backing as well as while driving for no reason at all. High possibility of a crash occurring. Gm refuses to repair or replace. Gm stated dealer says vehicle has completed repairs and vehicle ready for pickup. Dealer has not repaired or replaced any items or parts.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Approaching stop sign and tried to break and the breaks failed causing an accident and the vehicle to go into a ditch. Witness reported seeing my break lights but the vehicle did not slow down at all even when the break was pushed to the floor.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Distance between the road and the underside of the wheel arches in the rear differs by 1.25 inches. Rear sagging to the left. Left rear spring weaker than right rear. Accentuated body lean when taking a right hand turn. Same load over each wheel causes more compression on the left spring versus the right spring. Toyota states the right to left is equal...this is not case.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
Audi Pre-Sense keeps braking prematurely when there is no car present or in its field of view. The SUV brakes without warning and when trying to make a left turn (happened twice already) or while driving on the highway. When the vehicle brakes without warning there is a chance that another vehicle will drive into the rear of my vehicle or I will lose control due to the unexpected and unwarranted b... Read more
CONTINENTAL
SPORT CONTACT
(9999) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 1, 2025
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
- Breaks did not work and caused me to be in an accident. Date of accident 8/15. -called Ford the week prior to accident to ask if there was a recall because my break light came on. She told me there was not and they didn’t have the part in stock to repair it if it was. I told her I would try to add fluid and that seemed to work and the light turned off, unless I used my parking break. So I on... Read more
Crash
CONTINENTAL
SPORT CONTACT
(9999) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 1, 2025
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
- Breaks did not work and caused me to be in an accident. Date of accident 8/15. -called Ford the week prior to accident to ask if there was a recall because my break light came on. She told me there was not and they didn’t have the part in stock to repair it if it was. I told her I would try to add fluid and that seemed to work and the light turned off, unless I used my parking break. So I on... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
On Monday, [XXX], at about 1730 hours was traveling Southbound at 45mph on [XXX] approaching the [XXX] intersection. Vehicle alerted to the following codes on the dash; ESCAPE, Traction Control, Check Engine Light, Brake System Failure, "Do not exceed 62 MPH". I took foot off accelerator and looked up and noticed the traffic light turning red. I applied pressure to the brake and noticed there wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
The 2022 Toyota Sienna temporarily accelerates or surges forward while braking, or has a momentary loss of braking / deceleration before it re-engages in braking.
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 1, 2025
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
Nothing has happened yet, however, we just bought this vehicle and the Stabilitrack light came on 2 days after we bought it. We took it to a mechanic and it coded C056D, brake module hardware fault. He said that "the Cadillac must go to the dealership, 2010-2016 SRX's have brake control module problems and they don't make the module anymore so it has to be removed and sent off for rebuild then p... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 1, 2025
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
I had not driven the vehicle for about a week. When I started it, there was a message on the dash about the hill descent malfunctioning. I put the vehicle in Reverse, and without pressing the accelerator, it was incredibly difficult to stop. Had I not been in my own driveway, this would have been very dangerous. I had the vehicle towed to a service center, and they confirmed that the auxiliary... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
Component or system that failed / malfunctioned The brake system (pads, calipers, hydraulic fluid) failed three times in less than 90 days. The right-side tie rod end also separated from the steering assembly. Both components are available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk The brakes repeatedly lost all stopping power while driving, with the pedal going to the floor and the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
Emergency brake does not hold vehicle when parked. Had dealership look at brake system and everything is fine. When emergency brake is applied, I can drive off not realizing the brake is on until an alarm sounds that I am driving with it engaged. This has been ongoing for years. I checked multiple forums on this problem and I am not the only one that has asked about the particular problem.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 1, 2025
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
Noticed when braking, car veered to the right. The day before I dropped it off to the dealership to have it checked, the brakes felt weird a bit hard, and suddenly would not brake for few seconds (functioned again after) as I was approaching a roundabout. I dropped it off to the dealership and they confirmed an issue with the ABS Modulator. I am currently waiting for parts for it.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
A Class action lawsuit has been filed for this Issue which Hyundai refuses to acknowledge our 2025 Palisade is having this issue on a regular basis.When it occurs the car becomes very difficult to stop we feel as do the lawyers in the class action in New York California and Ohio that this is a serious safety situation.We have had the car to the dealer and as previous owners have stated it is not a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
electronic parking brake that cannot be engaged while in "park,"
Crash
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
Just driving car simple road driving, never been off road. ABS light traction control module dashboard lights come on as faulty. Four-wheel-drive will not engage, cruise control will not work. Brought it to the dealer hooked up to a machine faulty speed sensor. Initial repair of speed sensor was performed however, ABS lights , TCM lights are still on, four-wheel-drive and cruise control will still... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
There is a known issue documented online regarding the 2024 Hyundai Palisade and the ABS system. On multiple occasions we have noticed that when driving at slow speeds (less than 25 miles per hour) and if the road is slightly uneven, gravel, on an incline or decline, the brake pedal start to vibrate and there is loss of control and increased stopping distance. We reported this previously to Hyu... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
Loss of control due to brakes locking up.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Upon stopping at a red light and or stop sign, when applying brakes, the car continues to move forward, even after pumping the brakes. Vehicle has been diagnosed by a certified auto mechanic. The findings and recommendation for the Brake Master Cylinder to be the reason the vehicle continues to creep forward, when brake are applied and held. This issue has on two separate occasions near collision,... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 30, 2025
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
BRAKES WON'T WORK AS EXPECTED ON SLOPES/UNEVEN ROADS
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 30, 2025
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
i have a 2015 jeep wrangler unlimited sport and the ABS controle module has failed rendering the jeep without traction control and without abs system i have contacted service centers and told that it has been a backorder part for several years and that mopar has been less then responsive to the issue and all the service centers has waiting list of customers with the same issue that it is a wel... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 30, 2025
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
With my vehicle the brakes go straight to the floor. I took it to the mitsubishi dealership closest to me (Bobmills mitsubishi Jacksonville Nc). When I got there i told them what was going on, and if you bleed the brakes they worked fine for 3 or 4 days but after that the brakes would just go to the floor again. They said they bleed the brakes to replace the fluid and then tested the ABS module fo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
I had a recall on my car for brake hoes was leaking i fixed it but now brake fluid is leaking from right passenger side calliper after recall was done on my car and the recall done by Purvis Ford Inc 11335 Patriot Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 and they are not taking the responsibility that it happened after the recall done by them
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 30, 2025
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that while driving into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward at a high rate of speed before crashing into the brick wall of an office building. During the crash, no air bags deployed, and the brake pedal was hard when pressed and did not stop the vehicle. Also, the manufacturer's APP in... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 30, 2020
Excess play with front axles, manufacture defect improperly torqued axles, under or no grease for axles. Loud clunk noise when braking, rotors and brakes were replaced noise still exists, dealership claims it was the rotors and brakes from harsh driving which is false. Issues with axle, premature wear of front and rear rotors and brakes caused by front axles and suspension failure & defects dealer... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2012) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 30, 2025
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
16,000 miles driven and my replace brake sensor light came on the dashboard. I took it in to get looked at and was told the Front Drivers Side has 1 brake pad showing a life of 5 while my other pads all showed a life of 9/10. I was told that most likely something stuck inside the brake pad itself causing it to wear unevenly but I don't drive anything but highway and paved roads. I looked around... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 30, 2025
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
ABS sensor has failed at 35,000 miles and has left me without antilock brakes which impairs the braking ability of my vehicle in emergency situations. This needs to be issued as a recall.
HANKOOK
KINERGY GT
(9999) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 30, 2025
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
Front brakes make scratching sound, dealer alleged brakes and rotor are fine after inspection. Steering wheel shakes at times when braking down hill. Cabin too noisy, air and sauna enter cabin by driver side door. Reported issue to dealer, they alleges the seal may need to be replaced; but not covered by warranty.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The car suddenly dead in the intersection when driving the car, then can’t start the car, can’t shift the gear, stay in neutral position all the time. A message came out staying “Brake problem “! After around 20 minutes, system messaged us “problem solved, OK to drive “, so we were able to start the engine and start driving as normal. I called Service center let them know the scenar... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
I am unsure what exact component malfunctioned but in 5 separate times within the past 2 months, the vehicle has failed to stop at a normal time when pressing the brakes and a loud rumbling occurs. It feels as if I am sliding on ice.Two of the times it occurred on uneven road surfaces, however 3 times I could not identify an issue with the road. They all occured when coming to a stoplight/stop sig... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2022
After applying the brakes in a sudden situation, the automatic emergency braking came on but the car didn't stop. The brake pedal was pushed all the way to the floor board but the car didn't stop and crashed into the vehicle in front. This happened once before but didn't end in a crash. This was a total brake failure.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
I took my truck to the RAM Dealership to check my ABS light on and Brake light on and 4 warning messages that the Brake system needs to be serviced. In the afternoon I called the dealer and the answer was that the ABS module failed and needs to be replaced, but the part is on national backorder and they cannot provide an estimate on when and even if a part will ever be available for my ABS module ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2022
Recently, I just purchased my vehicle from Wally Edgar Chervolet with no open recalls on the vehicle. As of September 29th, 2025 for my very first oil change on the vehicle I was made aware for 4 OPEN Recalls which was told to me at the time of purchase. The dealership closed the all recalls without actually checking my make the vehicle was safe to drive. The Recall Numbers are: N252510321, N22236... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2013) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 29, 2025
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
The contact rented a 2025 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that, while her husband was driving at 25 MPH on a decline and attempting to slow the vehicle upon approaching a curve in the road, the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard but failed to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. As a result, the driver briefly lost control of the vehicle, only coming to a complete stop after c... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
Break monitors for front breaks have dislodged and caused damage to rotors and pads. Dealer claims this is normal wear! Breaks shimmy when breaking in all directions and squeak when backing. I travel to my work requiring mountain passes during inclement weather. The most important safety method while traveling on snow and ice is smooth steering, acceleration and breaking. With my font breaks shi... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 29, 2025
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
In August of this year while the truck was moving, it just shut off and the parking brake was engaged. I brought it to the dealer and they checked the truck through the computer. They could not find any issues. Just this past Saturday 9/27/2025 while i was backing up into a parking space, the vehicle shut down again in gear and the parking brake was again engaged. I call the Service dept at Gaines... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 29, 2025
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
The rear brakes are failing at unusually low miles with no indicator on the dashboard that they needed service. Basically we just started hearing a grinding noise. The Nissan dealer says this is normal for that vehicle, but I have never seen brakes begin to fail this soon under normal driving conditions and no indicators.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
Brake Accumulator and Master cylinder has failed. All lights for the ABS, TSC, and VSC are iliuminated
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
ABS pump and module have failed according to my mechanic. ABS lights and traction control lights are on all the time. If I were to drive this car on the road, and I would have to make an emergency stop, my brakes would lock up and I would slide. This is an extreme safety hazard.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
The hybrid braking systems on Toyota Prius' manufactured from 2010-2015 had a serious failure of the hybrid braking system that had additional long term warranties to repair, but never recalled in order to save the money from a total recall. The Sloan Toyota dealership in Glenside knew before I purchased the 2013 Toyota Prius I purchased that a serious brake system failure was very probable with m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2025
We were driving on a local road and saw the car ahead parked at the traffic light. We began to brake from a safe distance. The car began slowing but instead of coming to a full stop, the brake resisted, the car made an odd sound, and instead the car accelerated into the car in front of us. The Tesla in front captured the odd behavior of the vehicle on camera. BMW will perform diagnostics.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 28, 2025
As I was coming down thew mounts (44 miles of 7-9% grade) as I slightly hit the brakes the truck shook so badly is was vibrating me off the road. The only way to avoid to to put strain on my engine as to manually shift it down to 3rd gear to forcibly slow the truck to a speed where this could be controlled. Causing overall traffic issues.