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: Mar 30, 2017
The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) is malfunctioning and causing the ABS light, Electronic Stability Control and other warning lights to be triggered. The failing HCU initially resulted in loss of ABS and traction control. There has been a recall of 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 & 5500 trucks and the recall addresses a defect in the hydraulic control unit (HCU) that could lead to the failure of th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
Constant service electronic braking system and service ABS warning lights, loss of all traction control. It started as a intermittent loss of of these systems and now it is a total loss. There is nothing I can do to make it go away or function correctly. I took it to the dealer to talk about the recall and asked if I could go ahead and pay to have the replacement parts installed and they told me e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
I APPROCHED A CONTROLED INTERSECTION WITH NO TRAFFIC VEHICLE STOPPED ON ITS ON VEHICLE DISPLAYED SECONDARY COLLISION BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUCTION SEE THE DEALER
MERCEDES-BENZ
REDUNDANT EQE 350 4MATIC
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 31, 2025
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
I had the ABS recall repaired 3 years ago when Ram was refusing to acknowledge this as a defective product. I paid for this repair. Under the recall I'm elgiible for reimbursement but the company is refusing to reimburse me for the repair after I sent them an invoice showing proof of work and my payment. This can't stand. Please force them to issue a refund for the $100 I am owed.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
on [XXX] I was driving home with my wife & [XXX] baby, in what I would describe as standard wintery mix of weather - rain, but not yet cold enough to be snow. My 2019 CRV EX-L alerts me of the following message: "Some Driver Assist Systems Cannot Operate: Radar Obstructed" As I've had this car for years, I've seen this message pop before, but as I had no plans of using any Driver Assist feature... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
Put new brake pads on car still having same problem brakes work fine most of the time. Then every now and then brake pads goes to floor (squeezy)then next day back working fine this is going to cause a accident.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
Defective HCU. 2015 Ram 3500 single rear wheel 4 wheel drive with 40,000 miles. ABS light, ESC/Traction Control codes and dingers started in 2020 at 28,000 miles. DTC code indicates defective HCU. Several dealerships have been unable to address repairs due to updated parts unavailable from FCA. This vehicle with known defective braking system has been restricted to local errands for 4+ years for s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
The brake pedal was soft and sometime would go to the floor. The dealer has changed the master cylinder, the booster, and now the abs module.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 31, 2025
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
On five separate occasions across two separate drivers, we have experienced a partial brake failure in this vehicle. We strongly believe this to be a software defect and not a mechanical fault. On the e-Tron, the first portion of the brake pedal swing typically activates the regenerative braking. About mid-way through pressing the pedal, it changes to "real" mechanical brakes. When this brake fail... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
i got abs warning on the dash board, anti lock brake warning, sbc warnings, brake shop warnings...messages, brake pedal travels to the floor,. not stopping the car at the least.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
significant brake noise issues (grinding, squeaking, and gurgling sounds). it does feel inconsistent braking. This issue is a constant driving problem every day. I requested a car inspection at Kearny Mesa Volkswagen (8040 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111). They stated this was normal for this car (Atlas), and I just needed to brake harder. This is not normal to be driving with this issues and... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 30, 2025
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler has been inspected by two different dealerships 6-7 times, and I have submitted four cases through Jeep Wave, including a request for a buyback. While driving on the highway or on city streets, the vehicle experiences a speed reduction to 5-10 miles per hour, with a stiff steering wheel and hard brakes. Warning messages appear, including: "Engine Light," "Service Transmissio... Read more
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 3
(2025) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 30, 2025
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The co... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
I bought my 2022 Kia Niro EV new in 2022, and around 40,000 miles, I had a problem with the reduction motor so I replaced it, shortly after that I had a problem with the wheel so I replaced a part called the axle, and shortly after that, the other wheel had the same problem so I replaced the same part, and the Kia employee said that this part only breaks if there is a strong impact (traffic accide... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
Egr coolant leak in the first 70k miles of driving the car this has been causing my check engine light to turn on and the problem is 'discovered' when the part is no longer covered by warranty.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
ABS module is leaking brake fluid due to a brake line/module threading issue. The truck is new (purchased 12/30/24, but delivered 1/6/25. It has been at the dealer since 1/22/25 with no eta for a replacement ABS module.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
I have a 2017 Yukon. There is a recall on this model already for a vacuum pump that decreases the power brake assist. My vehicle is having this exact issue. The back tire sounds like the compressor is always running and when braking it grinds at the pedal like a vibration and doesn’t want to stop immediately. I need my vehicle added to the recall list so I can get it repaired.
TOYOTA
CAMRY HYBRID
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 30, 2025
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
Unable to get a recall remedy vehicle has been undrivable since November . With no ETA on when part will be available.
CHEVROLET
MALIBU HYBRID
(2019) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 30, 2025
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The front brakes and possibly the rear as well judder when applied at moderate and higher speeds. The sensation is disconcerting as though the brakes are prematurely failing. Malfunctioning brakes are obviously a safety issue. This is an ongoing problem and shouldn't be happening on a gently used, well maintained vehicle. It has been happening consistently and worsening for at least the past year.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
parking brake light blinking and vehicle would not drive forward or reverse.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
While on highway, wipers, lights and horn began on their own. Then car shifted to neutral and brakes failed. I was going 70 miles per hour. I was able to get off the highway and have the car inspected by a licensed mechanic. It is the electrical computer or TIPM. The car is unable to start. This issue is a very dangerous safety issue.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Car automatically brakes when there is no obstacles and sometimes no other vehicles in roadway. Most of the time when approaching a bridge. Usually travelling at speeds above 50. Hasn't been inspected by dealer. This increases risk of rear end collision. The light saying to brake comes on prior to the brakes engaging. This has happened multiple times during ownership of this vehicle (purchased new... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
Front brake handle frozen, cannot squeeze . This will not allow me to operate mt front brakes.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
On several occasions while in reverse the car braked hard and violently for no reason. This caused a sudden jolt to me and the passengers endangering our safety. Also, this condition can cause an accident if I’m trying to back up to avoid a collision and the emergency braking system does not allow me to do such. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else and no warning lamps messages or o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
The brakes on my 2017 4WD Lonestar Ram 1500 have been malfunctioning intermittently over the past few months. When depressing the brake petal, three things happen at once; the brake petal pulsates up and down, the ABS and "Service Electronic Braking System" lights illuminate on the dash, and I can hear a loud, gurgling sound. While researching the issue online, I noticed that a recall for the Hydr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
vehicle engine codes were all corrected properly in hopes of fixing the stalling issues. the vehicle was seemingly better for a few days. upon driving the vehicle on the highway at normal highway speed, the vehicle suddenly began flickering and shutting off and on. the vehicle would shut off and on rapidly. each time the vehicle turned back on it would accelerate causing the vehicle to jolt forwar... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
While driving suddenly the ABS and vehicle traction lights came on and the car became very slippery, was unable to stop without an excessive amount of space between the car in front of me and me. While looking at the car, I realized the actuator brake booster pump. I then found multiple websites and forums dedicated to people with the same problem ( brakes suddenly not functioning correctly while... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
Unknown braking while no objects in front or behind the car. Warns lane departure too late after you crossed halfway through the lane.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
An Electrical Malfunction has caused several safety issues causing the car engine to idle and have "drive system malfunction" The warning system being displays on the dashboard has show not only cooling issues but issues relating to the brakes and overall engine making the car unsafe to drive. The Audi Pre-sense system engages the brakes while driving a varies fast speeds usually while on the hig... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
I purchased a brand new 2024 santa fe xrt back in March of 2024. And around December my front end started shaking and I had bad vibrations in my front in when I was finally able to get it into the hyundai dealership in January they told me it was my front 2 rotors where warped my vehicle only has 13k miles and shouldn't have rotor issuses. Even though it was covered under warranty all the dealersh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
"While driving on the highway, my new Mercedes GLE450e, it suddenly stalled, and a 'turtle' symbol appeared on the dashboard. This indicated that the vehicle had entered 'limp mode.' At that point, I lost acceleration and had minimal power, making it difficult to maneuver safely. The dealership claims they have fixed the issue, but I am reporting this as a safety concern in case it affects other v... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2019) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 29, 2025
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
The rear brake pads are worn down metal to metal with only 26,000 miles on my vehicle. The front pads are still brand new. I purchased the vehicle brand new.
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
Brake fluid began leaking onto the ABS actuator circuit board and created an electrical fire. This melted the engine harness and the connector to the abs module. This was confirmed by dealership technicians at Sewell Infiniti - Dallas. Dealership informed me they could not fix the vehicle because the part needed to replace (affected by a different recall), was discontinued and made me tow the ve... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
brakes are difficult to press (VERY HARD)
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel failed to move as intended and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving at a slow speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the pinion steering gear failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle... Read more
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 29, 2025
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
Vehicle was stored in a closed garage prior to operation. I started the vehicle and began to back out of the garage into the driveway. After approximately 3-5 feet of movement backward, several yellow warning icons illuminated on the dashboard and the vehicle's brakes stopped functioning. The vehicle free-rolled several feet down the driveway. After about 1 second, the vehicle brakes engaged, ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR MONDAY AND I ALMOST CRASH WITH THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THE BRAKES DOESNT WORK AND THEN IN THE PANEL START LIGHTS OF THE ENGINE THE SUPENSION LIGHT AND SIGH SAYING BRAKE ASISTANT, THE CAR IS PARK BECAUSE THE BRAKES AND I LOOK FOR RECALLS AND I CALL GMC AND THEY SAYS THAT I DONT HAVE ANY RECALL BUT I ALMOST DIE MONDAY BECAUSE THE VACUM PUMP FOR THE BRAKES FAIL AND ALL THE LI... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
My car had an unintended acceleration that caused me to go in a ditch and hit a tree. I could not get car to stop when I realized it was increasing speed. It all happened very fast. My car was totaled. All airbags deployed. front right side of car was completely destroyed. There were no warnings. My insurance company has the car on their tow lot. I have sprains and bruises on my right side and... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
Dear NHTSA Team, I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2010 Toyota Prius (VIN: [XXX] ) due to ongoing brake system failures. My vehicle is affected by Safety Recall D0H (Brake Booster Pump Assembly – Accumulator), but Toyota refuses to replace all necessary components for a proper repair. Issue Summary: •My brakes have intermittently failed, requiring excessive pedal pressure and causi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
Approximately 2 months ago my brake booster and accumulator pump failed looked up recalls on this issue my vehicle falls in the recalled model year was wondering if it is just overlooked because it has not had any problems with it in the past only 76000 miles on vehicle due to low mileage I believe it should not have failed it has a internal leak had vehicle scanned code C1391 was detected for ab... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
2024 Honda CR-V VIN [XXX] Phantom Braking Car has experienced phantom braking numerous times since March 2024 when new. Initially occurred within one week of driving the new vehicle. Did not report it to dealer at first as we thought it was something that we were doing, or some sensitivity that the car typically exhibited. At random times car decelerates quickly as if pressing on brakes, or losin... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 29, 2025
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
Drove to a residence to make a delivery. Turned truck back on and went to back out of driveway and the truck started shaking very violently and could not turn truck right or left. Chevrolet technician is stating the power steering pump fell apart sending metal through engine.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Traveling at 70 MPH on [XXX] in traffic, the vehicle suddenly lost power and I was forced to unsafely maneuver to the shoulder of the road as the vehicle decelerated through the traffic. As soon as I stopped, the vehicle lost all power. I had difficulty engaging the parking brake as I was on a hill and the vehicle started to roll back. The brake pedal did work so I could stop the car but I could n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
The 12-volt battery for the vehicle was depleted, so the vehicle had to be jump-started to run. I work for a repair facility (it was here for collision repairs, as far as I know unrelated to this issue) and since I was unfamiliar with the vehicle, I inadvertently turned it off before shifting into park. When I took my foot off the brake, the vehicle began to roll forward. I am not sure if the ve... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Was driving in reverse out of garage and ABS brakes were applied like I hit a patch of ice stopping the car. Released when applied pressure to brake. Then while on highway going 60 miles an hour the emergency brake system went on for no reason applying pressure and red light came on the dash with a left facing arrow. System released within a few seconds but scared me and I still have to drive thi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
The brake pedal is way to close to the gas pedal, when I apply the brakes I often hit the gas pedal causing the car to jerk forward. I have reported this problem to BMW and to my local dealer. I took the car to the dealer and was told the car is fine. I have been driving for 40 years and have never experienced this problem nor have I ever reported a problem. However I am experiencing this probl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
We have had several times where we are on highway and our truck like slams on the brakes causing us to lose control. It was a recall on it and GMC fixed it and within the same week of them fixing it it happened 3 times back to back. Making my truck to force another car to steer out of my way and actually went off the highway. Thank god it was just dirt snd he didn’t get hurt or anything. But I a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
My truck is a 2017 Ram 2500 and is experiencing the same issues as those included in NHTSA Recall No. 24V-896. However my truck was produced before the April 1, 2017 range listed. I have replaced the HCU as recommended by the dealer on [XXX] at my own cost and this did not resolve the issue. The dealer says the control module is faulty, but Chrysler will not provide the part as they say the HCU... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
I was driving when m ABS system errored failure as I was preparing to haul horses. I completely lost traction behind. Accordingly my truck is now completely unsafe.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
ABS system is lighting up on the dash clusters. Have the problem checked by the dealer in November and they are unable to make repairs until inspectors make approve the part.