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: Jan 10, 2025
This first began when we went to Oregon from dry Central Valley in California and hit rain. Multiple error messages appeared: Service Advance Trac, Check 4x4, Hill Assist Not Available, ABS, Steering Assist Fault, etc. Power steering assist was lost and is now intermittent which creates a dangerous situation. The ABS brakes made load groaning noises. I went to O’Reilley’s and used their OBD2 s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The check engine light came on and we brought it to the shop where they said the code is for the electronic brake system modulator. It is also causing the ABS to malfunction and be hypersensitive. There is a recall for the same make/model/year of vehicle, except the month before her car was manufactured. I believe this is a safety issue that needs to be looked into and that her car should also be ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact sated while driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact made a left turn and the brakes seized. The contact stated that the ECS, engine check, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brak... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
On Thursday [XXX] I was driving my new 1500 Big horn ram truck. I only had it for 6 days at that point. I started noticing a noise coming from inside the dashboard and the check engine light came on. I kept driving as usual because i figured the light would go off. All of a sudden a big metal ring the size of my palm fell on my shoe and all the warning lights came on the dash ( the brake failure l... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
I experienced an incident related to the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) yesterday afternoon. I was driving on a highway at ~40mph and as I went through a (clear) intersection, my car suddenly decelerated, jerking me forward. Thankfully, I was wearing my seat belt and the car behind me left enough room between us, so there was no impact.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
2018 Ram diesel 3500. 36,000 miles ABS and Traction Control lights illuminated on dash. Cru8ise control does not work. Dealer told me the HCU (hydraulic control unit) is defective, and thee are no parts available to repair it. I am leaving Indiana for Florida on 18 Jan 2025. That means a 1,000 mile trip one direction pulling a boat - without cruise control or antilock brakes. What can be d... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
On 01/08/2025, Time: 8:10 PM EST – Automatic Emergency Breaks applied though there are no objects, people or vehicles in front of the vehicle. My wife, [XXX] kid and I were heading back to home from COSTCO, Mathews NC. Suddenly, the Automatic Emergency Break applied without any warnings on the dashboard. Because of the sudden break, my wife got injured, she hit her knee to the back air vent. I... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
I have taken vehicle to Toyota service center numerous times and showed them what the vehicle is doing and they are telling me it’s normal. Its not normal when every bump, manhole, railroad tracks you hit in the road with your foot on the brake when your trying to slow down when the abs or traction control is activated and the car skids forward and comes close to causing a crash. When that is ac... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
HI, My 2018 RAM 3500, had had a Anti-lock brake control module light on and off about a hundred times a day for the past year, I just spoke to the Ram Service manager at Leith Ram in Wendel NC and she told me that Ram has no fix for this part, and it has been on backorder for over 2.5 years, you can have total brake failure with this part being defective, how has the NTSB not stepped in and put s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
After leaving the supercharger (car charged to 92%) I came to a stop light. The car was NOT in autopilot. I took my foot off the accelerator pedal. The car had nearly come to a complete stop when it starting accelerating again. My foot was NOT on the pedal. I tried to brake and the brakes would NOT work. I turned the car to try to avoid hitting the car in front of me while pressing on the brake. B... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
Without warning, the ABS, Traction Stability, Brake and other lights lit up and I lost braking on the highway. Luckily, I was in very light and narrowly avoided a crash. I was able to get home with far less braking power and no regenerative braking. Since then, I have researched the problem and found that this is an extremely common issue. I can remedy it for ten or twenty minutes by putting the c... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
ABS shakes when crossing over different terrains. Car does not stop as fast as it should. I am afraid for the safety of my family and other drivers on the road if I can't stop. I have brought the car to the dealer several times since I bought it new and they say they can't recreate it. The last time, they recommended changing my brakes. I brought it to a private mechanic and they said it's not the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to stop for a traffic signal, the vehicle's rear end was swerving to the right and left directions. The contact stated that the rear wheels had at moments stopped turning which made the vehicle skip and bounce before he was able to stop. Additionally, the contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
Going down the road and my breaks went to the floor, further inspection the back passenger 4 way block blew apart due to rust I looked online and there is so many of these cars the same year that this is happening to, would love to have this year and model included in the recall for breaks to get this fixed
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
When putting vehicle in PARK and releasing the foot brake it rolls back an excessive amount of space sometimes it rolls back so much we begin to get scared thinking we are still in DRIVE and jump back in vehicle just to learn we are in PARK. We have had this issue since the day of getting truck in August of 2024 and how much it rolls back is never consistent on the length of the roll back. Sometim... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
In September 2024 i was driving down the freeway and my car shuttered like the transmission was slipping. I then proceeded to get over into the right hand lane incase i needed to pull over thankfully, because then i lost use of my breaks, and then my ability to accelerate and steer. Then my car just shut off and would not stop. My vacuum pump just broke with no warning, it has been replaced and my... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
It is having the same issues like the recall for the 2500 and up for the abs hydraulic control unit. Warning lights are on and does not have cruise control, traction control, nor 4 wheel drive
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
Car stops abruptly when no objects or cars are in the road - had to push through on the gas to not be hit/cause and accident. • Seems to be (NTB19-033F). But no longer/ never active for 2019 Rogue? • Can kill someone and cause severe damage to humans and vehicles/property. • Has happened twice (June 2024, January 2025) thankfully with no crashes, but very possible. • Local dealership says... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
Rear subframe corrosion and in addition, rear break line corrosion.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
A random day the cars steering wheel light came on,the abs light came on,the tire pressure light came on,and the traction control light came on
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
While driving approximately 40mph down straight roadway without anything around, the vehicle has unexpectedly slammed on the brakes. This has happened four times to date (11/13/24 - 12/25/24). During two of the instance's lights flashed on the dashboard and indicated the front right corner sensor of vehicle. During the other two occurrences, lights flashed on the dashboard and indicated the sensor... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Got code C1391, a common issue with the Prius. Brake Booster Assembly is defective due in no part to owner/driver of vehicle. This creates a serious safety issue with braking. Traction control light, brake light, and ABC light are all on and repair is ridiculously expensive.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The vehicle gave us a service 4wd warning on my wife's way home from work. The car had numerous issues driving it home. It wouldn't move in drive, until it was put in park and then back into drive and it would automatically engage the parking brake. Once she brought it home I went to check the vehicle. I got into the vehicle, put it into reverse and backed up the driveway. Once I stopped and plac... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
My 2024 Jetta with only 14,776 miles had rear brakes and rotors that were unsafe and worn out. They had to be replaced to avoid the possibility of brake failure and an accident. I paid $453.34 out of pocket. VW knows there is a defect with the rear brakes on this generation Jettas wearing out prematurely. They are covering these parts under only certain VIN and production dates but they admit ALL ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
Hotspot on rotors.Brake pads are good. There has been a recall on this year,but not this model..
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
On 3 occasions over last month the emergency parking brake has engaged while vehicle was in motion. Twice at low speed below 10 mph and one at approx 20 mph. The incidents caused near rear end collisions on 2 occasions.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
I'm not quite sure what component was affected, some module of some sort got water in or near it that wasn't supposed to. It is available for inspection. Yes my safety and others was out at risk. Yes the problem was fixed by service center supposedly. Yes the car has been inspected by the manufacturer. There were no warnings. What happened was on 12/29 I was driving the car and out of absolutely ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
I was pulling out of a gas station onto the main road and the truck started shaking and died, parking brake came on and the battery right came on….1st incident Second incident I was baking out of a parking space and the same thing happened, truck started shaking and died, parking brake came on and the battery light lit up on the dash…. Dealership told me they couldn’t do anything about it b... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
My 2022 Acura RDX has premature wear at 22,000 miles for its front rotors and back rotors. The vehicle creates unusual vibration and noise when braking and I cannot drive it due to this noise .When I contacted the Acura/ technician they told me that new model of Acura RDX has this problem especially during cold weather and its rotos wears due to new ceramic brake pads. The cost of replacing th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
I am [XXX] old, have been driving since I was 16, and until this incident, have never been in an accident. On [XXX], I was parallel parking in my friend's quiet suburban neighborhood, as we do yoga together every Sunday morning. I reversed into the space. Then I wanted to pull forward slightly to straighten out my vehicle. As I shifted into drive, I recall hearing the engine rev. My foot was on t... Read more
Crash
HYUNDAI
IONIQ ELECTRIC
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 8, 2025
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
While driving on a clear road my Automatic Emergency Braking System applied my brakes and attempted to stop my vehicle. The brakes released and allowed me to continue. The road surface was clear. There were no other vehicle in sight in front of me or behind me. No animals were in the area. There was nothing to trigger this activation. I'm returning the vehicle today for the repair.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2007) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 8, 2025
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
I started to hear a grinding noise from the center-underside of my car about 4 months ago. I did some research and found that many BMW customers had experienced the same noise and the diagnosis was a parking brake line that drops on the main driveshaft after breaking free of the plastic support that is supposed to hold it in place. A video with sound of of the problem can been seen/heard here - ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while approaching a stop sign and driving at 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The brake service warning light illuminated after the failure. The contact was able to pull to the side, turn off the vehicle, wait a moment, and restart. The failure persisted and progressively worsened. The vehicle was not diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
The front sensor to bumper coming up to check ok at every time you start the vehicle. In-between 30mph to 50mph It hesitates and feels like it's jumping in and out, if you do a hard acceleration you don't feel it, not sure if it's through the fuel system for the transmission. Check to see if codes were coming up with the machine and the vehicle shows no codes, With heartbreaking the front will shi... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2025) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 8, 2025
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
On [XXX] I took a trip with family through Ohio from Pennsylvania. While truck was in adaptive cruise control on highway, phantom braking occurred where truck slowed down from 70mph to about 60mph 5 times. No objects or vehicles in front of truck or around truck during the braking. The weather was mostly clear overcast at times with no rain or snow. Concerned if vehicles were behind me during the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
Upon entering a light controlled intersection at a relatively slow speed (probably less than 20 mph} on wet pavement, an oncoming car suddenly made a left turn directly in front of me. I applied the applied the breaks hard and slid into the passenger side of the turning vehicle. The ABS system did not function. The air bag did not deploy. At the moment of the collision my speed was reduced and ... Read more
Crash
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 8, 2025
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The vehicle has been in the shop since day one with many many problems! The TURBO failed under warranty so they replaced it without doing proper procedures. A few months later the turbo failed again out of warranty but this time cracked the head causing damages I can not afford!! The vehicle is sitting at the dealership not fixed!! I want out of this lemon!!! I tried getting them to buy it back wh... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
New car making 65-75 db loud constant clunking noises when turning steering at stopped. 1st dealer visit, it said it’s normal because they have other of same model making same noises. 2nd visit, dealer said it’s noises from brake binding and it’s normal and showed me another car of same model making same noises. Problem is not resolved. When brake pedal is pressed, there shouldn’t be bind... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
I have my traction control light show up on the dash. Took my truck to a mechanic thinking it might be my ABS Sensors. The code came up showing I am in need of the ABS Control Module. This seems to have been recalled on many of the Ram trucks as recent as September 2024. Also doing a lot of research, this seems to have been an ongoing problem for Ram trucks 2014-2016. The dealerships currently do... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA 250
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 8, 2025
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
On our drive back from Yosemite, we began descending from Groveland, CA after leaving the Rivian charging station. Due to heavy rain, the car ahead of me was moving cautiously, limiting my speed to about 20 mph while maintaining a safe distance during the descent to Moccasin, CA. Thanks to the regenerative braking, I didn’t need to apply the brakes, as the car automatically slowed when I wasn’... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
during a hydroplaning incident on a ramp, the tesla refused to budge or give any steer. Major issue was no air bags deployed during collision.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Hydraulic brake unit failure. yes part is still available for inspection as it is still n the vehicle. I was driving to work at 21:30 hours on 1/1/2025 on a snow covered road. I gently applied the brakes and my truck went into a spin. I was going 25 mph. the abs unit failed and there was no pulsating in the brake pedal and rear brakes locked up sending the truck into an uncontrollable spin. my fro... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The brake booster and vacuum pump keep failing. I’ve replaced the booster 3 times and the pump 2 times the first time the pump went it broke off and broken pieces of metal had to be taken out of the engine. I’m making payments on a vehicle that is in the shop repairing the same issue every 3 to four months.
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 7, 2025
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The front brakes prematurely failed at 5,000 miles and this is a brand new vehicle. We had 3 miles or so at purchase (purchase date: August 7, 2024). By January 4, 2025 or so, the front brakes began making grinding noises. We had a licensed, independent shop inspect this and then replace the worn brakes on January 6, 2025. We have driven the vehicle as we have driven other vehicles and we have ne... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Received regenerative braking must be serviced notice, followed by loss of motive control. Push accelerator, would not accelerate and actually rolled backwards, multiple notification lights came on, car started to move after 5 seconds, happened again. pulled over to turn on/off car, car would NOT turn on. tried several times and resolved to get it towed. After 5 min, tried one more time to start ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
Brakes grab hard at 4 MPH. I've had to software updates from a Ford dealer. It helps for about 100 miles then comes back. Initially, the software was put in because the brakes were grabbing dangerously at a fast speed and I would often hear a loud bang. But the software got rid of that issue and now left me with the current brake issue at 4 MPH. It sometimes causes a "hard stop". I have recently b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
Car seems to be having issues with its brake function, especially in traffic or when coming to a complete stop from a distance. Also I am in fear that the issue will emerge while I am driving and I will not use the car with my 10 month old daughter.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
We have taken our 2013 Honda Odyssey several times to the shop because the brakes don’t feel safe. They seem to work fine but the brakes pedal is spongy. Keeping the brake pedal slightly pressed with the engine running, the pedal continues to sink almost to the floor. So far we have spent over $1000 for a new brake booster, new master cylinder, brake fluid flush and brake bleeding. The shop bled... Read more