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: Feb 28, 2025
Electronic parking brake engages at random. Gauge info shows “P” with a circle warning, as well as “brake” in red. Says “4wd system unavailable”. Parking brake module has water/corrosion at connection terminal. Parking brake switch by gear shifter flashing constantly. Car will drive fine then will not move when attempting to go later, had to leave on side of road until it could be tow... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I’ve only had this car for 2.5 weeks. Today on my way to work (the same roads I take everyday) I had the automatic breaking system pop on with a “brake” light pop up and the vehicle was braking on its own, with no other vehicles to the front or side of me. Semi sunny day, camera clear of dirt etc. My safety was put at risk, because the car behind me had to slam on their brakes after my car ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
the whole dashboard lit up with break and park indicator lit up in red on dashboard. warning flashed about automatic break system failure and ESC warning
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2014) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 17, 2025
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
While driving all the brake system warning lights come on, even the anti-lock brake system light, and we get a warning stating emergency active braking system error message. The brake pedal goes all the way to the floor when we tried to pull off to the side of the road. This has happened multiple times now and at 1st the dealership couldn't replicate the problem. The it happened yet again and we g... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
Our VW Atlas Cross Sport 2023 was involved in an accident on August 3, 2025 where the Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning did not work. Firstly, we reported issues with our brakes several times and took the vehicle to Rick Case VW in Weston/Davie more than once to rectify this problem. However, the problem has never been fixed, and persisted up until the time of the accident.... Read more
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2013) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 17, 2025
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) that bolts on to the rear calipers. The EPB does not release, in order for service, you have to long press the parking brake, then the truck goes into service mode & will release the brakes for service, some newer models may not have this feature. The vehicle has 36,000 miles on it & the inside rear brake rotors are worn down from t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond for approximately... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
I need to have rear shock replaced. They found that the bracket holder rusted thru . Shock was fine . The Rear frame corrosion and separation, spare tire frame corrosion is really bad. I have had this truck since 2004 . I absolutely love my truck. I am deeply saddened that all the care I took still didn’t prevent all this damage .
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
I am writing to report a persistent and dangerous safety defect in my 2014 Honda Accord involving the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) / ABS / ABS modulator / ABS ECU system. The ABS, VSA, and other warning lights have been on for years, first noticing around 60-70,000 miles indicating an ongoing fault in the system. The dealer has diagnosed a bad ABS/VSA modulator and/or ECU and stated this is a co... Read more
DODGE
CHARGER EV
(2025) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 17, 2025
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
ABS Control Module is bad so ABS no longer functions. This has been confirmed my a mechanic. ABS light, Traction control light and BRAKE light on dashboard are all on. Replacement part is no longer manufactured so it can not be repaired.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 17, 2025
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
Any time I brake on bumpy roads or rail road tracks, my brakes start bouncing and i'm not able to completely brake until i've passed the bumps. There's bumpy roads all over and this is very unsafe and concerning every time it happens. The abs system needs to be looked at.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
In multiple instances, the ABS is engaging on uneven surfaces when it should not. It occurs when pulling into my driveway and just happened this morning in the car drop off line. I was going no more than 5mph when the car in front of me stopped. I hit the brakes and the ABS engaged (along with the crash alarm) causing a skid. No accident occurred, but it was unsettling.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
Speed sensor radar on right front tire sending alerts to car all at once — Antilock Brake Fault, Pre Collision Assist not available, Hill start assist. Steering wheel gets heavy randomly. And brakes start slipping. This is a safety hazard I have a baby. My car is only 5 years old problems like this shouldn’t be happening. Ford checked it and said it’s a speed sensor but would cost $450 tha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
Speed sensor radar on right front tire sending alerts to car all at once — Antilock Brake Fault, Pre Collision Assist not available, Hill start assist. Steering wheel gets heavy randomly. And brakes start slipping. This is a safety hazard I have a baby. My car is only 5 years old problems like this shouldn’t be happening. Ford checked it and said it’s a speed sensor but would cost $450 tha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
On [XXX], I Down payment for the purchase of a 2010 Honda Fit, for $6,258.00 with 24 Ford of Easton, 703 Washington St., South Easton, MA 02375. License Motor Dealer , On [XXX], the TMPS dashboard light was on...Ford replaced them, but as presently ([XXX]) light is still on, they told me TMPS would go off after I drove car around. April 19, 2025, Last TMPS sensor was put on a 4th tire, I was... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
Bucking during braking specifically when downshifting between 2nd and 1st gear. The dealer was able to replicate and confirmed by the dealer and manufacturer to have an issue. Numerous repairs with the vehicle remaining with the dealer from May 2025-August 2025. No resolution was found dealer stated "it was under further investigation by the manufacturer you must collect your vehicle". All paperwo... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The brakes appear to be skidding when coming to a stop at low speeds, even on pavement. Has occurred once on gravel and other times on patched asphalt. Two major incidents have occurred where vehicle would not stop and slid past stop sign and started to go into highway traffic. Driver has to stomp on the brake to get the car to stop. This has occurred intermittently at least 8 times since vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Accelerating without pressing gas pedal and gas pedal won't release with braking. Brakes overheated and this went on 10 minutes before I got it to release the gas pedal so I could safely stop. I almost hit 4 vehicles on the interstate because the gas pedal went to the floor all the sudden.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
The vehicle will randomly brake on its own. I can be doing 70 on the interstate with no one around and it will disengage cruise and brake hard. It has nearly caused one accident when i had someone following me too closely.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The first incident occurred in GA on vacation in June. While my spouse was driving, he said the brakes seemed squishy and were not right. When he braked to stop the car to get gas, his foot went almost to the floor. After getting gas, I drove and they did not seem right. The second incident happened the beginning of August and I was coming down a relatively steep hill. I went to brake and m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
24V-896. This recall is a safety issue known for years. There is still no action from the manufacturer! I was extremely lucky to avoid a serious collision. The only solution the manufacturer offers is to authorize a dealer to replace the parts with another secondary market provider part, but they won’t cover the cost or warrant the replacement. How many YEARS do I have to drive an unsafe veh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
THE VEHICLE HAS ACTIVATED A FALSE AEB ON SEVERAL OCASSIONS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT BACK TO NISSAN AND THEY STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO HAVE NO ISSUES. I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 5 YEARS AND IT CONTINUES TO OCCUR, NEARLY CAUSING A TRAFFIC COLLISION. TWICE THIS YEAR, THE VEHICLE MADE A COMPLETE STOP ON THE HWY AND TOOK A MINUTE BEFORE I COULD RE... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The recall for the ABS, C4B is still NOT resolved and is affecting other systems. I believe RAM headquarters are not interested in the repair. I have reached out and now they blocked me on social media because I complained publicly and posted the recall. They could at least replace with the same and it should work for awhile anyways. I just keep getting the same notice about it. PLEASE HELP
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 16, 2025
Incident date: May 31, 2022
THE VEHICLE HAS ACTIVATED A FALSE AEB ON SEVERAL OCASSIONS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT BACK TO NISSAN AND THEY STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO HAVE NO ISSUES. I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 5 YEARS AND IT CONTINUES TO OCCUR, NEARLY CAUSING A TRAFFIC COLLISION.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
Was driving down parkway when came up on my exit it was hard to make the turn to even go up. The exit ramp the power steering light and the advanced track light and brake system. Light all came on flashing across the message screen one after another. Thank god I was able to get vehicle pulled over to shoulder and had it towed home. Also needs airbags replaced due to recall! I have contacted two lo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The brakes suddenly locked up while I was driving which could have caused an accident. Luckily it did not cause me to swerve into oncoming traffic and no one was behind me at the time. This was caused by the ABS unit hydraulic control assembly. It was the right front and left rear calipers locking. My vehicle only has 44,401 miles on it. The diagnosis has been confirmed at the dealer. There ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The brake system on my 2017 Toyota RAV4 LE has repeatedly failed to provide normal stopping power, even after the replacement of pads and rotors in July 2025. This poses a serious safety hazard and may indicate a defect in the braking system.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
On September 16, 2025, while driving my 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty at approximately 65 mph with cruise control engaged, I pressed the brake pedal to disengage cruise. The cruise control did not disengage. I pressed the brake pedal harder, but the truck did not slow down and maintained speed. There was no ABS activation sound or sensation, and no skid marks were left on the roadway. I struck the re... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
My windshield is defected with no real time when a replacement can be ordered..the interior lining is not sealed properly which is causing a buckling effect by drivers and passengers visors.. Rain is getting inside and soaking into the dashboard causing the electrical system on screens to blink in and out Finally my brake harness is still on recall and my car has been shifting into park which co... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
My 2022 Toyota Prius (approx. 12,500 miles) suddenly displayed multiple warning lights while driving, made abnormal noises, and lost the ability to move. The vehicle remained powered on but could not drive and had to be towed to a Toyota dealership. The dealer diagnosed a failed brake booster with master cylinder assembly and quoted ~$4,230 for repair. This is a safety-critical component that sh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Multiply communication failures with the CAN Communication failures found across ECM/PCM/TCM and sensor issues with ADAS components. The vehicle had a surge acceleration after a stop sign and when the auto start stop engaged the vehicle surged forward and, in an effort, to control the vehicle side swiped another vehicle before crashing into a home. Engine was still surging after multiple efforts ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
I was recently involved in an accident with my 2020 Palisade that I believe may have been caused by a brake failure. I was simply moving the vehicle from one part of a driveway to another when, as I drove over a drainage ditch, the brakes did not respond and the car suddenly accelerated into a tree. I sustained facial injuries and was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. The vehicle is c... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
It appears that the ABS system engages/actuates while driving over gravel or uneven/dirt roads. When the issue occurs, the steering wheel locks up and the vehicle loses almost all braking control. No warning lights, messages or audible chimes show up when the issue occurs. My wife and I have both experienced this issue on numerous occasions. It has become a safety concern since we almost ended... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
My 2016 Jeep Wrangler is displaying warning lights (Brake, ABS, Traction Control) on the dashboard. I took it to my Jeep dealership where they diagnosed the issue as an inoperative ABS Module part number 68259556AD. They placed it on order but it was back ordered with no available delivery date. My Jeep is now not able to be driven.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
Driving and while stopping at a red light on an uneven road almost crashed into the car in front of me due to brakes not stopping, abs was activated and I could not stop car made a grinding sounds and my steering wheel shook and sho did the car.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
I rear ended a car on 3/12/25, and my automatic emergency braking system light was on at the time. When my car was returned to me, I set the braking system off, so the light was still on, but when I tried to turn the system back on in June, the light came on and told me I needed to get it serviced. As it wasn't a priority to have the automatic emergency braking system, I didn't take my car into ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Buick Envista. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle jerked abnormally before coming to a complete stop. The failure also occurred while attempting to accelerate after stopping at a stop light or a stop sign. The were abnormal grinding sounds intermittently co... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
While driving in downtown boston in heavy traffic (stop and go) braking did not stop the vehicle when removing my foot from the brake and reapplying and the braking was extremely hard, the vehicle nearly collided into the vehicles in front of me. This issue persisted continously for the duration of travel. The issue was not found using the vin provided. This issue MUST be resolved ASAP. This in... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
Brakes failed. This happened at low speed and control was kept of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was seen the flexible brake line connecting the driver's side brake caliper had separated at the point it transitions from rubber to metal. It happened immediately after turning right at a stop light and there was no warning. The design of the transition meant that there was no leak of fluid (warnin... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 15, 2025
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) on my 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid has a recurring safety defect. The EPB warning light continues to come on and off intermittently even after EPB components were replaced. Diagnostic Trouble Codes C2416 and C2417 have been detected multiple times. This issue first occurred at around 10,000 miles, while the vehicle was still under factory warranty. At that time, th... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 15, 2025
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
I am writing to bring to your attention several safety issues with my vehicle that have not been addressed despite my previous attempts to have them resolved. The first issue concerns the brake system on my vehicle, specifically the brake failure that I have been experiencing. The brakes on my vehicle are not functioning properly, and as a result, I have had multiple instances of brake failure whi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
I was pulling into the parking lot of my job. The one pedal driving mode was on, and my vehicle was not slowing down like it generally does. So, I immediately stepped on the brake, and it still didn't slow down, it felt like a brick, I stepped on it harder. It still did not stop! I ran into the barn/building I work in. I was terrified!! What if there was a person there, or another car, or kids pl... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 15, 2025
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited ABS, Brake, & Traction Control warning lights all came on at once while driving. Once jeep stopped vehicle went into limp mode limiting power and MPH to less than 30 MPH. Which is a huge safety problem when all the roads to and from out house are 45 MPH. ABS Module is bad per the dealer. Vehicle is VOR in the system, and undriveable. No estimate when a new part will arrive.
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 15, 2025
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
Shift to park. Im not able to park my car. W low miles. Chevy dealer stated not under warranty. Will cost 800+ to repair. Previous known problem (17-19). It was repaired my last malibu & was repaired under recall. Now a TSB has been issued by chevy for my 20 so they are aware. If they know it is a problem why is there not a recall? This happens often. Each time i park, I have to fight my gear shif... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 3500
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 15, 2025
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
While driving my 2020 GMC Terrain (VIN: [XXX] ) with approximately 110,501 miles, I experienced a sudden and complete loss of brake assist. After about 2 hours of highway driving, I exited and the brake pedal became extremely hard to press, making it very difficult to stop. No warning lights or messages appeared before the failure. The dealer diagnosed the cause as the brake booster vacuum pipe ex... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 15, 2025
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse and depressing the brake pedal and attempting to slow down, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear wheels. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with asbestos in the brake fuse. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure progressed. The m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
Hello, I own a 2015 Lexus NX200T. On 9/13/2025 I was pulling into a spot to park, going slow at maybe 4-5 mph, my vehicle suddenly violently accelerates on its own. I had to slam multiple times on the brakes to avoid killing two pedestrians right in front of my vehicle. I was in seconds of killing them and pinning them between the vehicle that was in front of me. I did everything in my power to ke... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
This all started when I purchased a 2018 Honda CRV from Motorworld in the late months of 2021 used. When this issue started happening, Motorworld ignored me when I was asking questions. Then, when I brought it in for service, they used tactics like "if we don't find anything, we will have to charge you a service fee" or call me the next day and say "before we hook it up, it may be your easy pass".... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
The dashboard lights for the Braking, ABS, Electronic Control System, and Forward Collision Detection systems have remained illuminated. The vehicle cannot be driven due to the potential of brake failure.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
Seat Belts/Rear. The integrated retractor bracket edge on the third row seat may contact the seat belt during certain operating conditions. In the event of a crash, the seat belt may not properly restrain thee third row occupant. Service Brakes. Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited.: Control Unit/Module. On certain sport utility vehicles, the software programmed into this ABS E... Read more