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: Feb 20, 2025
This is a 2014 Jeep Cherokee, this model DOES have a recall for water leaking in through the truck. That causes the electronic parking break module to short out and lock the parking brake in as engaged. My jeeps vin however is not a part of the recall for some reason, this part was replaced on 4/16/22. Today 3/9/2023 the parking brake engaged and was locked on when we put the car in park. The sp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2025
All lights related to brakes lighted up on a dashboard ( and message to take it to Dealer). Took it to Dealer. Car is in the shop for over 5 weeks and they can't figure it out what's wrong. They've replaced brake booster (twice!!!!!) and that didn't fix it... Now replacing front calipers. On top of that cv axle is clicking terrible and they can't replace it because it's on long Backorder ( I'm w... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF R
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 9, 2025
Incident date: Mar 9, 2025
I bought my 2022 KIA Soul September 2021. in 2022, I brought my car to KIA in Clifton NJ because it shut down suddenly without warning while in drive, the battery, oil and engine lights came on. I would put my car in park, turn it off and on again for the car to start. by doing so, all the lights disappear and my car would drive like normal. KIA said the couldn't find the issue. I brought it back ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
I own a manual transmission MK8 Golf R, the ‘hill assist’ system cannot be turned off. The brakes will hold for 2-5 seconds after being released even on very slight inclines. I unfortunately upgraded from a 2017 MK7 Golf R manual that was damaged in an accident (I was not at fault). In that model VW the hill assist or ‘auto hold’ was able to be turned off with a button. The new models ‘a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Break controller/traction control/cruise control all are not working an being a RV owner WE tow a 2014 Redwood 42 foot 5th wheel, 16000 max weight (our scaled is 14640 pounds). We do not feel that it is safe to tow our RV with the recall that affects towing. This is the 3rd recall/repair on this truck. Please advise us on the towing recommendation/safety on using our truck to tow our RV.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
The brake actuator has stopped functioning properly in my 2013 Toyota Prius that has 124,000 miles. NHTSA is welcome to inspect my car. I took my car to a Toyota Service Center because of a noise that cycles every 15 seconds. The mechanic said the noise "is in fact coming from the accumulator of the brake boosters." He said it's kind of like a battery--it may go out tomorrow or next year and it ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2025
I was parking in my sister's driveway and car just accelerated in to her house!
Crash
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The brakes feel squishy and it is difficult to stop at low speeds. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. Safety being put at risk by not being able to stop in time possibly causing crash. The truck was taken to a mechanic who found a code stating low vacuum pressure on brake booster but they could not find a leak anywhere and cleared the code. It is unknown if the component has been ins... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
Brake failure because of rusted brake lines.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 8, 2025
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
O don’t appreciate someone activating my vin the same day the remedy comes out on compaign , this had been ongoing battle since 2018 when it states on the website they will replace the engine , when it had a theta engine settlement but thanks to the bearus exposures if info n loss of employee, employment data missing ti why I get denials the Chinese that infiltrated Equifax this vehicle was manu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
Vehicle shifting poorly, and I have had a bunch of brake and rotor issues.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
My 2020 GMC Terrain (under 100K miles) was running great until one day, after starting the vehicle, I shifted into reverse and felt soft brakes before the engine suddenly shut off. A licensed mechanic diagnosed the issue, pointing to Technical Service Bulletin #PIP5835, which identifies a defective brake vacuum pump. This failure caused damage to the exhaust camshaft and timing belt, ultimately l... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2025
The brakes sound like their grinding and the motor drives funny
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
Brake lights malfunctioning due to faulty wiring in body control module, a prior recall 2 dealerships are currently refusing to honor; stating your recall has expired. According to the below link, recalls are never to expire. This condition creates an increased risk of rear end collisions, while the driver is completely unaware his or her brake lights are inoperable. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PU... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
On February 23,2025 I parked the car on our son’s driveway which has an incline at about 5:00pm. Over the next 5 hours the car moved backwards down the driveway to almost the end of the driveway where it stopped thankfully & didn’t go into the street where it could have been hit or hit someone walking past. I have the movement recorded on a ring video. I took it to our local Ford dealer to hav... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Failure of ABS module and actuator..Known problem with Prius
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
All of a sudden my 2024 Tucson gages indicated emergency braking for about 1 to 3 seconds and the front end went down as though I was stopping (scared me ). I was so happy no one was behind me. No one really behind me or to my left. Only one car to the right of me in another lane. Also, had to replace air bag at 6176 miles
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 7, 2025
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
I started my bike i then let it warm up and i went to ride it and the rear brake was fine for a few minutes and then i went to press it and then there was a barley any pressure the pedal goes al ; the way down and barley stops the bike ive looked up issues like this and it looks to be a common issue my bike only has 612 Miles on it and with it being the rear brake i believe this should be a safety... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
Not often, but at least 1-2 times a year at slow speeds, the brakes fail to function. The pedal feels odd, and unresponsive usually under 5mph parking lot type speeds. Have to place car in park in order for it to stop. Had to dealer when I first got it almost 3yrs ago but they were unable ro duplicate. Restarting the car resolved issue for the instance and it could be a year before it happens ag... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The vehicles emergency brake engages itself while the vehicle is in drive. I’ve reported this to my dealership, they say they’ve never heard of this issue. I’ve reported the issue twice. This is an obvious safety issue because the vehicle is randomly braking and coming to a complete stop while it is in drive. The brake signal comes on and there is no way to regain control of the vehicle unl... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 7, 2025
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
I was driving home from the grocery store going roughly 40 mph. I turned into a turn lane going into our neighborhood and started to press the break. Instead of breaking my car accelorated. It happened quickly, maybe 2 seconds. But it was very concerning. A warning flashed on my dash board that said, "break accelorating." I continued to push the break and started to slow down.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
ABS module doesn’t work and only 2 wheels out of 4 have brakes. The car has only 55,000 miles! All 2019-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvios have open recalls about ABS module, but mine is 2018, although the installed ABS is manufactured 2018-2023 (what includes 2019-2021 that have Recalls!). I was driving and almost killed a man who was running across the road because my brakes didn't work!!! I can't drive... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
I took my 2019 Ram 1500 to a Ram dealer on 10/21/2024 for the Anti-lock Breaking System Module Configuration Mismatch safety recall 75B/NHTSA 24V-653. There were no warning lights on in my vehicle when it was dropped off. When the dealership attempted to apply the safety recall it caused something in the ABS module to fail, and they then said I needed a new ABS module that will cost $500-$700 to r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
On February 14, 2025, my brakes went completely out in the school carline while picking up my youngest daughter. After the incident happened, I saw a light that read "Service ESC." This private elementary school is next-door to a private high school. There were students, teachers, and parents walking in this area at this time. I had to maneuver through this carline and away from faculty, students,... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 6, 2025
Incident date: Jan 12, 2025
submitting a formal complaint to NHTSA regarding unresolved safety defects in my 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Despite Safety Recall 251 issued in December 2023 for an ABS fire hazard, my vehicle continues to experience sudden loss of acceleration, engine shutdowns, and persistent dashboard warnings. Failed Recall Repairs & Lack of Transparency Since receiving the recall notice, my vehicle has bee... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
It's been 2 months and there's no fix. Ill happily accept a repair but I want a refund or another vehicle if they can't fix it. I have no ABS or electronic braking system. I've been unable to drive it for years. The part needed is unavailable and dealerships tell me it will be a software update when a fix becomes available when the recall notice says new part. I just want to be able to drive the t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
Today I was attempting to come to a complete stop as the light was turning yellow but my brakes were hard to push down and eventually I ending up passing the red light and went gliding through the street. Thankfully no vehicles were passing or oncoming. It was a very horrible experience to have, I no longer trust the car to go on freeways as I am terrified to crash.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 6, 2025
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
ABS module goes in and out, but nothing is wrong and repayment hasn't been available for over 2 yrs.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
I am having my brake pads changed at a local mechanic and when changing the pads, the mechanic was unable to change them because the rotors and calipers were rusted and the brake pistons stuck. The previous recall only considered Mazda 6 up to 2013 but my 2018 has had the same problem.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
When placing the car in park, the brakes do not engage fully or right away. The vehicle rolls before coming to an abrupt and rough stop. When shifting the car out of park, the brakes make a loud noise. This causes a potential collision, or unintentionally hitting a pedestrian.vehicle has not been inspected due to cost related issues to the vehicle owner.
TOYOTA
CAMRY HYBRID
(2011) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 6, 2025
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Brake system light keeps coming on
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
The jeep will display “power steering unavailable” while driving, causing the steering wheel to lock up and be unable to turn while driving. Then the automatic braking, collision warning, and lane departure will all announce it is unavailable. This has caused us almost to crash multiple times. We took the vehicle to Jeep, they witnessed the power steering fail while driving, and told they can ... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
Varsity Ford Lincoln is refusing to fix open recalls. My vehicle has been sitting with them for 90 days. Lincoln is refusing to help. Now the dealership in a letter is stating they are not going to fix the open recalls because I have to pay them money to fix my brakes before they'll do that in a text. They are extorting me.
Crash
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 6, 2025
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
ABS Module Failure and no replacement part available for this vehicle. After researching this issue, it should be a recall based on the highly excessive number of complaints and failures on this part. Has been ongoing for over 4 years and dealership says that Jeep Chrysler is aware of the issue and cannot get the part.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
Front brakes noisy, vehicle shudders when brakes applied. Dealership inspected at 21,000 miles, replaced brake pads and turned rotors at 22,000 miles. Not under warranty, paid out of pocket. Now Toyota admits brake parts were faulty, has new part numbers to repair the defect, but parts have been on backorder for 6 months or more. Toyota needs to recall the defective brakes, and make a remedy (upgr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
the failed component is the ABS control module. this is very common with these trucks. parts have been on back order for years. The result of this failed component is no ABS and no traction control which is a huge safety issue. the Engine fault code is C2200.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E300
(2017) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 6, 2025
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
I was traveling on highway going posted speed of 70mph. There were no cars anywhere close to front of vehicle. Car automatically braked HARD, locking the seatbelt and throwing everything in car forward. It was not a "warning" brake it was a ridiculously HARD brake to attempt to stop car. I am shocked and amazed it did not cause accident or flip. As a result of this sudden hard stop, I have ha... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
My wife was driving our 2025 Honda CRV on [XXX] when suddenly the car turned off, there were no brakes, and was unable to steer. This happened while driving - moving - She was able to stop, turned the car off, then started the car again. She parked the car in a parking garage, and called the Honda dealership in Manassas, VA. The technician told her to NOT drive the car and have it towed to t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
There was a mandate that an update be performed to address safety issues with braking. The update has been partially done which has not addressed the original issue and has created other safety issues (inability to see screen, no AC control, no rear camera, no blind spot, no emergency braking).
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
Brake system alarm. When the mechanic put the computer reader on it, it’s saying it’s a vacuum issue. This issue has been recalled on several 2011 FordF150’s, but when I look up my VIN, it says there isn’t a recall on mine
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
My car shakes really bad when driving at 75 mph on smooth highway. Others have experienced the same problem online and most users pointed the problem to the cv axle
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
This morning, March 5, 2025, while driving to work, my 2018 CR-V abruptly stopped in the middle of an intersection with no need and little warning. Thank God nobody was behind me at the time. Everything not bolted or belted down came forward immediately. After the incident I pulled into a convenience store to regroup, calm down and turn off my automatic braking system which I no longer trust. I ha... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 5, 2025
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The downhill break control (DBC) and the traction control system is is engaged and eliminated in the dash. It causes smoke or steam to come from under the hood after it is driven. This is the second time this issue has happened. I spent over $3,000 and six months getting this fixed last time. If there is not a recall on these things it should be recalled and fixed without me having to pay for it ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 5, 2025
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
As part of the fix to address a recall related to a a drivetrain defect and potential rolling issues, Kia installed software that would automatically apply the emergency brake when the car was put into park and the door was opened, and/or turned off. The problem with this fix is that once the car is off, the driver can not disengage the parking brake, thus creating an issue related to towing or mo... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQS 450+
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 5, 2025
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
We have had several issues with our vehicle from early ownership, such as, (1) signal light goes from very fast blinking to working. We have taken it to the dealership and are told they cannot duplicate the issue. It seems to correct itself when you turn off the truck and turn it back on. (2) the digital screen about the steering wheel where all all your gauges are have gone completely black. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
I sent following to Tesla I had an accident at around 6:30 PM on Sunday, March 2nd with my Tesla Model 3 and asking to see if you can conduct a diagnostic check into this incident. I was coming home at that time with the Tesla and about 100 yards from my house, I experienced a sudden acceleration with the car going from about 20mph to, I think, over 40 mph and crashed into the garage area of... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
BCI malfunction message, sudden braking, mulitple dashboard warnings lights
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
On several occasions, following update to the 2.2 S/W load to address Recall RCAK-24V405-1431, dated June 11, 2024, the vehicle braking system has been erratic with Emergency Braking System Warning lights / alarms repeatedly annunciating. I paid for the 2.2 S/W upgrade, at my cost, to address the recall requirements.
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2019) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 5, 2025
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
Vehicle is currently at the dealer along with all paperwork of service dates and repairs. My truck is a 2025 dodge ram 1500 4wd. Current mileage is 3,441. Dealer has been in possession of the vehicle since 02/19/25. This is the third time my vehicle has been to Bayshore dodge of Baytown TX. Issue with the vehicle is in the brake system. When you apply your foot to the brake pedal it makes a chirp... Read more