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
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 6, 2025
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The vehicle was a 2023 Toyota RAV4 hybrid. When the driver attempted to park the vehicle in a parking lot, it suddenly began moving forward without use of the accelerator. The driver applied the brakes but the pedal went to the floor without braking. The vehicle seemed to be moving faster than expected without use of the gas pedal and went through the parking lot. The driver stopped the vehicl... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
Error: Airbag and the passenger airbag isn’t working. There is a recall for the atlas but my vin isn’t in there. No recall for the brakes but they are in a class action lawsuit and they are squeeling, vibrate and feel like they won’t stop. Dealership claims nothing wrong. But my car I traded in didn’t feel like this. Vw need to take action before accidents happen.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
I purchased a brand-new 2025 Honda Pilot Elite, and within the first 1,000 miles of driving, I began noticing multiple concerning noises and performance issues: Steering Noise: At low speeds, particularly while turning, the steering system emits a subtle but persistent creaking noise/noises from the steering wheel area. The creaking is especially noticeable when making slow turns in parking lots ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
We were sitting at a traffic light for a few minutes behind another vehicle. Suddenly, our car accelerated very quickly. My foot was on the brake when the car accelerated. I felt the brake pedal depress further as it accelerated. I initially thought a car had hit us from behind and propelled us forward, but there was no car behind us. We were moving as though we had just started a drag race - full... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
My Taos will be 1 year old in August 2025 and I have approximately 8300 miles on it. I took my car in for its 1 year/10000 mile service yesterday and was told that my rear break pads are worn to 50% already. My front break pads are still at 90%. My last car, a Volvo S60, was 12 years old when I sold it and had never needed the brake pads replaced. I see VW has granted a warranty extension on the b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
I was in bumper-to-bumper traffic traveling West on Interstate 376 in Pittsburgh, PA. The weather was clear and cool, and the pavement where I was driving was dry. I was proceeding through the Fort Pitt tunnel outbound. Given that traffic was stop and go and moving very slowly, I switched my recouperation setting from “normal” to “strong” to enable one-pedal driving using the paddles on... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
Since the day I picked up the car from the dealership lot, I have had consistent issues with this vehicle simply operating safely and normally. In Arizona, you're legally responsible for a vehicle the moment you sign — even before you drive it off the property — so I was essentially stuck with it. From that point forward, I have been at my dealership nearly every month due to various mechanica... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 6, 2025
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
Brake booster pump failed ( gm part # 12704586 ) Causing limited braking and severe damage to internal engine components, camshafts ,timing chain have been damaged This is a ongoing problem in which i have had this pump replaced at my expense several times. The problem stems brake booster pump is lubricated using the engine's oil . Booster pump has a small screen to filter oil, this filter... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
Dashboard lit up with a lot of lights and stuff
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 5, 2025
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
During braking, I occasionally get the unexpected feeling that the car isn't stopping. It presents a risk to safety. The problem remained even after I paid for the TSB. There is no pattern to it.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
At mid to low speeds when pressing the brakes, I can feel excessive shaking and vibration when going over uneven roads. I’m located in Queens, New York so you can imagine the roads aren’t the smoothest. However not speaking of pot holes or anything like that just any uneven surface bump. It causes the brakes to feel like ABS kicking on but no abs lights or anything just the feeling. I only fee... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
My brake pedal drops to the floor when braking at times. Mechanics say that is my ABS module. I believe this is a very common issue with these vehicles. This has happened to me several times. Only remedy without repair is disengaging the ABS system all together. There has not been a recall on this but there has been a customer satisfaction program associated with the brake system. I tried to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
When braking, the vehicle "releases" and lurches forward at a faster rate, but then catches again and continues to brake as it was before. It does not flash or light up on the dash with any issues when this happens. We have tried to find how to specifically recreate this issue to show to the dealership, but it just happens randomly anywhere from 2-12 times a day. This is especially terrifying comi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
Vehicle is subject to safety recall for malfunctioning HCU. Frequent illumination of Anti-Lock Break and Traction Control Warning Lights with accompanying Chime and loss of Cruise Control function. When illuminated, vehicle rear wheels will slip and braking is degraded. Illumination of Warning Lights and chime very distracting. FCA initially estimated repair parts available first quarter of 2025. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
Mushy brake pedal after 1000 miles This just started yesterday, seemingly out of nowhere. When I push the brake pedal it's mushier than it used to be. If I push hard, I get more resistance at first but then it slowly sinks toward the floor as a I continue to press. If I push softer then it just sinks toward the floor. I still have plenty of stopping power. If I push the pedal repeatedly then it b... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The ABS warning light has appeared and the dealership inspected the vehicle and stated the ABS needs to be replaced. Research shows multiple RAM 1500 trucks from 2016-2019 have had a recall on this system, but as far as I know, no recall was issued on mine. I do not know where to look to view all recalls that were issued on a particular vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Ram and it's parent company know there is an issue with the brake systems on their 3/4 ton pickup trucks. The 2500's. There is excessive travel in the brake petal and not enough pressure builds up in the system to activate the brakes correctly and adequately. It's all over the ram 2500 online forums. Many people are experiencing this issue with new trucks. Ram and its parent company Stellanti... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
This is the 2nd time I am repairing the left rear light that controls the signal, brake and parking light. The wires are burnt to the bulb. There is condensation in the light. Not accident related. I note that there is a potential recall but not officially.
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 4, 2025
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
Every light on my dashboard is on i done took it to honda an had the lights turned off server times still on
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
I started hearing a scratching/rubbing noise from the brake, and feeling the scratching/rubbing through the brake pedal, making it difficult to push down. I almost crashed in the ally into my garage, but the emergency braking took over and stopped the car very suddenly, snapping my neck a bit, and it is still sore as of me writing this report. Since then brake pedal makes scratching/dry rubbing n... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
I have noticed speed issues or high idling with this vehicle for a while. I committed a rear end collision with a vehicle on July 4, 2025, at approximately 2pm. My car rear ended his truck while it was stopped behind another vehicle. My vehicle sustained total damage to the front end. I was ticketed for not reducing speed to prevent a accident. The only warning light was that it need mainten... Read more
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2008) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 4, 2025
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Electronic brakes lock up during driving. No power going to rear wheels.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
My car stalled on me while I was driving and would not start. I was told I need a new feul pump module. I took it to the dealership to get it replace and the feul pump but the car will not start.
Incident date: May 10, 2025
The car always turns on the slippery road warning light when I drive over 60 miles per hour and the wheels lock up. Sometimes, the ABS warning light also comes on, along with error messages saying 'Service Traction Control' and 'Service StabiliTrak'.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
While driving on May 10, 2025, with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Lane Trace Assist (LTA) active, my 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid unexpectedly veered off the road during a curve. I immediately applied full brake pressure, but the vehicle failed to decelerate and continued rolling 600–800 feet. The braking system, including Brake Override and Automatic Emergency Braking, did not engage as d... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
Went to go to the grocery store and the Electronic Park Brake was engaged. Had it reset, went to the grocery store and it was re-engaged. Had it towed to dealer, upon diagnosis, corrosion was found at EPB module and connector pin. Declined repair and had it towed back home due to dealership quoting almost three thousand dollars for parts and repair. Upon later research, found that there is a known... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
For 6 months, after a routine visit and safety recall preformed by ford, I have had an issue with the park brake engaging on its own. When pressing the button to disengage it, the car would not disengage and would remain locked. The only way to disengage it would be to throw the car into reverse, press the button to disengage the park brake and step on the gas pedal as fast as you could. After 6 m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
1. Brake Pedal Sinking to Floor While Stopped - While stopped at a traffic light or in stop-and-go traffic, the brake pedal intermittently sinks all the way to the floor despite steady pressure being applied. This issue occurs sporadically, making it difficult for the dealership to consistently replicate during service visits, but it has happened multiple times. Critically, once the pedal sinks, i... Read more
FOREST RIVER
CHEROKEE
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 4, 2025
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
2007 HYBRID ABS BRAKE ACTUATOR PROBLEM. THE PRIMER MOTOR CONTINUES TO RUN TO PRIME THE PUMP EVEN WHEN CAR IF OFF. THE HUMMING NOISE CHANGES WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE BRAKES TO LOAD KNOCKING GROANING NOISES. NO DASH WARNING SIGNS. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND IT HAS ALWAYS MADE THE HUMMING NOISE SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I THOUGHT THIS WAS NORMAL FOR A HYBRID. SOMETIMES BRAKE PEDAL WOULD PUSH EASILY TO FLOO... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2021
I received a recall notice for Integrated Brake Failure on February 2024, but the manufacturer has still not provided a remedy or parts as of July 4th 2025. I contacted the dealer and was told there is no ETA for the repair. I believe this delay is unreasonable, and I am concerned about the safety implications of continuing to drive the vehicle
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
My car moves after I put it in park. It jerks forward even though I have it in park. Sometimes before I turn the engine off and sometimes after. I believe its the transmission and it should have been recalled but it hasn't.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
Too much travel in brake pedal. Feels spongy. Weak brakes, hard to stop vehicle. Have to put pedal to the floor. Was told this was OK and normal at the dealership. Has been like this since I bought the vehicle new.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
Dashboard showing brake system issue. See dealer. Took it to dealer they advised changing brake sensor
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
The contact owned a 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle in front slowed down, the brake pedal was depressed but traveled down to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to respond and rear-ended the vehicle in front. The contact stated that the vehicle bounced and spun around, facing incoming traffic. The contact was unsure whether there... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
Vehicle Information: •Make: Ford •Model: Mach-E •Model Year: 2022 •Vehicle Type: Electric SUV •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage at time of incident: 31114 •Purchased in: California Incident Date: [XXX] Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Injury: Yes Crash: Yes Fire: No Airbags Deployed: No Police Report Filed: Yes Description of Complaint: On or around [XXX], I was driving my 2022 Ford Mach-E when th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
On July 1st 2025, while slowly reversing out of my driveway at approximately 3–4 mph, the vehicle’s collision detection system errantly detected an imminent collision. Despite there being no obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, or objects in the vehicle’s path, the system abruptly engaged the automatic emergency braking (AEB). This sudden and forceful braking caused me to experience whiplash du... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Driving home on a two lane road that is joined by a side road at a 45degree angle. A woman ran the stop sign and suddenly appeared on my road right in front about 40-50 feet away. The BMW did not show any visual or audible warning and the forward collision mitigation system functioned in a substandard way not mitigating the crash into the woman’s drivers door. Damages amounted to 25.8k to my v... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Engine misfiring, causing low power on interstate 70 also losing brake control.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I am writing to express my profound concern and disappointment regarding a recent, terrifying incident involving the brake system of my 2014 Toyota Prius. On Saturday, June 21, 2025, while driving with other passengers, my vehicle experienced a complete and sudden brake failure. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, and despite my efforts, the brakes became unresponsive, making it ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Very excessive brake wear causing numerous replacement of pads and warping rotors.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 3, 2025
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The 2023+ Honda CRV hybrid model have paddles on the steering wheel that increase and decrease the strength of regenerative braking. I use this feature often on our 2024 hybrid model. The issue arises when increasing the strength to the second or third (highest) level. The braking force at these levels should trigger the brake lights to illuminate, but they do not. Often I see drivers brake late b... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 3, 2025
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Since purchasing this vehicle new i have had several issues : - While driving on the highway the engine will switch into neutral -One time while pulling out of my drive way I got stuck in the middle of the road because it placed me in park for no known reason. - Sunroof Leaks, - Most recently at 93,000 miles my engine failed and I needed a full engine replacement. They didnt cover this replacem... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
Sudden loss of trailer brakes nearly caused me to rear end vehicle in front of me. The more concerning part is when I went to an RV dealer to disgnose, they pulled the break away emergency brake to test if brakes applied. They did not apply, however about 1 minute after the breakway was pulled the switch began to melt, then almost immediately there was smoke coming from inside the battery com... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
Three times while driving at 50-60 miles per hour vehicle had total engine shut down. This occurred after driving approximately 2 hours. Coasted to the side of the road turned key off and waited 5 minutes or so and engine restarted. The third times happened around 10 miles or 15 minutes later and took at least 20 minutes before restart. When attempting restart multiple times there were no alar... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2025) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 2, 2025
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
Unexpected sudden acceleration (when braking) as I was slowing down from exiting a highway, just as I was approaching full stop, it felt like the regenerative braking stopped grabbing momentarily and I violently lurched forward for what seemed like a feet or two. I thought it was a fluke back then and thought nothing of it. It just happened again today as I approached a stop sign - again as I nea... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Need new rotors and breaks purchased this vehicle with this issue and dealership or manufacturer want to fix this serious problem
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
When slowing as I exited freeway the steering locked up and forced me into right lane. There were lots of warning lights, STOP when safe, steering assist problem, brake system problem, low speed braking problem. I had no power steering but was able to get car into a parking lot. I turned the car off and back on. The warning message said it was a brake system problem and to see dealer. Acu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
My name is [XXX] ,i am filing this report on behalf of My daughter [XXX] the driver of the vehicle that involved with the unintended acceleration on the 2009 Toyota Prius .On a good clear morning on [XXX] . My daughter drove the 2009 Toyota Prius to work- when she enter to the parking lot at the speed round 5 mile/hour . Just when she was making a left turn on to the entrance gate with her ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
We were towing our 2025 Brinkley Z3100 Fifth Wheel and had a complete loss of trailer brakes with no warning or notification during a trip to and from the tennessee mountains from Florida. Had we not noticed the poor stopping ability it would have been an issue on any downhill grades as the trailer is in excess of 14,000 lbs. We stopped disconnected and reconnected the 7 pin connector and brakes w... Read more