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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 78,884 complaints - component: SERVICE BRAKES

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

HCU unit is in constant fault and it has been occurring for over a year and a half. How long is Ram allowed to drag out developing a repair and replacement? 24V-896 recall

Incident date: Mar 18, 2026

While driving my ABS light brake light and throttle light came on when I took in for a diagnostic said ABS module is bad called dealer can’t get anymore. It’s not safe to drive now I’m out of vehicle.

Incident date: Aug 2, 2026

Nearly two years ago our truck starting constantly displaying/beeping to service our ABS system. We got the C4B recall in the mail informing us that a remedy was in the process. It has been too long driving an unsafe vehicle. We can’t sell it, nor can we safely haul our camper. Ram/Stellantis keeps telling us over repeated calls to them that the remedy is not ready. We finally found a dealer... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2024

The left rear internal "top-hat" parking brake shoes suffered a total manufacturing bonding failure, causing the friction lining to completely delaminate and detach from the metal backing plates inside the rotor hub. This triggered Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C060B (Left Park Brake Actuator Circuit). The failed components were replaced by the servicing facility and are unavailable, but the offic... Read more

Incident date: May 23, 2026

The ABS (Anti Lock Brake System) Module has failed. ABS, cruise control, and traction control are disabled. A faulty ABS can cause an inability to stop suddenly to avoid a collision. My specific issue has been confirmed by a Ram dealer. Chrysler engineering has confirmed this is a widespread problem with multiple vehicles using the same ABS Module. It is not possible to get a replacement ABS Modul... Read more

Incident date: Jul 31, 2026

ABS actuator/accumulator issue on 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid limited. Internal component failure there are recalls on others but not this particular year. Was driving along hit the brakes and got hard pedal. Yes there were other indicator lights on including the VSC system and traction control I came to an intersection and I couldn't stop I couldn't even kind of stop it was all hard pedal were ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 31, 2026

My 2020 Chevrolet Malibu experienced a sudden and severe electrical failure after driving through normal roadway water. Immediately afterward, the vehicle displayed multiple safety‑critical warnings including loss of power steering assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) faults, brake control faults, and reduced propulsion. A GM dealership inspected the vehicle, scanned the modules, and foun... Read more

Incident date: May 18, 2026

since I purchased this truck brand new from the dealer, the brakes always had air in the lines. No matter how many times I bleed the brakes, there is still air in the line. From my understanding, previous years of this truck had master cylinder issues. I went to the dealer and they refused to fix the issue, because I already attempted to fix the problem. Also, the car doesn't start when shut off d... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

Front brake rotors warped causing violent brake pedal pulsating and steering wheel vibration. My vehicle has only 18000 miles. The dealership Hyundai reported problem as a service bulletin TSB 23-BR-004H. I believe this a safety issue and a recall should be annouced.

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

As I was driving a service electronic stability control came up on my dash and I lost control of the vehicle. The brakes did not work and it was hard to steer. I almost hit a vehicle and the Jeep kept rolling until it stopped. Then I received an alert that the brakes did system, anti lock brake system, and Electronic Stability System failure. This is very scary my vehicle is a lease and they say t... Read more

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

Please see details of NHTSA Campaign #25V433000. This is a known issue associated with a platform technology shared by GM and Honda. I purchased the vehicle as CPO on 31 July and almost immediately the parking brake warning light and the 'Service Transmission Now, Unable to Shift Soon' error code appeared on the dash. I returned the car to the dealer on 1 Aug for repairs and was told this is a '... Read more

Incident date: Aug 2, 2026

Throw out bearing leak, resulting in excessive loss of brake fluid and potential for reduced braking ability. Low brake fluid warning light illuminated and was reported to Suburban Hyundai of Troy around 6,000 miles and again around 10,000 miles. Dealer confirmed leak was occurring at throw out bearing, and impacted clutch friction material as well, which could result in a potential inability to a... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my leased 2025 Audi Q4 e-tron, leased new with under 500 miles and now at approximately 8,200 miles. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has ongoing brake-related issues affecting low-speed operation: a rough or grinding brake pedal feel and intermittent brake squeal during rolling stops, turns, and parking maneuvers. The most ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2012

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

I am writing to formally report a critical safety defect regarding the driver-side footwell design in my 2023 Subaru Forester Sport, which poses an immediate and severe risk of a crash. A hard plastic lower extension for the HVAC air duct sits dangerously low directly above the brake and accelerator pedals. For drivers with larger or longer feet, this duct extension acts as a physical obstruction... Read more

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition loss of brake pad pressure resulting in acceleration of the vehicle under downhill conditions. Have momentarily experienced the loss of braking frequently during braking when going downhill. This results in the vehicle gaining speed during this 1 or 2 second period before braking returns. In one case it allowed our car to get dangerous... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

While in the parking lot or stopping at the stop light the brakes will get hard and won’t brake .

Incident date: Jul 14, 2024

There is multiple anti lock braking faults that pop up while driving and then go away the next time the vehicle is used. Brake fluid, pads, rotors and calipers all seem to spec and are working at the moment, but major concerns with the software or possible release and reengagement of the emergency brake.

Incident date: Aug 3, 2026

Car just shut off while I was driving. There was no power. It would not start. At first it sounded like it wanted to start and then it just made no sound at all. The brake was hard as well. I put the hazards on but was in the fast lane on Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. I believe there are traffic cameras that will show the car sitting while cars were trying to get through the traffic light. The c... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

I received the ABS recall letter in 2024 and periodically since. I have contacted RAM after 2 years with no remedy and because I complained they have since blocked me. This is an unacceptable safety issue they should be addressing but are not. Please help. My truck only has a little over 100k miles on it. I deserve help with this EXPENSIVE purchase as I bought it new!

Incident date: Aug 4, 2026

I was driving approximately 70 MPH, on a freeway in rain; I moved to the passing lane to go around a semi-truck. Spray from the semi was heavy but I could still see the road. Suddenly, the car brakes engaged very strongly. We were jolted forward in our seats. Had a car been following me, that driver may not have had time to brake himself. I believe the dash flashed a large braking sign. It only ha... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

I purchased my 2015 Ford F150 January 2020. I’ve had several issues with the brakes, calipers & rotors. From Sept 2022 my truck has been in the shop for these issues 6 times & it’s now doing the same thing. I’m [XXX] & have never had so many of the same issues with one vehicle. There has to be something causing this. Please tell me what I can do to keep from spending so much time & money on ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

On [XXX], I was operating (bobtail) truck number [XXX] and needed to complete some tasks outside the truck. I set the parking brakes by pulling the yellow valve out. The truck didn’t make the usual loud noise we hear every time we set the brakes. After a couple of minutes of reviewing the documentation I was supposed to drop off at that location, I stepped out of the truck with the key in my poc... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jul 31, 2026

Lost complete control of both the brake and the throttle while attempting to pull into a parking spot at low speed. Car started to roll backwards down a hill and I was unable to stop it. Had to cycle the car off and back on to fix it. Took it to a VW dealership service department and they reported no fault codes so there was nothing they could do. No check engine light or fault codes.

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

My Gf was driving car coming up on stopped traffic when automatic braking engaged slamming on brakes for no reason causing the car behind to rear end my vehicle, My Gf was transported to hospital with 4 broken ribs with each rib having multiple fractures, She was in ICU for 2 days and total of 4 days. She has had to go back for another 1 day stay for pain and breathing difficulty.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

I was at a complete stop with my foot all the way down on my brake, sitting in traffic, and my car started rolling forward against my will. I pressed down on my brake again and the car did not stop. I almost rolled into the car in front of me. The forward collision warning did not sound. I put my car in park and it still did not stop. I then put it into reverse to avoid rolling into the car in fro... Read more

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

Doors lock actuators problem the break so fast , Fuel injector problem head gasket, Break warning sistem problems

Incident date: Mar 11, 2026

Front right caliper seized less than 3k miles following dealer service including brake fluid flush. Replaced calipers, pads, and rotors at my own expense. Suspect internal degradation of rubber brake lines. Service bulletin exists for year prior model. Many others report rubber brake line/caliper issues on this generation. Please investigate.

Incident date: Jun 20, 2026

All the safety lights came on on the dashboard suddenly the brake assist did not work. Honda tells me the brake servo is bad. This is a known defect as other 2020 crv hybrids were recalled for the same reason. It is a dangerous safety hazard.

Incident date: Jul 30, 2026

ABS system module has failed and the manufacturer has it on indefinite backorder. I read reports of some customer waiting over 400 days for this part. It compromises the effectiveness of the antilock braking system. How do they get away with this?

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

Abs, brake, and traction control lights on. A jeep dealership was able to discern that the abs module is the cause and that part is on back order for months. In the meantime my vehicle is unfixable even if I were to find a used part from a donor vehicle.

Incident date: Jul 19, 2026

On repeated occasions the vehicle’s braking system has malfunctioned without driver input, including uncommanded automatic brake engagement at highway speed and, most recently, a failure of the braking system to respond as commanded. These malfunctions occur without warning and directly impede my ability to control and safely operate the vehicle. On at least one occasion the malfunction occurred... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

This started happening about two weeks ago. My check engine light came on and my OBD scanner said a NOX sensor code showed. I told the dealership and I guess they cleared the code and it hasn’t reappeared but the reduced acceleration has maintained. It was [XXX] I had just go of work and needed gas. While traveling to the gas station I got notification that my acceleration was being reduced and ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

Right front brake continuously freezes up making impossible to drive safely. ABS does not show any default or warnings. Truck shakes all over. Had rotors, calibers, and brake pads replied, but right side brake continues to freeze up. Brake lines checked and show no signs of collapse.

Incident date: Jun 27, 2025

NHTSA Recall #: 24V-896 Dogde Recall #: C4B Dodge Part #: 68143491AB HCU My complaint is because the I have tried to get this recall done a two separate dealers and it can't be done. Both service departments have told me the same things, the part # that is supposed to be the recall item has been taken out of inventory and the dealer can't get the part. This I believe happened in 2024. There i... Read more

Incident date: Feb 19, 2024

When I stop at the red light with my brake pressed, all in a sudden the brake drop lower and the vehicle move forward. When I look up the safety recalls on my type of vehicle, there is a brake master cylinder safety recall in 2010. However, when I look up my VIN, my vehicle is not on that list. Based on the problem, it looks like my batch of Odyssey also has this safety recall issue. Probably Hond... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

I own a 2018 Chevy Malibu. At approximately 57,000 miles, the original engine experienced a vacuum pump failure that resulted in catastrophic engine damage. The engine was replaced by General Motors under the vehicle's warranty. I then drove the vehicle for approximately another 52,000 miles with the warranty replacement engine. At that point, I experienced a sudden loss of braking while drivin... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact was alerted by OnStar of a failure with the stability system. While the contact’s husband was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was jerking; the brakes were sticking while the brake pedal was depressed. The failure persisted while driving 50 MPH. The driver used the back roads while driving to the residence. The brakes and ABS warning light... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2023 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly does not accelerate for up to 3 seconds while pressing the gas pedal, brakes either harshly or too soft at varying times, and very irregularly. This occurred while accelerating onto the highway, and almost ever... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

1. Brake System Failure-Recurring dashboard warnings including “Brake Power Low” and “Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction.” Warnings have appeared multiple times, including while towing a travel trailer. The vehicle was diagnosed with related fault codes (including DTC C138071 – Stop Lamp Relay). The problem returned after a dealer service visit. I do not consider the vehicle sa... Read more

Incident date: Aug 3, 2026

On 8.1.26, while operating my 2019 Honda Odyssey, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic, un-commanded automatic emergency braking event followed by a total failure of the brake-release fail-safe mechanisms. While driving in active traffic, the vehicle's forward-facing sensor system suffered a false-alarm trigger. Due to a severe design and component vulnerability, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 30, 2026

The brakes on the 2025 Honda Odyssey has a defect. The safety issue is with the brakes making a loud high pitched squealing noise can be a warning something is not safe or working correctly. Yes the problem has been reproduced and recorded on video for the dealership. They said it is from wear and tear but the brakes have more than 7mm left of life. The dealership says it’s normal for the brakes... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

While driving, brakes pushed to floor, and vehicle alarm beeped showing Low brake fluid sensor had tripped. Brakes not working properly, pedal goes to floor, brake fluid added to refill and fluid emptied out of master cylinder reservior two more times, vehicle inoperable to drive with no brake pressure. Open safety recalls for Ford F150 models 2013-2014 #16S24, and for F150 Models 2014-2017 #20S3... Read more

Incident date: May 4, 2026

Driving and brakes malfunctioned and would not stop causing an accident into a tree

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

vehicle brakes went out on the driver during normal operation.

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

The contact owns 2026 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The brakes and steering wheel were locked. All the warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, who confirmed there was a total communication failure across the modules. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,08... Read more

Incident date: Jul 30, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety concern involving the brake actuator/booster assembly on my 2014 Toyota Prius. My vehicle has experienced failure of this critical braking component and has been unable to be properly repaired since November due to difficulty obtaining the correct replacement parts. This involves a major safety system required for proper braking operation.... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

When I first got my Mazda CX30 2024 New lease ,my Breaks were very weak & didn't perform as new. Only 2 years later w 9K miles on it, Mazda states my breaks need to be replaced. My rotors need to be shave. A whole list of services on a car thats 2 years old. My concern is, break service at 9K confirm my car wasn't new and that Mazda put my Safety at risk w Old Breaks... Mazda is hiding somerhing ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

My granddaughter was driving the vehicle and experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving down the road. Warning messages and audible sounds began and said to turn off the vehicle immediately. The brakes completely stopped working at that point. She pulled over immediately and called to ask what she should do. She was approximately 1/2 mile from home and she drove approximately 10mph to... Read more

Incident date: Aug 2, 2026

I was at the John Wayne Airport, going from the arrivals to departures. I had a lot of stop and go traffic, and when I was going down toward the bottom, my brakes failed. I kept pumping them to try and stop but they were not working. I saw an empty area where the car rental returns were and I was able to pull over and come to a stop. I was very lucky that there was a spot to pull over, I used the ... Read more

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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