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: Jun 28, 2025
Picked up the vehicle. on [XXX]... on the way home I was going around a curve on a highway with a semi-truck to my right, when the car suddenly braked autonomously, and the power steering stopped working. I struggled to steer into the curve and then allowed the semi to move ahead so I could safely pull to the side of the road. I had several alarms go off that I had to cycle though to turn off. I f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2012
The car doesn't stop when break is pressed all the way down has newer brake pads, practically slides into intersections and other vehicles. Has appointment at dealer on july first but they stated no recall is issued for this problem.
Incident date: May 10, 2025
Brakes randomly feel like they are slipping when I go to stop, could be a flat surface, but almost always if I am coming to a stop on a bumpy surface.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
Had lights on my dashboard when I turned it on the morning of 6/1/25. Brake light, traction, ABS, and forward collision. Cruise control also stopped working. Brake module needs to be replaced.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
Brake pedal became very soft and spongy and excessive travel. Need to pump brake pedal to restore pressure. No warning lamps. Dealer technician verified “low pedal”
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
1. Sometimes vehicle does not start. Only starts if battery reset button pushed. 2. Sometimes vehicle while moving has delayed braking after juddering. Only stops when car stopped and restarted. 3. Sometimes vehicle while moving suddenly revs, RPMs spike until car stopped and restarted. Engine revs but does not shoot forward. 4. Spookiest of all, while moving car suddenly stops accelerating. Pedal... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
When my wife returned home from shopping she parked in the driveway I was going out so I had to move her car to get to mine. I saw a puddle of brake fluid on the ground and the brake light was on there was no fluid in the master cylinder . the car was towed to my mechanic and he found a rotted brake in the rear of the car up between the gas tank and rear seat right under a rubber clamp that holds ... Read more
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 30, 2025
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
Brake Valve Failure while driving
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
Rear rotors delaminating at 33000 miles
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
I have a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ. 5.3 Ecotrac 8 transmission with 89,000 miles. I bought it used and have had it 12 months, but only drove it 9 before it malfunctioned causing severe electrical & mechanical problems. I was driving the truck when the EPB, service engine, stabilitrac, ECBM warning lights came on, also driving over 43 miles an hour could cause a crash due brake failure... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2025
2025 Toyota 4Runner straight from the factory and it is defective. All four brakes shriek going forward and reverse. Although Toyota admits they are aware of the issue as other vehicles have them too, they say they cannot do anything until there is a recall on that model. We have taken it in twice for service as the noise is getting worse and nothing gets done. They say they cannot find anythi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
Vehicle randomly upon start up, shows error codes on dash, of important Safety System Tech, including: Pre-collision Assist not available Service Advance Trac Auto Hold System Fault Antilock Brake Fault Service vehicle soon Vehicle warnings make Truck unsafe to drive.
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 29, 2025
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
While driving a message pops up that says push brake and shift to park and the it shuts down while driving which is a major safety concern. It did it to me twice and could have lead to a significant accident if someone was behind me and if I was on the highway.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
The brake pedal on my truck is very spongy. It goes halfway to the floor if it isn't pumped at least 2 times before braking. I find it very distressing in tight situations where I do not have time to pump before braking. I took it to the dealership and they say there is nothing wrong. This is a brand new truck.
Incident date: May 30, 2025
Abs module not communicating and is common issue. It is so common thee is a back order on abs module and you can’t obtain one with dealer or online. So Dodge is ok with poee driving around with no abs and it also disables trailer brakes and cruise control but no resolve with manufacture.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
2021 Silverado 1500 TrailBoss LT Brake Sensor Monitor failure causes you not to be able to see brake pad wear/life remaining on dash information. Brake Pads (front and rear) replaced with sensor on 12/14/2023 and was unable to reset the brake pad monitor on dash (would not reset passed 51%) at approx 32K miles 01/2024, Front Left Sensor Monitor replaced again by dealership for $293 06/2025 Tr... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
My 2021 Chevrolet Blazer experienced brake failure while driving, without any warning lights or diagnostic alerts from the vehicle’s onboard system prior to. This created a very dangerous situation for myself and others on the road, including my family who was in the car as well. Prior to this incident, I brought the vehicle to the dealership not long after purchasing it because I was constantly... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 28, 2025
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The ABS system malfunctions when braking at slow sleeps either on bumpy roads or even sometimes while turning
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
Vehicle Safety Concerns and Lack of Dealer Support As we approach a stop going about 20 mph and begin to apply the brakes as we pass over some slightly bumpy ground. The car lurches forward repeatedly as the brakes were applied, bouncing forward in spurts rather than stopping and taking twice as long to stop than it should have; this has pushed us into intersections. We've brought the vehicle in... Read more
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 28, 2025
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
Manual transmission car. Hill hold brake assist feature is dangerous and can be fixed with software update. This is truly dangerous. When stopped on an incline, the brakes automatically engage when stopped and hold the car from rolling backwards which might occur if the driver did not know how to drive a manual transmission car. When driver takes foot off of brake pedal, the brake fails to re... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2008) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 28, 2025
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
I will start by saying that I have had this issue since I had the truck (2020), less than 10k miles. I mentioned to the dealer multiple times. I was told that they can't figure it out since it has to be doing it while it is at the dealership to figure it out. I am finally fed up with that answer. The issue is with trailering. It will randomly lose trailer brakes while driving down the road. Som... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2025
The car suddenly braked without warning, and the road was clear and no interference.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
I took my Durango to Albany ga to dodge dealership for recall on brake booster water shield repair plus the other recall they fixed one recall and say they can't fix brake booster recall cause they say they will not have part available til a year later which I have concerns about my safety of recall not being repaired for a whole year
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The car screen displays, GPS, for calls, radio etc, doesn’t works, it’s off, and the airbags are deactivated and they’re off as well and have to press hard on the brake to get the car to stops.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
We just took delivery of our 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper yesterday. Today, my wife was driving to work at around 40 mph when the car suddenly performed a hard brake (phantom braking), coming to a complete stop for no apparent reason. The driver behind her nearly rear-ended her. Importantly, she was not using Autopilot or Full Self-Driving at the time of the incident.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
There is a recall date on this car dating back 2021. I bought this car in 2024. The recall problems was never addressed or fixed. This had created an electrical error in the car, given no airbags, and windows do not roll, nor does it give accurate reads on tire pressure. Unbeknownst of all this, a tire popped nearly cause me to wreck on I-5 early 2024. I have documentation supporting the sale of t... Read more
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 27, 2025
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
I was driving around 60-65 mph on the highway when suddenly a warning alarm went off and the warning light read “stop vehicle and check brake system”. I took my foot off the accelerator and car continued to maintain speed. The power brakes did not work. I put the car into neutral hoping that would slow it down, but it continued to maintain speed. I went into the right lane and put o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
The battery is off . It does not work. The car does not start. It looks like the battery is not properly installed. I just left my car at the Toyota dealership in June 12 for maintenance services, for brake fluid and flush etc including the replacement of a battery mounting hardware however it does not look right. The car started to go off and today it does not start at all. Please advice Sincer... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The vacuum pump has a tendency of breaking and when it does it affects the exhaust camshaft making the car completely inoperable. When this happened my vehicle lost all brakes and power and would not start. This happened suddenly with no warning and left me stranded in the middle of lanes of travel. This is a well known issue with the Chevy 1.5 L and is documented in the TSB Bulletin #21-NA-268. T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
ABS module is bad. I have been trying to get one for close to 2 years. Jeep tells me they are still on back order and not able to get one.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The VSA/ABS lights came on and I took it to the repair shop. The mechanic told me that the VSA/ABS module is bad and needs to be replaced. He said this is a very common problem in my vehicle type. He said the anti-lock brakes won't work which can be dangerous. He said the parts are always backordered and can take months to come in and they are extremely expensive. They range from $1200-$2400 f... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 27, 2025
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
ABS, EPS, check engine light appeared on dashboard then car’s steering wheel stiffed and car lost power. Vehicle’s hood smells burnt and has fumes come out after driving for 10-20minutes. My safety and my family’s was endangered as this happened while driving on the road. Not at a stop sign or a red traffic light but while driving. The dealer has refused to inspect/address the issue with... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
I actually have already sent in an assessment for airbag, but then read the recall on brakes, which at the time, because a new vehicle, I didn’t think possible. Even when pushing on my brakes, my vehicle was not slowing down like it should have, and I had a front end collision. It was hard for me to think this was because of brakes because new, but I do think they need to be examined.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Vehicle will randomly slam on brakes to a dead stop, engaging my seatbelt when engine braking behind a vehicle. Usually happens on surface streets when the vehicle in front of me is turning into a driveway/tight right turn. My velocity is decreasing & I am not at risk of colliding with the vehicle every time. System does not seem to register engine braking with a manual transmission as “braking.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
There are so many issues with this vehicle that started right from the beggining when I purchased it back 2023): •The sensors in the car beep frequently even when nothing is in the way. •When using the brakes, the car will sometimes abruptly brake aggressively •Middle console of the inside of the car makes random noises constantly. •Wheels have no traction! Spin when going uphill. •Most... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
The car has a lot of vibration when driving 60mph and above. Have had this issue looked at more than 5 times and they had my card for 1 month at the dealership trying to find the issue. This started back in February of 2024 and I have purchased 4 sets of tires and nothing makes the vibrations of the seat, steering wheel go away. Originally it wasn’t vibrating while driving back in February of 20... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
My husband and I have a 2022 Acura TLX (purchased new) that was issued a safety recall. We brought the car into the dealership in April to fix the problem. Two weeks later, the car completely malfunctioned- every warning light went off at the same time, and the car completely lost control. Steering, brakes, power/gas, everything went out. During this second visit, the dealership replaced the PCM... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
After starting my vehicle and leaving the office, several different warning messages began flashing on the dash ABS, lane departure mitigation, Power Sterring, Towing. I pulled over and turned the vehicle off. When I attempted to restart the vehicle, the brake pedal was hard and felt stuck. The car did not start. When roadside assistance came, they tested the battery, and it was fine. The car ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The brakes on my Airstream travel trailer have malfunctioned. The brakes started to “grab”, and the only way I could stop the grabbing was to reduce the gain on the brake controller from 5 – 5 ½ to 3 – 3 ½. At one time in a parking lot the trailer brakes brought my entire rig to a halt after I had gently applied the brakes and then released them. I am concerned that this issue is a sa... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
weather conditions were severe due to a snowstorm, causing ice buildup on the road, low visibility, and slippery pavement. Despite driving cautiously, I lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in going off the road, down an embankment, and crashing into a tree. Immediately after the impact, I called 911 emergency services for assistance. I attempted to exit the vehicle, but the driver’s doo... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 2, 2016
April 22, 2025 my 2008 Jeep lost power. There was a sequence, where one warning light was followed by another, followed by a complete loss of power. I charged the battery, car started up, I drove to dealer (a 5-minute trip), and by my arrival the Jeep had again lost all power. Dealer checked the vehicle, and told me the battery and charging system were fine, but the ABS brake modulator was drai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
Warning lights displayed for ABS and ESC systems. Had Autozone pull the OBD2 codes which indicated the left rear wheel speed sensor failed resulting in failed/disabled ABS and ESC systems. I replaced the bad rear wheel hub/sensor which corrected the problem. I no longer have that failed component. A few months later, warning lights came on again. I again had the codes pulled by Autozone and this ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
While driving my 2023 Ford F-150 XLT through a parking lot at low speed, I attempted to stop and shift into reverse to avoid a tight turn between parked vehicles. With my foot firmly on the brake, I shifted into reverse—though the gear shift was abnormally resistant. The system indicated the vehicle was in reverse. Despite keeping my foot on the brake, the truck suddenly and forcefully accelerat... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Brake pedal sank to the floor while driving. Pressure resumed temporarily. Brake fluid continued to leak aftrr being parked. This is third incident of this occurance.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
For the third time now, my steering has locked up and sent my 2025 Acura RDX into limp mode. It is a major safety concern because the car steering locks up and or tries to turn. The first time it occured I almost went into a field because the car was trying to turn right while in the middle of a LH corner at 55mph. The second time was on a country road at around 40-50mph with no shoulder, and t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
There are times that the brake assist will stop working. The bake assist light has started coming on once in a while. I looked up the vin and it said all recalls were repaired. I have a concern that the vaccume brake issue was not properly taken care of at whatever dealership that claimed to fix the issue.
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 26, 2025
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
Break booster issue. Car only has 63,465 miles. Toyota has received reports about certain internal malfunctions of the brake booster. Problem is, not many have had luck getting the part covered because it's likely that the problem does not commonly present itself until after the warranty expires.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 26, 2025
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
I got in my car and received the following error messages immediately upon turning on the car: - Brake System Failure 43 MPH Max Speed - Brake Assist Failure. Press hard to brake. Speed limited. - Service Stabilitrak - Auto Hold Unavailable Driving the car was very unsafe as the brakes were extremely difficult to engage, taking my full body force to fully depress the pedal and have the brake... Read more