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: Aug 22, 2025
Yukon break tail lamp problems. Brake lights work intermittently. Very dangerous! The break lights will work intermittently and then work. This was an issue with the 2016 models and GM issues a recall. There is no recall for 2017 which I don't understand because nothing has changed with the manufacturing process. I researched and there is a class action but in California only.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
Issue has happened 2 times, when slowing down to a complete stop. the car began to shake violently at (approximately 5-10mph) and the car would keep creeping forward , until I kept pressing on the brakes really hard and finally it would stop creeping forward and stop . It almost caused me to hit the vehicle in front of me both times
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
ABS control module valves stuck open and or closed. Leading to no brakes/ brake pressure. Same issue and part that was recalled on 2006-2009.5 models. Issue has been inspected by Ford dealership in Tigard Oregon (Landmark Ford/Lincoln). Part was removed and sent to a 3rd party shop to be rebuilt per Landmark Ford and was unable to do so. There was 2 or 3 dash lights that came on along with no brak... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE that affects the braking system and related electronics: 1.The ABS stopped functioning previously. 2.Recently, the car displayed a “Brake Malfunction” warning for the first time, which appears when making sharp turns. 3.The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) stopped working some time ago. These issues are extremely d... Read more
Crash
BRIDGESTONE
POTENZA RE92
(9999) - SERVICE BRAKES
Aug 23, 2025
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
Took my Traverse through a car wash and when putting the vehicle from Neutral to Drive, a slew of lights turned on (ABS, traction control, check engine light). Car will be evaluated this coming week but all signs are pointing to the brake module and master cylinder as seen all over the internet and Reddit. This is a serious, common issue with GM vehicles and something needs to be done asap about t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
This 2020 Honda Insight performed “phantom braking” of the automated braking system when I was about to enter a clear intersection with no vehicles or obstacles in front of me. It activated the automated braking system and endangered my life and the lives of others over no real threat. This occurred 08/23/2025. The car is well maintained and does not have any service issues. This was complet... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
I am driving and all of a sudden the brakevsystem lighthouse on bthe hybird system begins to fail and ge car loses power i almost got hit 4 times already, from this . The system starts to ding ,shut down and states to bring to a certified mechanic ir dealership. Hyundai has on line tgeybarevaware and this problem for this model and should be taken care if no charge for bis a problem for this... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Aug 22, 2025
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
ABS sensor warning lights are coming on showing there is an issue.
Incident date: May 16, 2025
I was driving normally, about 30 mph in a residential area and the brakes all of sudden became soft. It was very scary and I didn’t know if it was safe to drive the vehicle. The brake, ABS, and traction control sign all came on at the same time. I scanned the car and it was a C1391 error code. The Toyota dealership said it is not covered under any recalls. I called Toyota and asked about the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
Code C1391 Leakage in Accumulator abnormal. This required replacement of the master cylinder, brake booster pump assembly. This fault resulted in mushy brake pedal and loss of abs system. The components were replaced at a Toyota dealership. Total cost was $3207.82. Apparently this was a known issue with Toyota for Prius models 2010 through 2015.
VOLKSWAGEN
EOS
(2014) - SERVICE BRAKES
Aug 22, 2025
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
I was leaving a place of business crossing a four lane undivided road legally to make a left turn. There was an oncoming car (at an unknown speed) in the lane I was crossing approaching rapidly. I just needed to accelerate lightly to be clear. The collision braking system activated before I could clear. The driver was headed straight for me with a broadside collision imminent. He swerved at the l... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Aug 22, 2025
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
Breaking failure on low speeds for up to a few seconds many times
Incident date: Aug 21, 2015
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle accelerated inadvertently. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brakes were inadvertently activated. The contact stated that the driver needed to remain alert while driving the vehicle. The contact... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLA 250
(2015) - SERVICE BRAKES
Aug 22, 2025
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Solitude. The contact stated that while pulling into a campground she was informed to check the tires. The RV was taken to a tire center where it was discovered that the brakes had crumbled and there was a spring inside. Additionally, the equalizer was cracked. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH on the highway, a wheel on the RV detached. The RV was ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
Component: BRAKE BOOSTER While driving on the interstate (at 80mph), check engine light came on and vehicle struggled to maintain power to stay at speed, would downshift for power to get back but as soon as it up shifted speed would drop again. My fuel mileage also dropped drastically as well as forced me to exit interstate on order to get gas. In attempt to stop at the stop sign, I discovered I... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
This is has been continuous, yesterday my car braked on the freeway. Suddenly with no obstruction. The car behind me almost crashed into me and it would’ve been a very tragic event. I took it to the dealership and they don’t do anything, all they do is give it back to me. Yesterday also has loss of power too. I have alerted them many times, they keep saying to take it in but they don’t do an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
Had a SUDDEN loss of braking ability. While starting to drive the truck home, the brake pad went flat. Checked the brake reservoir and it was empty. Refilled with brake fluid and drove 2 miles, brakes went out when arriving in the driveway. It went empty again within 15 minutes. No noticeable leak. No breaks on the truck to drive the vehicle. The vehicle had to be towed to the nearest dealer due t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
I am submitting this recall request because my vehicle has experienced repeated incidents of a serious safety issue. While driving—most often on the highway—a warning appears that says “Smart System Brake Malfunction.” Immediately after, the car begins braking on its own without driver input. This has happened multiple times and, based on online reports, it appears to be affecting many Ma... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
Brake booster, ABS controller, and brake booster pump have failed for a second time. Parts replaced with new, in box from aftermarket dealer. Dealer/Manufacturer refuses to accept that there are design flaws and will not recall.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] I was riding my 2024 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited on [XXX] . Upon approaching the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX] I began to slow down as the light was changing to red. At this time, people in vehicles in the the left lane began beeping their horn and pointing at me and the motorcycle. As I looked down I saw flames shooting up my left ankle and leg and rising up und... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2002
The contact was the operator of a 2026 Peterbilt 579 for an employer. The contact stated that whether driving 30 MPH or 65 MPH, after another vehicle entered the lane in front of the vehicle, the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB and Lane Keep Assist systems erroneously activated and brought the vehicle to an unsafe and abrupt stop. The contact stated that the RADAR system had experienced a False P... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
On 08/20, while driving to work, I experienced a serious safety failure with my vehicle. The brake pedal became completely firm and unresponsive, making it impossible to press. At the same time, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn, severely limiting control of the car. Multiple warning messages appeared, including: •Regenerative Braking Disabled •ABS Fault •Traction Control Fa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Failed brake booster, pump, fluid, and actuator on my Toyota Prius 2013 with 143,972 miles on it.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
ABS module failure. Part has not been available for at least 2 years when the failure occurred for this truck. Local repair shops and Dodge dealers are having difficulty in getting the part. NHTSA needs to start pressuring Dodge to get this resolved.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
While practicing parallel parking in the vehicle for about 1 hour, upon leaving the parking lot, there was a message that popped up on the dashboard reading, “SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST”. When driving the vehicle out the parking lot, the brakes were hard when pressing and the vehicle took a while to brake. I found myself braking at a far distance in order to stop the car at the nearest stop light. I... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
This has happened about 4 times in 4 months. In each scenario I am driving very slowly (3 times forwards, one time in reverse) with no obvious obstacle or crash potential. The brakes will slam suddenly very aggressively, I assume it is the e-brakes as it feels like I hit a wall. It is a safety issue as if someone was behind me it could cause an accident. This is discussed on multiple message board... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
METRIS
(2016) - SERVICE BRAKES
Aug 21, 2025
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
SUMMARY: INTEGRATED BRAKE: The Integrated Brake (IB) system may not have been produced by the supplier according to specifications. If the IB system was not functioning properly, a warning lamp and message will be displayed in the instrument cluster. In August, this recall was expanded to include additional potentially affected vehicles. SAFETY RISK: In some cases, there will be a reduction in pow... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
Right rear brake light and turn signal are not operating, making an unsafe driving condition. Vehicle taken to dealership and parts on back order preventing unsafe condition to be corrected.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
ABS Brake problem and have tried to get it repaired for over 3 months and cannot seem to be able to get the part and call GM with no help. Can not tell me when or where to buy the part. Nobody seems to be able to get a new part and no help from GM. If there is this many problems that there is no part left available it should be a national recall.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
I am experiencing a recurring issue with my vehicle where the Park Assist system keeps activating unexpectedly, and the Check Engine Light (CEL) also comes on. I have taken the vehicle to O’Reilly Auto Parts for a diagnostic scan, and they reported no repairable codes present. Additionally, I visited Tires Plus, and their assessment was that if the light goes off on its own, then no issue is pre... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Electrical drain in system causing premature battery failure and electrical misfiring that causes the car to shut off and flashing a brake warning message to contact dealer and once this occurs car won’t start until Honda link and hands free pairing are reconnected. Issue is if the misfiring drains the battery, driver is not able to reconnect the cars apps and pair the Bluetooth, therefore, car ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
October 24 breaks dud y work and caused a crash. August 11th breaks didn’t engage and caused a crash
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
I am writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding the unavailability of Mopar part #68295368AC, the ABS Control Module for the 2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn. As a result, both the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and cruise control are inoperative. This creates a serious hazard: without a functioning ABS, the risk of skidding and collisions increases significantly. In some cases, own... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) - SERVICE BRAKES
Aug 21, 2025
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
I purchased a 2025 Chevy Traverse in April 2025. The car had under 1056 miles on it. I was in another state 325 miles away from home when lights came on in the car. The PARK brake came on, the ABS light came on and a few others. The alert said, Service ESC, and service Brake Assist. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? We did researc... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
Vacuum pump failed causing an anti-lock brake failure and destroyed all my brake pads and rotors. General motors and the dealership are only covering the vacuum pump, but require me the customer to pay for the brake pads, rotors, and installation fees. GM had the dealership perform 3 days of testing to verify that it was the vacuum pump. I was hauling a camper with my truck when it failed with ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
Damaged torque converter pump and foreward planetary assy bushings. Jerks when accelerating, loses power, hesitates backing up. Overhaul of torque converter, reseal and reassemble. Hydraulic control unit not working properly and break on left front does not release and overheats. Replaced hydraulic control unit. Airbox loose and damaged. Rattling. Replaced airbox.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
After rigorous research, it appears that my anti-lock braking system module has failed. A trusted family member that has worked on a plethora of vehicles during their career has performed an inspection and agrees. With the ABS module failing, this can be a significant safety issue for myself and others who own the same vehicle in both collision prevention and defensive driving maneuvers when neces... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
While driving my 2025 Acura RDX A-Spec Advance (approx. 5,000 miles) at about 40 mph through a light curve, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering mid-turn. The dash displayed: “Electric Power Steering System Problem. Steering Assist Not Available. Do Not Drive.” This was not just a loss of assist. The wheel felt like it was resisting input and was nearly impossible to turn, locking the car ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
I have had an open recall for BRAKING since February 12. Both BMW USA and my local deal say they cannot or will not fix the issue. Again, this is for braking. BMW USA has not responded to multiple emails. I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle. It is on a lease and I wish to terminate the lease with no penalty.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
While operating my 2018 Ram 2500, the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) failed suddenly and completely, causing the loss of: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Traction Control This failure occurred without warning, creating an immediate risk of accident. The dashboard illuminated warning lights indicating system failure. The most recent diagnostic, performed by Einspahr ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
We noticed that the brakes were really soft. We literally had to push on the brakes with excessive force. We took it to Lynch - West Bend, WI for a service call and was told that nothing was wrong with it. After leaving the dealership we did our own research (the hubby is a certified master technician himself). Come to find out through GM, contacts through TBM brakes and Duramax Forum.com "bra... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
I'd like to note that I've seen a large amount of 2019 Genesis G70 RWD drivers make the same complaint as myself, the VSS completely and suddenly just stopped working. No heavy or hazardous driving to report. The VSS ties into the ABS, forward collision, and blind-spot safety cameras making them all inoperable.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
ABS doesn't work, traction control doesn't work, while it was raining the sensor lights came on and I began to hydroplane almost causing a wreck while driving on the highway. The sensors go off and on the emergency brake won't engage while this sensor is on also. Acceleration stall pulling out in traffic. I'm scared to even drive the suv
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
On July 16, 2025, at approximately 6:10 PM, I was driving home on the highway at around 65 mph when I attempted to brake. The brake pedal went completely to the floor, and no braking occurred. At the same time, the following warning lights and messages suddenly appeared on the dashboard: - “Service Park Brake” - “Service ABS” - “Service Electronic Stability Control” - “Auto Ho... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed. The contact had to slam on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the Hill Assist message was displayed. The brake pedal was pumped several times before the brake pedal released. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who de... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
Brake failure caused a crash. Car was damaged.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
I was pulling into a parking space. Hit the brake. Instead of stopping, the car accelerated, jumping a curb and barreling across into another business drive. It hit a sign and a stone garbage can, which caused the car to recognize a collision and automatically go into park which caused it to stop. If it hadn’t been for the stone garbage can, it would have gone through the store window where pe... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
On August 18th, 2025 around 6:45 pm, our anti-lock break system stopped working, started smoking and caught fire. The fire came up through the engine under the hood and melted everything. There were no warning signs. Just smoke and flames. Luckily we were able to pull over and exit the vehicle. The fire was extinguished with 2 fire extinguishers. The car is a total loss.
Fire