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: Jun 11, 2026

This vehicle was taken to the local Infiniti dealer for a routine oil change, vehicle inspection during this service discovered that the rear brake pads were worn. The request to replace the rear brake pads was declined. There were no warning indications. The failure mileage was 21787. Infiniti was contacted, but no assistance was offered.

Incident date: Jul 1, 2024

I have been having issues with the brakes on my 2016 Chevy Tahoe for as long as I can remember. When going very slow, such as in a parking lot or pulling into a parking space, my car feels like I am driving on ice when I brake. I am not sure if I am actually going to stop or hit a car/person. The brake pedal also gets very hard. It makes a squeaking sound and also sounds "airy". It is an intermitt... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

ABS / Traction Control / Brake warning lights ALL illuminated. No anti lock brakes and no cruise control. ABS module failure. Replacement part on back order for at least 2 years. Unable to repair.

Incident date: May 1, 2026

Abs traction control and e brake lights are on every time I go to crank the truck. I also get a check engine light with three codes causing my power steering and speedometer and odometer to stop working, I can sometimes clear the codes but the check engine light reappears when I’m going down the road. It has caused me to almost hit a light pole in the rain when I was going around a curve under 2... Read more

Incident date: Jun 29, 2026

While driving, the front passenger side ball joint failed catastrophically. The wheel completely separated from the control arm and folded under the truck, causing the vehicle to drop hard onto the suspension and nearly lose control. I was extremely fortunate not to be involved in a crash or killed. Photos taken immediately after the failure show the wheel collapsed under the truck and the damaged... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

It was heavy rain traffic came and when I slowed down the anti lock breaks effected me from stopping fast enough and were made me just slid into back off vehicle in front off me giving me injury's to my kneck due to the air bags did NOT deploy.

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

I purchased Dorman part #74015 Brake Pedal Stopper from AutoZone Altamonte after an employee recommended it for my 2012 Kia Soul without checking system compatibility. I installed it that night. On, while driving on a busy road in Orlando, FL, my brake pedal locked completely solid and could not be depressed. I had complete loss of braking and could not shift out of park. I was stranded in live ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2026

The failure was when I hit the brakes hard in an emergency braking situation and the car very eratically and violently veered to the left. There was no warning and thank God there was no car coming in the left lane otherwise it would have been a broad side hit. I was doing 55 mph. We had the car inspected at a local shop and the left rear tie rod link was completely severed from the suspension ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 18, 2026

The brake pads that are being used on Volkswagen are semi metallic and that causes the brakes to make a grinding noise which the dealer says is common on volkswagen. The problem you cannot tell if brakes need replacement. I have had my vehicle in service dept twice for the same problem. The noise is a grinding noise and that is a safety hazard. Now I have a warrantey on the entire car and I was to... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

Vehicle: 2021 GMC Sierra SLT | VIN: [XXX] Dealership: Carl Black GMC Roswell, GA (11225 Alpharetta Hwy, 30076) | Invoice #[XXX] | Service Date: [XXX] Paragraph 1 – Suspension Hazard: Dealership diagnosed a worn left upper ball joint (popping sound on left turns) and installed Rough Country aftermarket upper control arms on my stock-height Sierra SLT. These arms are designed for lifted suspensio... Read more

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

I purchased this Mazda new in October 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has unexpectedly applied the brakes on three separate occasions while I was driving under normal conditions. There was no reason for the vehicle to brake, and each incident created a dangerous situation because the vehicle slowed suddenly without my input. I brought the vehicle to my local Mazda dealership for inspection... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

I am experiencing the same issues as NHTSA 22V-011 where the brake pedal stop bumper had disintegrated, causing continuous brake lights and a potential rollaway risk

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

I was traveling on the DC beltway (interstate), it was raining and the temp was in the low 50s. The vehicle in front of me hit their brakes pretty hard. I started braking firmly myself. I heard an alarm sound and I believe the anti-lock braking activated, and the van began automatically braking itself. I was brought to a complete stop on the interstate by the van. The vehicle ahead of me accelerat... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

While driving nothing in front of me, the car breaks. It happen a few times while doing 70 mph. The car breaks and slows down. It's done it while going 30 mph as well.

Incident date: Jul 2, 2026

While driving, my 2020 Chevrolet Equinox suddenly lost power and shut off without warning while I was pulling into traffic. The vehicle would buzz not crank afterward but would not restart. This created a safety hazard because the unexpected engine shutdown occurred while the vehicle was in motion. This is the second brake vacuum pump failure I have experienced with this vehicle. In 2022, the brak... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

First time it happened I was driving on the freeway from [XXX] to [XXX]. The car did an instant jerk stop ON THE FREEWAY!! I thought my granddaughter touched something but then it did it again when I was driving by myself. So I took the car in for the recall that came out for this issue and the day after that as I parked into an In-N-Out parking space my collision light came on warning me that th... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

ABS Module failure causing anti-lock braking and tractional control issues due to known manufacturing defect with failed solder connections

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

I was driving at a low speed, less than 30 mph, and was approaching a curve in the road. I attempted to slow down by pressing the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not decelerate. Instead, it seemed to accelerate. I panicked and repeatedly pressed the brake pedal several more times, but the vehicle remained out of control. The vehicle left the roadway, went down a steep slope, struck bushes and tr... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

Since shortly after buying my F-150 truck, I have had an ongoing issue with the Brake problem notification light coming on. I have spoken to the local Ford Dealership about this issue several times and had no resolution. They told me they could do an inspection, but it would cost me over $500, and only if they found a warranty issue that they were responsible for would they reimburse me the cost... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

This is a follow up of NHTSA case# 1840444. Complaint Description: Vehicle exhibited active CAN-bus communication timeout code DTC C1642 targeting the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). Following the official technical safety guidelines established under NHTSA Campaign 20V519000 (Kia SC197), an isolated parasitic current d... Read more

Incident date: Jul 21, 2026

The instrument cluster in my 2021 Mazda CX-3 failed at approximately 50,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle displayed multiple warning lights, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), traction control, and front camera/safety system warnings. These safety systems became unavailable due to the instrument cluster failure. An authorized Mazda dealership inspected... Read more

Incident date: Jun 25, 2026

My 2018 dodge ram has an open recall since December 2024. There are no parts/no fix. My truck has been dinging and pinging with the break light/traction light/engine light/ABS light since 6 months after I got it. ALL of these things are related to the open recall. VIN [XXX]. Manufacturer Recall Number C4B, NHTSA Recall Number24V-896. "The loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause a vehicle crash... Read more

Incident date: Apr 19, 2026

I had two very serious incidents. July 8th: Horn just started blaring unprompted. Locking/unlocking doors, turning motor on, disconnecting battery did nothing to stop it. I was trying everything and as I was trying to find the correct fuse to disable (it wasn't labeled), the horn burned out and started smoldering. If the car was not in my driveway AND I wasn't home, I believe a fire would have s... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

My 2017 Sentra is suffering from the exact silicone outgassing defect detailed in Recall 21V135000. My replacement switches keep failing because the car requires the updated protective grommet, but Nissan is excluding my VIN from receiving the campaign kit.

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding potential safety issues with my 2018 Ford Expedition Max Platinum. I purchased the vehicle from Sandy Sansing Chevrolet in Pensacola, Florida, and discovered several problems shortly after purchase that I believe may affect the vehicle's safe operation. Within days of purchasing the vehicle, it began displaying an intermittent **low oil pressure warning** ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

I am writing to formally report a dangerous safety defect involving the braking system and the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) on my 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. While operating the vehicle, severe warning lights illuminated on the dashboard indicating an immediate braking system and stability control failure. A diagnostic scan revealed active fault code C1237, pointing specifically to a prima... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

On 7/22/26 at about 5:15pm, I was operating my vehicle, a 2022 Hyundai Palisade in the Parking lot of Publix Supermarket at Valrico Commons and was attempting to enter a parking space. I made a right from the parking thruway to enter a right parking space. I felt one of the right wheels graze the pedestrian sidewalk as I was driving about 5 miles per hour, next thing the vehicle lunged forward ou... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

My vehicle is experiencing a severe safety hazard where the emergency braking system suddenly slams on the brakes while driving in traffic, pulling into traffic, or backing up. When this happens, the car unexpectedly shuts off, and no warning lights or error messages appear on the dashboard. This has almost caused an accident multiple times, making the vehicle incredibly dangerous to drive. I prev... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

Due to braking system electronic failure vehicle automatically disables safety features such as ABS, parking collision sensors disabled, traction control, and vehicle will automatically and abruptly go into P (park) when coming to a stop while braking. This can be caused by wheel speed sensors, brake control module, or communication failure to PCM. Engine codes U0418, U0415, and U1003 linked to pr... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

MALFUNCTION: In normal driving mode the stop lamp / brake lights do not shut off after releasing the braking controls. The stop lamps will shut off only after the accelerator pedal is used, or when the vehicle coasts below 10mph. SAFETY: 1) When descending mountain roads the stop lamps remain illuminated for extended periods of time. In some cases the stop lamps remain illuminated for hundreds or... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

**Incident Report — Tesla Model Y Safety System Failure** The subject vehicle, a Tesla Model Y equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology and advanced safety features, was involved in a collision at an estimated impact speed of 40–45 MPH. The vehicle's onboard recording system captured the incident and clearly documents the impact dynamics, vehicle speed at impact, and the contributing ... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

Code 1391 / power brake booster failure. Know defect by Toyota in which they extended warranty, vehicle is within mileage warranty but past the date warranty. Therefore Toyota will not assist in repairing. Very troubling in that this is a high risk recall or safety issue well known and instead of repairing extended. Repairs cost more than half the value of the vehicle and we are heavily reliant ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 12, 2026

Vacuum pump failure causing sudden and unexpected hard brake pedal and loss of braking coming off the highway. Ended up catastrophic engine failure. This is the SECOND incident with this vehicle of the exact same problem. GMC refuses to address this issue and continues to risk the lives of their customers.

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

The first time the collision warning lights and sounds came on when I was parked but had my engine on in the morning of 7/21/2026. The second time was when I was merging on a busy highway with cars going 65+mph... There were no cars around me, but the collision warning said crash, the sounds came on, and my brakes went into effect. I pulled off the road, and now I am terrified to drive my car. I c... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

Subject: Complaint Regarding Greenacres Nissan – Sale of Vehicle With Immediate Safety Issue and Failure to Provide Resolution I am submitting this complaint regarding Greenacres Nissan and the handling of my vehicle purchase. I purchased a vehicle from Greenacres Nissan and took delivery on 7/3/26. Within five days of delivery, the vehicle developed a serious safety-related issue that made it... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

Bought car late march 2026 from Toyota dealership . Collision Mitigation Braking System randomly engages. Forcefully slamming on brakes ( approx 1-2 seconds and then releasing) when NOTHING is in the road or around. No rhyme or reason , no consistency as to when it happens. Since Purchasing it has happed 9-10 times. **7/15/26 - visit Toyota for routine service, expresses my concerns.... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

Vehicle would slowly roll even when break is applied. It was confirmed by the service center that the break booster vacuum pump was only reading 8 when it should be at 27. It was not making enough pressure. The vehicle would not stop when break was applied.

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

ABS MODULE HAS FAILED VIN [XXX] No ABS and no cruise control The ABS module is on back order and cannot be purchased by OEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident date: Dec 22, 2025

My 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite has twice applied its brakes on its own, with no obstacle, vehicle, or hazard in front of me to justify braking. On July 13, 2026, at approximately 5:36 p.m., I was driving in evening traffic when the vehicle suddenly braked hard on its own. Nothing was in front of me. The car behind me nearly rear-ended me and had to brake sharply to avoid a collision, and ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2026

The recall causes the cruise control to be inoperable, the abs system to be inoperable and causes the warning messages to flash and the audible tone to sound constantly. I am currently unable to utilize the vehicle as intended (towing) because of the braking safety issue.

Incident date: Jun 25, 2026

When I stop at traffic lights, my car does not immediately turn back on (it has the auto stop feature). It flashes "parking brake released" on the dashboard. Then, it starts back up. Sometimes, it has not started back up right away & the steering wheel seizes. It has also said, "Assisted Steering Reduced" & "Stabilitrack Not Engaged (or something to that effect)." When the issue started, I tried ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 11, 2025

This model of Jeep has a documented history of having software problems that occur resulting in huge safety issues. I am filing this report because Jeep has not successfully solved this issue leading to regular ongoing safety concerns. Jeep themselves have issued several STAR reports on this, and a simple internet search will show thousands upon thousands of posts of owners with recurring issues... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Failed ABS Module....yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Without a functioning ABS Module, the vehicle has no Anti-Lock brakes or Traction control...in addition to no functioning cruise control and some 4WD features. The main ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 25, 2026

My vehicle a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 upon lower idle speeds loses vacuum pressure. As the vacuum level drops the brake assist decreases, increasing the braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash. I have had a warning light come on advising to service the brake assist system. I took my truck to a local mechanic who confirmed the codes and l... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

For the past two years I have experience intermittent problems with my Jeep ABS system, I ordered the replacement module part # 68145835AE from an authorized dealership on April 2025, and paid $697.39 after more than a year on back order the sales representative told me to cancel the order because they did not have any information form Stellantis North America on when the part will be available. ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2024

I was turning at a green light while following behind a truck pulling a trailer. All of the sudden, the car did the automatic emergency braking. It slammed on the brakes in the middle of an intersection while I was going ~15mph, and gave me whiplash. I am not sure if the car got confused by the trailer in front of me, but this is the first time this has happened in my first few weeks of owning thi... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

There is a known issue with the software / brake monitoring system with the 2024 Chevy traverse. The brake pad sensor is faulty and the vehicles warning system tells you that your brake pads are critically low when in reality they are not. Even after you change the brakes and put a new sensor you cannot clear the notification. The only way to reset this is to either take it to the dealership for t... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

In 2024, I had my vehicle checked out prior to a road trip because the brakes were making "fart noises," and I was worried about driving it to Albuquerque. The AAA certified dealer I took the car to said everything checked out alright. I never received the letter regarding the brake system issue, so I could not take advantage of the extended warranty repair program. My car was in the 80-90 thousan... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2024

I was proceeding through a green light and the “BRAKE” warning engaged when I was going through the intersection - there was nothing in front of me. I had no control of the braking system. Thankfully, there were no other cars on the road. This has happened about 4 other times, including a couple of times on the freeway.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

My Vehicle started having grinding front brakes at about 12,000 miles. Front brake rotors have already grooves developing. I took it to Manhasset BMW service, my brakes were not checked properly, wheels not even removed to see if any calipers issue causing the grinding sounder pads wearing out prematurely. This is not normal wearing issue, it's a serious problem with brakes. Recently, BMW recalle... 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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