Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 77,487 complaints — component: SERVICE BRAKES
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
2023 Subaru Ascent, under manufacturer basic warranty. Factory OEM battery has repeatedly failed. Voltage drops below 11.5V in normal use. Three documented failures in six weeks. SAFETY INCIDENT: Vehicle died on a public street and became completely immobilized. Brake warning light activated. Vehicle would not move even after a jump start. Passengers had to exit in a live traffic lane. A second ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
I had my ABS Light and Brake light come on in August 2023. My cruise control and my brake controller would no longer work. Took it to a dealer for repairs and they diagnosed it as needing a ABS Contol Modular. It has been on back order since that time. I was first told 3 mo, then 6 mo. Etc. I visited the dealership last week and they told me the part will no longer be manufactured. I have a ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
Ram is doing recalls on abs braking systems and trailer hitch problems. I have a 2014 with the same problems and there are other owners complaining bout the same thing on forums. Why are you letting Ram go on with problem and only going back to 2025?. It's ridiculous for them to slide and not repair a problem tht has been going on for years. And Ram dealers want $2300 to $3000 to repair.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
I was driving on the service road of the freeway, driving approximately 40 mph when my main screen started flashing warnings. I was only able to catch 2 before the screen shut off. One was saying front collision sensors not working and the other said side sensors not working then the screen where the radio was went black. Then my brake pedal locked up, the car lost all power steering. The car star... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Hard as rock brakes Long response time Mechanic friend says it’s break booster.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Breaks squeal consistently only 34,000 miles was doing it when I bought it last year and they said it was just cause it was sitting and would get better never really has always squeals when breaking Steering when turning is glitchy catchy sticks like doesn't turn smooth or go back to center smooth causing you or car to jerk turn unsafe like I see recalls for these same similar things but my car ... Read more
BATTLE MOTORS
LET2
(2025) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 22, 2026
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
Truck was parked on a decline brakes engaged while driver of refuse vehicle serviced a cart. Driver heard what he thought was the pack blade cycle and the vehicle started rolling away. Fortunately, road leveled out and tipper attachment dragged on the ground slowing unit. No damage to anything other than attachment bar. driver got to flat surface and called in for assistance. Upon inspection th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
My 2018 Ram 2500 was involved in a collision with another vehicle. The vehicle in front of me had to slam on their brakes for an object in the roadway. When I slammed on my brakes, the ABS and Traction Control lights lit up on the dash, my tires locked up, and I skid approx 100' and rear ended the vehicle in front of me. There was no shoulder to pull off to and oncoming vehicles in the other lane.... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot and depressing the brake pedal, there was a clunking sound coming from the braking system before the brakes became inoperable. The contact forcefully depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle eventually came to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an electrical wiring sho... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
During a routine start up of the vehicle, I received countless errors and warnings that caused the vehicle to be determined unsafe to operate. Drive system, Air Suspension, Loose wheel warning, Lane change warning, blind spot indicator malfunctions. There is an exhaustive list of errors that were received, over 10 different malfunctions with one stating to drive slow at a max rate of 35mph. This h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
The vehicle exhibits dangerous electronic malfunctions. A licensed technician (MV-113255) has confirmed a sporadic unintended acceleration defect where the cruise control 'decrease' button causes the vehicle to increase speed. Additionally, the vehicle repeatedly enters 'Limp Mode' in active traffic, causing a violent jerk and a total loss of acceleration while displaying a 'Smart City Brake Suppo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
My 2010 Prius has experienced the following error codes: C12341 and C1391, prompting the dealer to recommend replacing the brake booster assembly and master cylinder for $3938.89. This is a known issue with this vehicle and a Customer Support Program (CSP) was issued back in 2018, stating that if this vehicle displayed these codes, the repairs would be at no charge to the customer. Toyota extended... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
Dear NHTSA, I am the owner of a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. On March 28, 2026, my husband took our vehicle to Keyes Hyundai Van Nuys dealership for a recall repair. However, the repair was not completed because a required part (brake fuse) was not available and had to be ordered. It has now been several weeks, and we have made multiple follow-up calls, but we have not received any update or callback. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
Complete shut down of all electrical associated components while driving on highway Loss of power steering loss of braking loss of ability to accelerate transmission failure loss of lane detection, loss of car detection. Diagnosed as , faulty alternator recall repaired and continuation of same electrical failures despite six additional repairs Multiple failures of all electrical components on ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
I have a 2013 Jeep Wrangler with 180,000 miles. I never off road the vehicle, but after driving on a dirt road, the stability control kicked in during a turn. At the start of the next drive after that, there were 3 lights on the dashboard: brake, ABS, stability control. Connecting the JScan app to the vehicle, the ABS module is completely unresponsive and the vehicle gives a C2200 error code. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
When braking the car jumps then brakes, the electrical system flickers sometimes and it won’t go into gear. If not used for a couple days a warning comes on. This has happened 2 times despite buying a new battery is what the dealership said it needed. Now it’s in the shop again for the same thing and not once did they tell me about the recall and now charging me for the software updates from t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
While driving, I experienced a sudden loss of braking assist with no warning. The brake pedal became extremely hard to press, accompanied by a hissing/air sound. Despite applying full pressure, the vehicle did not slow as expected and continued moving. At one point, after stopping, the vehicle began to move forward again while my foot remained firmly on the brake. The issue occurred immediately ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
NHTSA COMPLAINT (VERY IMPORTANT – SAFETY FOCUSED) Subject: Safety Complaint – BMW X7 Electrical Defect and Fire Risk (VIN: [XXX] ) To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a 2020 BMW X7 xDrive40i affected by Recall No. 24V-576 (Engine Starter Defect). My vehicle has experienced: •Sudden battery failure •Electrical system mal... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
Safety Risk: While traveling at approximately 25 MPH on the I-495 (way to work) the vehicle initiated a full-force emergency braking event (Phantom Braking) without any warning. There were absolutely no obstacles, vehicles, or pedestrians in the roadway ahead. This sudden, unprovoked stop nearly caused a rear-end collision with the vehicle following closely behind, putting myself and other car at ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I am reporting a documented and unresolved brake system safety issue on my 2024 Kia K5 involving repeated premature brake pad wear and rotor damage. The vehicle has required three full brake pad and rotor replacements by approximately 40,000 miles, with each set lasting less than 15,000 miles. Service records consistently document uneven wear on the front brakes, particularly the outer pads, with ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2023) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 21, 2026
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Whole dash goes black while driving. Also fuel system is not up to par. Rear brakes fail after 6months on my third time changing them since I purchase the car.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
My wife's vehicle has a "Infotainment screen" (dashboard touch screen). There is a class action suit (CSP13d dealer letter) for issues regarding the screen performing tasks (Ghost screening touch) on its own. In lieu of a Mazda vehicle mass recall, they agreed to "FIX" the issue with a software update and replace the CMU Module of the vehicle to rectify this issue. I am here to report / advise ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
There was a grinding sound coming from the LF wheel. This was progressively getting worse. Car was shaking while driving so dropped it off with my mechanic due to safety concerns. Per the mechanic that fixed the issue: Inspection found LF wheel bearing is loose. A bolt backed out on inside rubbing through axel shaft. Allowed wheel bearing to damage to damaged from moving in place. Axle shaft d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
Sunday April 19 2026, in a drive thru while stopped, the following alerts popped up with their corresponding dash lights: Check Brake System Park Brake limited service function Pre-collision assist not available Service Advance Track Brake pedal lost vacuum / pressure and became hard. Brake would not engage and needed to use electric park brake to stop vehicle. Got out of the drive thru and int... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Multiple warning light activations (ABS, TCS, hill descent) diagnosed by mechanic as failed ABS module (combines electronic and hydraulic components) (PN: 68145835AE). I have been on a waiting list for a replacement part from Stellantis for almost a year. Numerous owners report online that this part is unavailable or no longer being manufactured. Stellantis has not publicly acknowledged the pro... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
I was driving on city streets at 25 mph or less, using the Nissan Leaf e-pedal system (which automatically slows the car to a stop when you let off the accellerator), when an alert flashed up on my dashboard, saying something like: “e-pedal system disconnected, use brake pedal to stop”. There was also a check engine light and an ABS warning indicator on. When I pushed down on the brake pedal I... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
The brake cylinder assembly and the brake booster pump assembly failed while driving, which made braking very difficult, caused the regenerative braking to stop working, and caused multiple warning lights to come on. No warning lights, messages, or other symptoms were present prior to the sudden failure. This sudden failure could have easily resulted in a crash and/or death(s). I brought the ve... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 21, 2026
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
My ABS Lights the triangle with the ! In the middle goes in and off the down hill control light and the sweet control light all go on when the ABS light goes on my oil was completely dry had to add two quarts while the engine was ticking when started and when accelerating it was making a clicking noise I still had 3000 miles before needed an oil change but like I said it was bone dry and then the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
For almost two years the ABS has been intermittently non functioning. Verified by an independent then David Taylor Dodge in Belleville Illinois in February 2025. There is apparently still no fix for it. This is unacceptable especially considering that it is a heavy duty diesel truck purchased solely for pulling very heavy trailers. Not being able to safely stop is dangerous and dealer says there i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
My check engine light came on and I got it checked out and had a c1053 code show up. The repair shop told me I had a recall but my car is 2010 so it’s not falling within the recall year range.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
I was driving through the tollbooth on the bayway in [XXX] , I stepped on the brake to slow down and all kinds of warning lights lit up in the car showing the brakes were not working. Anything automatic with the brakes failed. I had to stand on the brakes to get the Traverse to stop. The issue was confrmed to be the master brake cylinder I was lucky they had it in stock at Maher Chevrolet in St... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
2024 Toyota Tundra 4X4 SR5 CrewMax 6.5, VIN: [XXX] , 28,500 miles. Three distinct, worsening vibration issues affecting separate systems: 1 — Powertrain/Driveline: Significant vibration on initial acceleration, under tow load, and on inclines. Suspected driveshaft carrier bearing, U-joint, or engine main bearing failure. Recall 25V-767 (V35A engine bearing debris, 2022–2024 Tundra) — VIN rec... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The issue involves the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and hydraulic control unit on our 2017 Ram 3500. The recall states that the ABS module/hydraulic control unit may fail, which can impact braking performance and disable safety systems. The component has not been repaired because parts have been unavailable for over three years. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This defect ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Purchased my 2026 Ram 2500 Power Wagon. The first thing I noticed after driving off the lot, I had to push down halfway to stop. My other cars engaged about 6-8 inches to start slowing down. When I took back to the dealership and asked a service Tech supervisor, he said that's how they are. My own personal opinion is, I think it's a safety issue because you've already wasted half of the brak... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
While driving about 35 MPH, the vehicle began to alarm and stated "the engine is off; pull over, put in park or neutral, and restart the car". I pulled over and found that the engine had indeed turned itself off in the middle of driving. When the engine turns off, both the braking vacuum system and the power steering go off, making it harder to brake and steer to safety. If I were going highway s... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The issue involves the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and the transition between regenerative braking and friction braking in my Cadillac Lyriq (RWD). The ABS engages unexpectedly during normal braking conditions when using one-pedal driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
While driving on the interstate 10 in California in rush hour traffic my vehicles’ brakes pedal suddenly became hard to press down and slow the vehicle down.fortunately I was able to safely get to the right shoulder and call a tow truck to get my car towed home.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
Have a 2014 Ram 1500 that has a ABS malfunction light showing. Took truck in and dealership service department wanted $1500.00 for a new ABS module that has failed. The part has been on backorder from Mopar/Stellantis for months. I am glad I did not give them $1500.00 (+ future labor costs) to fix for something I have been calling the dealership for months on inventory status. My truck has bee... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
Vehicle: 2023 Kia Sportage Issue: Service Brakes / Premature Rotor Failure / Grinding Within approximately six months of purchasing my vehicle new, I experienced brake grinding and premature rotor failure. This condition has reoccurred multiple times despite repair attempts at authorized Kia dealerships, including rotor replacement under a Technical Service Bulletin. Multiple dealerships acknowled... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
Recall Number: Ford 25S37 / NHTSA 25V236 Issue: Unresolved safety recall due to parts unavailability for over six weeks. My vehicle is affected by Ford Recall 25S37 / NHTSA Recall 25V236 involving brake master cylinder leakage and loss of front braking performance. I took my Ford truck to a dealership on March 2, 2026, for the recall notice, but the dealer has been unable to obtain the required pa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Vehicle began flashing check driver assistance for rear sensors repeatedly while traveling out of state on March 30th with an occasional flash of check AWD/4WD. On March 31st the vehicle flashed the warnings along with a variety of others flashing on the infotainment screen rapidly and shut off while driving. I was barely able to restart to get it safely into a parking lot before it shut down comp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
dash board displays trailer not connected when it is then lights and brakes goes out and will not come back on. this happens every time I haul. I have to pull over on the side and disconnect and reconnect tailer and shut off the engine and restart to reset. sometimes this works most times not. Last time it happened at 12am doing 70mph on I 95 and almost caused a severe accident. I have called deal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Consumer Complaint Summary Nature of Dispute: Refusal to reimburse for safety-related recall repair (Recall 25S87). Summary: On April 6, 2026, my 2017 Ford Edge (VIN: [XXX] ) became undrivable due to a failure of the rear brake jounce hoses. This specific defect is the subject of Ford Safety Recall 25S87. Because the vehicle was a safety hazard, I paid $1,854.43 for an immediate repair at an auth... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
*CRITICAL FAILURE: The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) within the ABS has suffered a total malfunction. Due to the immediate risk of brake system failure and loss of operator control, the vehicle is grounded and remains available for technical inspection. *OPERATIONAL IMPACT-The compromised ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) significantly degrades the vehicle's emergency braking capabilities. Under rap... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
My 2010 Ford Fusion has been having issues with the ABS system/module showing the fault code, Service Advance Track System. After checking the recalls on this issue, I learned that Ford did have a recall for this make/model, recall # 19S54, BUT only from cars out of a certain plant during a certain time. I was told by the local Ford dealer as well as Ford Motor Co. that my vehicle was not includ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Sudden Unintended Acceleration – 2024 Kia Sportage – Safety Hazard. Incident Date: April 18, 2026. Location: Parking lot. While pulling into a parking space at low speed, I brought the vehicle to a complete stop with my foot on the brake. Immediately after stopping, the vehicle suddenly and forcefully accelerated forward on its own without my foot on the accelerator. I was actively pressing... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Each time my battery has died the brake starter has also stopped working. I have had to get the starter replaced three times in 4 years. The starter for the Honda pilot 2022 is faulty
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
As I pulled out of a parking lot The vehicle suddenly jerked 90 degrees to the left and accelerated quickly into a ditch and a retaining wall. All airbags deployed.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
The vehicle is a brand new Lexus TX. The primary issue involves a brake system malfunction. While driving, a “BRAKE” warning message appeared on the dashboard. At the same time, the brakes were actively applied, and this occurred multiple times in succession during the same driving event. At the time of the incident, we were not aware that the vehicle should not be driven when this warning a... Read more
JEEP
WAGONEER S
(2025) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 20, 2026
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
The first time this happened I was pulling into a parking lot and all service lights started flickering and it said to turn turn off car immediately as I was driving, I pulled into the nearest parking lot and it just stopped driving. The second time, which was Friday, April 17, 2026 I was driving down a busy road and all lights started flashing, the big NO ASB brakes flashing and I had no brakes. ... Read more