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 25, 2025
I have had to have the ABS and HCU modules replaced twice. This is a known issue and Fiat Chrysler is only repairing and reimbursing 2017 to 2018 trucks. Both of my repairs were at Dodge dealerships and are documented.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The car randomly reports multiple malfunctioning of ALL safety components: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, TPS, Hill Start Assist, Braking, Vehicle Stability assist After various time period, the warnings go away and then they restart at a later point. Mechanic reported a computer readout of P0301 which is a cylinder misfire detect. A misfire should not cause safety feature on the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Statement for NHTSA Complaint: I am filing this complaint regarding a 2025 Kia Sportage EX (VIN: [XXX] ) that I purchased, which was sold to me with a defective brake booster. This defect resulted in a complete brake failure, putting my safety and the safety of others at serious risk. When the issue occurred, I lost braking power, which could have led to a severe accident. After bringing the veh... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The contact owned a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, as the contact was approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, it failed to stop as intended. The contact moved to the other lane when the vehicle came to a stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone and the contact was informed that three sensors nee... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The brakes have been repaired and replaced repeatedly. The vehicle locked down yesterday 2/25/25 when the driver was headed to school to pick up the children. The car came to a complete halt and was a danger to others with a "transmission engine" warning light on the dash. This vehicle has numerous repairs in addition to being too dangerous to drive down a two lane road due to the severity of the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
We purchased our 2023 Taos in Jan of 2024. The vehicle had approximately 24,500 miles when a grinding noise began terminating from the rear wheels. At the time of appointment at Ontario VW vehicle had 25147 miles. we were told that the rear brakes were bad, at 0%, and the rotors were damaged as well. 1. Brakes on cars do not wear rear wheels first. The dealer admitted not that is not normal wear... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
Cuando venia de un viaje con mi familia y active el control crucero el carro estaba muy bien. Pero cuando lo desactive se escucharon 2 golpes en la parte del motor y cuando frene la frenada era como pulsada Fue algo rraro que nunca avia experimentado y cuando esta apagada hace un ruino como de bloqueo y desbloqueo aunque no toque la lleve
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
I was at a stop light and the light turned green, I preceded to press the accelerator, I was just starting to move forward and the, peddle seemed to take over with my assistance went all the way down and began speeding up. I tried breaking and the car just kept going and not wanting to slow down and kept gaining speed, I had to put car in neutral and turn engine off. Same day, same trip about 4 m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
I’ve had multiple issues starting with a left tail light/left brake malfunction. Took my vehicle into Sewell Grapevine and they replaced the left taillight and module. After picking up my vehicle, I began having issues with my dash within a couple days of the repair mentioned above. The assisted parking began turning on by itself when the vehicle came to a complete stop. This happened multip... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 26, 2025
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera malfunctioned, and a blank screen was displayed, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, the "Brake Fault" message was displayed while at a stop light. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
I was driving my vehicle on the freeway when all of a sudden I got a warning light that came on that said check hybrid system it looked up my brakes and steering the car completely shutdown in the middle of the freeway it happened so fast I couldn't get to the shoulder my car completely just stopped. I spoke to kia and took it to the dealership and they ended up saying because it needed a update ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Unknown, My wife was driving my 2020 Chevy equinox on the freeway when suddenly the vehicle shut down with no warning signs ..she tried to turn on the emergency lights and did not function slowly she yield to other lanes and cars honking she safely made it to the side of the freeway..she tried to turn the car and did not wanted to restart everything shutdown .she call roadside assistance..they cam... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The error lights related to the ABS, VSC braking system can suddenly come on, the antilock brakes stop working, and breaking power is greatly diminished. This occurs without warning and when it does, the brakes do not work safely and it is more difficult to bring the car to a stop. I have taken the car in to repair shops who have confirmed the issue. This malfunction produces error code C1256 and ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
My car has about 35,000 miles on it but while I was driving it, I could hear a loud, deep pumping noise coming from the lower front driver's side area. I noticed that when I accelerated from driving at a low speed (25mph) on a small residential road and then accelerated to a higher mph on a faster highway, the pumping noise would start and would make this constant loud deep pumping noise near the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
Was told by my mechanic that the ABS control module needs to be replaced. All ABS warning lights are illuminated on the dash panel cluster. He said the Ram/Mopar has an over 1 year wait for this part to be back in stock. That is insane. What scam is this from FCA/RAM? Are people supposed to drive around their truck and hope the ABS system doesn't fail and end of hurting someone because they d... Read more
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA HYBRID
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 25, 2025
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
I have some major safety concerns with my 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, specifically with the AEB. Today was the SECOND time that my automatic emergency braking came on while I’m driving down the highway at 60 mph. The first time was in November. The roads were dry, no other cars coming toward me, driving on a straight stretch, with one car a safe distance behind. My jeep went from 60 to 0 slamming ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
While driving down highway, the ABS light and traction lights came on and cruise control was disabled and brakes was catching as if applying the brakes. After stopping, tried to place the truck in 4WD to no avail. Reset the light by disconnecting the battery, but the warning light for traction came back on and then went off several times when there was no obvious reason.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
UNKNOWN I had the lane assist feature on and was taking the second lane from right to turn off to exit when the alarm went off, the wheel turned itself and it started braking. There was nothing where it was trying to avoid and actually almost had me run into another by turning me left back onto the freeway while trying to stop. It’s never happened to me before and I take that way regularly.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
Lights in vehicle stays on, collision warning disabled it self.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2025
—2016 Ram 1500 with 50,000 miles—ABS brake light and brake light came on. 2023 Took Ram into dealership to have it fixed and was told that the ABS module was out and that a new one would need to be ordered. Dealership said that they are on back order and I must pay for half of it before they order. I paid them to order it but it is still back ordered. Was told this is a common problem and shou... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
my 2018 Ram Limited 1500 ABS control Module has FAILED at 72045 miles; Dealer tried to order new one and dealer told me that NONE are available and he was told to call back March 20 and they would let him know if any available; Dealer was unable to get a new ABS module AND dealer was not able to put me on a list when new and IF new module comes available; This is a very UNSAFE condition in rain... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
With 22k miles on vehicle, car won’t start due to Brake power low fault. Battery was replaced in attempt to rectify problem with no success, vehicle will need to be towed in for repair.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2016
Honda did a software update on my vehicle tied to the recall below. The dealership stated to me that they need to replace the VSA modulator and they are claiming this is not covered since they did the software update a few years ago. I believe they are directly corollated as I don't drive the car much only have 27K miles on the car. They are asking me to the pay for replacing the modulator VSA an... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2016) - SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 25, 2025
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Truck in front had hit brakes so I had tapped mine. Went back to cruise control to maintain distance. I hit the brakes at 0:00:15 when I realized the car was not slowing down. The brakes were palpitating and fighting me the car was not stopping. I could not go right as a car was to my right and if I went left the impact would have been on my daughter’s side and another car was coming on that si... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
There was already a recall for my rear subframe that I am now getting done due to rust corroding the metal structure. However, upon the dealers inspection the corrosion is also present on the rear brake lines which cause a safety concern and are charging $4000 to replace the brake lines aside from the warranty repair. It poses a safety hazard if the lines were to fail and have heard of others havi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
Parking brake engaged while reversing out of driveway. "Service Parking Brake" message on dash and Parking brake lights on dash. Parking brake flashing amber LED lights. Parking brake not working. This is for a 2015 Jeep Cherokee, an investigation was opened and closed. Unsure of the outcome. Concerned though as I had a water leakage into the lift gate power module causing a small fire. That was r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
ABS module failed, Error Code C2200. Issue is so common that replacements parts are unavailable nationwide and have been for months. Dealership has reported that the module is under "Engineering Review" with the manufacturer and has been for over a year with the deadlines being extended repeatedly. This is a safety issue, and the truck cannot be repaired.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
While driving, the service parking brake system alert displayed. The parking brake when I entered a parking lot no longer functioned and displayed an error on the dash. The vehicle had to be repaired before the parking brake became functional again.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
I purchaced a new 2024 Chevy colorado, the truck had 193 miles on the odometer when the brakes failed. When I stepped on the brake to put my truck into gear the pedal became spongy and brakes were severely diminished. I had to force the pedal to the floor to stop the truck at idle. I shut the truck off and restarted, it continued. I called the dealer, they sent a truck with trailer to take it back... Read more
WINNEBAGO
ADVENTURER
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 25, 2025
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
REGENERATIVE BRAKING ISNT WORKING. I NEED A SOFTWARE UPDATE.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 25, 2025
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
22May2023: 2022 Kia Telluride had a complete brake failure while exiting an elementary school garage, leading to a collision with the closed gate. ABS warning lights came on and witnesses heard ABS sounds despite dry pavement and slow speed. Driver stopped car by throwing into park. CCTV captured the incident. Can send higher res but your site won't allow large files. Inspections (22-24 May 2023)... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 23, 2025
The electronic trailer brake system, anti-lock braking system, and electronics traction control system lights activate upon driving the vehicle. The cruise control is disabled when these warning lights come on as well. I've been informed by an ASE certified mechanic that the abs control module needs replacement. I've learned this is a known issue for my and similar Ram trucks and that Stellanti... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
on [XXX], we received the Tucson back from dealer from a complete engine replacement due to recall. On [XXX], our college son was returning to school from visiting a friend. He said he thought the car sounded a little different. There were no engine light warnings, so he didn't think much of it. About an hour into the trip, he started to smell gas, a few minutes later he started to smell smoke... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
I am still waiting on full OTA 2.2. I have been on 2.2.1 for weeks now with no communication as to when, or if, I will ever receive the mandated update. I drive my Fisker every day and experience the failed breaking when trying to stop on rough terrain, bumps, or holes in the road. This was supposed to be addressed in recall 24V865000. I am still waiting for replacement of my water pump from re... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
My Jeep has a failed ABS module, which Mopar fully knows was a factory defect. They have stopped making the part and now we have dangerous, junk vehicles with no fix.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The hydraulic break pump system failed, causing my brakes to go out for a minimum of 10 seconds while I was driving. It put me and my passenger at risk for collision until they abruptly came back on but weren’t working well. The vehicle has been inspected by toyota itself, and there were no warning lights until the system itself failed.
TOYOTA
LAND CRUISER HYBRID
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 24, 2025
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
My recall says that it has been repaired on December 5 2024. My truck has not been repaired I took it to the dealership on December 5th and they said they could not do anything until the recall came out. So now they will not fix the hcu cause it says it has been repaired. I have to drive a truck with no ABS cause someone made a mistake. Please Help Me [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
Brakes squeal in reverse. Loudly. Problem started after 3 months of ownership; purchased vehicle new. Toyota corporate and dealer notified. Dealer has had vehicle 3 times in the shop for the issue. Response was "No fix available." There is a TSB on this very issue for the Lexus GX550 (L-SB-0036-24). Wanted to put this issue on the NHTSA radar. This is a known issue on the [XXX]. Thank you ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE350
(2016) - SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 24, 2025
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
Brake booster and pump failing. Traction light, brake light, and ABS light all came on at once on February 23. 2025. I brought my car to a Toyota dealership the next day and paid for a diagnostic. I was told the brakes could give out at any time if I do not get the parts listed above replaced. This is a danger to me and to others on the road. I was told the parts would take a few days to get order... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
This car is not mine but someone somehow fraudulently registered it in my name. I got the VIN # from truth finder when I did a search on myself. Please help.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 24, 2025
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
I believe Volkswagen has made a recent software change which causes the brakes to malfunction when operating in the rain. The problem began after I had a software update performed by the dealer in January 2025 and manifests itself when slowing down and approaching the last mile or two per hour when stopping, and suddenly the brakes slam on causing the car to come to a jarring stop. This is specif... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
After driving through snow and letting my Telluride sit in the garage for a few days before driving it again, when I put the vehicle in drive and attempted to leave my garage there was a loud clunking noise and the vehicle didn't move for several seconds. I have also noticed that the automatic emergency brake will engage if the vehicle is in neutral and the driver's side door is open. How would yo... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2025) - SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 24, 2025
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Insight. The contact stated that while her husband was driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the automatic braking system failed to deactivate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that an appointment was scheduled with the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the fai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
1.) Recall Campaign # TSB30032401 Issue - I had to pay out of pocket for recall item totaling $280. The service provider used, Pat's Garage in San Francisco had not been informed of process to get reimbursement for recall resulting in having to pay out of pocket. As of today 2/24/25, there is no process for owners to get reimbursed either. The other issue is $175 to cover recall is not enough to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
While trying to stop on red light, I noticed break did not have enough strength and it was skidding a for second and break suspended message appeared on dash board. I went to Toyota dealership and they said if they can't replicate the problem, fee of $225 need to be charged. And I need to drive with them and due to time constraint, I had to return. I also mentioned about Toyota's voluntary recall ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
24V623: Safety Recall Campaign TSB10062408 - Braking Improvement Software Update - no work has been done. Fisker has never returned any phone calls I have made regarding service. Now service number and website are both not active. 24V499: Water Pump Failure - no work has been done. Fisker has never returned any phone calls I have made regarding service. Now service number and website are both not... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
I had a water pump go out and my battery died while fixing it but when I gave it a jump and started it my ABS and stability lights were on and haven’t turned off. It’s been over a year since they turned on. There is a recall for this on 2022 models why does it not apply to my vehicle?
Incident date: Feb 23, 2025
Unannounced OTA update on 2/22/2025 left my vehicle undrivable and no longer operational by draining 12V battery and failed installation caused partial software update making the car no longer operational. The vehicle, now, shows it is stuck in neutral and doesn’t even sift any more. OTA update was supposedly addressing below recall related issues: 24V865000 (Regen Braking OTA-2.2) 24V405000 ... Read more