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 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while attempting to reverse, there was an abnormally loud sound coming the brakes. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was no... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
I am having brake indicator light popup 4 time in three week with some strange noise while driving high speed on freeway. I researched found some recall on my 2022 Honda Ridgeline. Based on the provided VIN, [XXX], it appears show my 2022 Honda Ridgeline may be affected by two safety recalls: 1. Rearview Camera Issue: The rearview camera tailgate wire harness might break, preventing the camer... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2020
During interstate driving vehicle detected both road departure and engaged the emergency automated braking. The vehicle attempted to correct the "road departure" by steering the vehicle away from the perceived problem and engaged the brakes nearly causing a collision as it has done numerous times before. I have reported this to NHTSA and American Honda and await a repair of this dangerous issue. H... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 20, 2025
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
received truck yesterday , inspected the vehicle with wheels chocked and the emergency brake released 3 out of the 4 brake chamber hoses were leaking on the emergency side of the drive axel brake chambers. With the foot brake depressed driver side steer axel brake chamber service port hose leaked also.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2020
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding persistent mechanical failures and safety concerns with my 2014 Audi A6, VIN: [XXX] , which have resulted in significant repair expenses, inconvenience, and potential safety hazards. Despite having the front brakes and sensors replaced in the previous year, I recently experienced brake warning lights and related malfunctions. According to the mos... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2020
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding persistent mechanical failures and safety concerns with my 2014 Audi A6, VIN: [XXX] , which have resulted in significant repair expenses, inconvenience, and potential safety hazards. Despite having the front brakes and sensors replaced in the previous year, I recently experienced brake warning lights and related malfunctions. According to the mos... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2025
I own a 2019 Chevy Equinox LT 1.5L and am experiencing the exact symptoms described in GM recall 18V576000. After 1–2 hours of driving, the rear brakes begin to drag, creating hesitation during takeoff. The issue resolves after the vehicle cools down. Both my mechanic and independent research confirm this is the same safety defect described in that recall, but my VIN is not included.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
My truck for several years has intermittently turned off all safety features and steering control, i.e. air bags, traction control, anti lock breaks, and power steering all turn off randomly which in turn disables the cruise control, towing functions, etc. In the past I could turn the truck off then back on and the problems would dissappear, Now the problem has escalated and is occurring at shorte... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 3500
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 20, 2025
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle crashed into a nearby residential garage. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. The con... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
When there is any dew or moisture of any kind on the road the truck wont stop without the front breaks locking up and wont stop, Also the spark plugs have blown out of the motor prior to this it starts to develop A misfire, And The rear sustention is so weak the rear of the truck drags the ground when there is A low spot or dup in the road and has worn the metal off the bottom of ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
Brakes were not functioning properly. Nearly got into an accident because of the increased stopping distance. I was driving on the highway pressed the brakes when a car cut in front of me. Brakes were hard to depress then pedal would go to the floor. Dealer service department indicated that there is a faulty brake booster. Found out that there was a recall / "Customer Satisfaction Program 13N... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E 450
(2019) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 20, 2025
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
The car has had an electrical issue ever since taking to to get a recall around may of 2023. It will randomly brake and shift the transmission badly while downshifting. I feel as if my make and model falls under the theta II campaign they had to replace certain engines for having a knocking rod be fault and release shaving into the engine causing it to misfire. Not only that but the electrical iss... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
When I try to stop on a brick road the abs comes on and the breaks press up on my foot and the car does not stop immediately as it should.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
Automatic emergency braking and steering is unavailable along with a few other features. Service center and car manufacturer not doing anything about it.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
Require replacement of brake booster pump, decreased braking ability
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
In Driver info center messages displayed are ESC “this is anti lock cracking system not working”. Steering assist reduced “this is lane departure steering assist not working” Parking brake. “not working” Also cruise control is not working Buick service tells me this has happened often enough in other vehicles that there is a repair bulletin on it. Also the initial cost to repair... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
I was driving brake pedal went causing me to use emergency brake to stop. Took and got it diagnosed. The brake vacuum went out. The repair bill was $680 that have to pay tomorrow 6-19. I had someone in my car that I was transporting. This could end very card if I was an experienced CDL driver. My car 2019 Chevy Equinox only has 107,310 miles. I am so frustrated this is not on the recall list f... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
When I am stopped at a traffic light (or even when traffic comes to a stop on the interstate highway in traffic), when I begin to drive again, all of a sudden the automatic braking system engages and slams on the brakes when there is nothing in front of me that I could collide with (because the car in front of me has driven forward and out of the way). Each time it happens I am terrified the perso... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
I have had nothing but issues with my Kia since I purchased it May 30th, 2023. It's continually stalling, completely looses power, sometimes won't operate at all. My Kia is very unsafe and completely unreliable. I had to have it towed to the dealership before my first payment was even due. My Kia has has to be taken to the dealership a total of 5 times and still nothing has been resolved, other th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
On bumpy road, while at low speeds, the steering shakes violently and the brake does not engage. I have to keep hitting the brake multiple times for the car to stop.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
ABS check engine light came on after initially taking the vehicle in because of the brakes feeling weird and making noise. This similar issue has been experience by multiple users reported on a Chevy Colorado group page on facebook to include 2 cases of individuals, one with a Colorado and another with a GNC Canyon, both GM vehicles, that had their brakes fail while operating the vehicles. This wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
I have had three separate incidences of the either the front or rear brake sensor switch failing which requires replacement. It causes the brake light to not function. I do have one of the three switches for inspection. It has been confirmed by a mechanic. As it is out of warrantee there has been no manufacturer inspection. There is no indication that it is not working other than cruise control... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
6-18-25, driving at 20 mph in my neighborhood, applied brakes and pedal sank to the floor with no pressure. Pumped approximately six times with no pressure. On the last pump, I got severe juddering through the truck ( felt similar to an ABS activation) still no pedal pressure, but it did stop. Upon shutdown and restart, pedal was back to normal. Obvious safety issue as it would have caused a coll... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2017) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 19, 2025
Incident date: May 26, 2025
After the update that should fix the car, it now has several issues. One Pedal Driving doesn't work. When using One Pedal Driving the car should stop when you release the gas. Now the car continues to roll. It is reporting "Brake Failure" and "Collision Detection Failure". Polestar is saying this is normal after the update and it should fix itself in time. Unacceptable, the car has has issues fo... Read more
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2025) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 19, 2025
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
Keep having problems with brakes after taking the vehicle in to the dealership multiple times. They are generating a noise every time I hit the brake.
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The ESC, ABS, and Traction Control, Yellow warning lights, BRAKE, Red Warning light. Diagnosis is ABS, module, and master brake cylinder bad 2025 GMC Acadia Denali, 1150 miles. No parts available because these are all needing work! People are having near misses and collisions due to this problem! Put a stop production order until these are fixed!
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Left front brake caliper not releasing. Replaced caliper and brake pads, problem still exist. After some research found that there has been an issue with brake line. Apparently the mounting bracket on the line has in some cases pinched the line restricting fluid flow causing brake to not release fully. Have seen multiple instances of this problem on line. Curious why Jeep has not addressed this is... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 19, 2025
Incident date: Jun 12, 2025
Found that two separate brake lines became disconnected from the brake units allowing all of the brake fluid to spray out and put zero pressure on the brake pads. There is a Facebook page for Riverstone owners. I found that there are a handful of other reports of similar brake failure on other Riverstone 5th wheel trailers, and some users report repeated failures. The problem seems to be a syst... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
I was in a car accident on June 12, 2025, and my steering wheel airbag did not deploy correctly or function correctly. It was a front in straightforward collision. I did not have warning signs so my brakes could have been an issue because I was paying attention and unable to avoid an accident going under the speed limit. The rear cross traffic. Warning stays on pretty consistently because we live ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 19, 2025
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
Software update latest on 06/16/25 caused airbag warning not recognizing seat belts being locked therefore airbag warning started. Loss of regenerative braking. Loss of emergency brake application. Constant alarm because doesn't recognize seat belts being locked.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
On Nov 22 I pulled over to the shoulder of a highway in the midst of a snowstorm to make a phone call. When I went to get back onto the highway, my vehicle lost all brakes...the brake pedal hit the floor...and I had a low-speed impact with a berm rising up to a driveway that intersected the shoulder. The vehicle had to be towed to a nearby dealer. The only mechanism to stop it on/off the tow tr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
Logging a second complaint for the brake hydraulic control unit that is already recognized by FCA as a defect that needs to be replaced. I am two years into this failed unit and continue to be told by the dealer and manufacturer's customer service that the replacement part is not available and they do not have a delivery date for this part. In the last two years I have had (4) near collisions as a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Electronic parking brake engaged and wouldn't release. Possibility of occurrence while driving. Problem has been confirmed by independent service center to have been caused by water leakage into the area where the parking control module is located. Water was found pooling in parking control module which corroded connecters. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but the service center. There wer... Read more
JEEP
GRAND WAGONEER
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 18, 2025
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Light come dash board stabilitrak light light for master break steering it has been in many wrecks and they sold it to me it keeps going sometimes when you hit the breaks jump’s stuffers the drivers seat goes all the way back when you get out off car
Incident date: May 8, 2025
Unknown. Not for certain. Dash message says “see dealer. Electronic brake control unit malfunction” - to that effect. HCU/ABS recall needs addressing. No parts available currently.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to start the vehicle, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact went to the rear of the vehicle and became aware there was brake fluid leaking near the rear driver’s side tire. The failure had occurred approximately one year ago on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
MALFUNCTION: ROAD MITIGATION SYSTEM FAILED (RDM), LANE KEEPING ASSIST SYSTEM (LKAS) FAILED, and CRUSE CONTROL FAILED, after investigating the issue this is happening with multiple vehicles. SAFETY: YES, these all failed at the same time, poses significant safety issues for the diver, passengers, and other drivers due to nature of failure. CONFORMATION: at this time no inspection of the vehicle ha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The rear brake lines completely failed, leaked as I drove down the driveway. Had to have the car towed and had to pay Ford to replace the lines; over $650. The front brake lines had done the same thing a few years ago. These Ford Edges have lots of manufacturing defects. I had to have the entire engine replaced due to fluid leaking into the pistons. Luckily it was under extended warranty, but Ford... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
Brakes are not working properly. There is a pulse when applying the brakes. The brakes do not squarely apply pressure. There is a shutter when applying brakes.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Shortly after starting the vehicle and entering roadway, the power steering failed and shortly following an error came on regarding the ABS system. I was able to pull the vehicle over safely, restart and the issue seemed resolved in that use. Next day, shortly after starting vehicle, same errors occurred, but self corrected. The day after that, shortly after starting the vehicle, all systems on... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
I've owned a 2025 4runner for 1 month. The brakes are screaming and squalling like a 20 year old car when the car is a cold start everyday especially in reverse. This cant be safe, and Toyota says there is nothing they can do. I hope this doesn't wear out the brake pads faster and cause an accident. We were told by Toyota we cant fix the problem, because it would void the warranty and there... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
the brakes failed the vacuum pump went work while driving the car
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2017) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 18, 2025
Incident date: Jun 17, 2025
On 4/5/2025 I was driving at 35mph and the steering wheel began to violently shimmy. The vehicle became difficult to steer putting safety at risk. Slowed to 25mph but shimmy did not stop. ABS warning light came on and Stabilitrak warning light came on and warning that steering was being was being automatically reduced. Driving became very difficult. Stopped and had car towed to Chevrolet. Car w... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2025
1. Air bag light stays on 2. ABS light stays on 3. ESP BAS light stays on The vehicle has not been inspected and is available for inspection
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Unknown/. When Press on brake car still moves. Also when put in parked car will move forward or backwards a few inches. Steering wheel does not feel right as if feels not secure when driving.when trying to go in right lane on freeway steering wheel was not all the way responding as if felt like it was loose and not connected to what pairs it’s spose to be. And almost crashed
Incident date: May 10, 2025
Brand new car came with warped rotors and rattling noise unresolved. Major safety issue due to brake failure. A few times braking due to red light, upon braking the car would stutter stop and at times not start stopping until brake pedal fully stepped on, had a few near accidents. At a McDonalds and Wendy’s drive through, foot on brakes but car would still move forward even though was at a compl... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 18, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
When driving at a low rate of speed to stop, when you hit a bump or uneven road, the brakes lock up, the vehicle will lurch, and will not stop. This has happened several times on pavement, gravel roads, and dirt roads. I have had to steer off the road to keep from going into oncoming traffic. It has also caused me to go through stop signs. I am terrified to drive this vehicle in fear of being in a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2025
My prius have a scan code: C1391 and my brakes don’t work good i almost crash. And I traying to see what happen online but i see hundreds and hundreds, of prius with this problems, you need to do something and do a Recall. This is a recurring problem with Prius models, and they never do anything about it. It seems like Toyota is paying someone not to do the recall.
Incident date: May 20, 2025
I have had this happen twice, once on city streets going to work the car was not in auto pilot and it went from 40mph to 0mph instantly. If there was a car behind me I would have gotten slammed into. The second time, my mother was in the passenger seat and I was on the freeway going about 75 to 80mph and it was on auto steer and the car went from the speed I was going to almost 0 and I instantly t... Read more