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: Dec 23, 2024
EPB and auto hold lights come on intermittently with no user input or obvious reason. This does not occur every time that the vehicle is driven and does not have an obvious cause nor pattern. When issue appears, it may sometimes but not always be resolved by parking, then restarting the vehicle. After the issue begins, there is an audible beep and an alert/warning flashes for less than a second wi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
ABS system went down on my truck, brakes still work but no ABS system! Received no recall papers even though the truck is a 2017 Dodge Ram and 2017 trucks are under recalls.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2022
Car displays a warning stating to ''secure vehicle with parking brake to prevent it from rolling away, Consult Service." This is a common issue with at least this model of vehicle and it's shared "sister" car the Mini cooper. The Mini cooper does have an "extended warranty" to cover the repair of the faulty $3.00 spring that malforms. Here is link to mini's notification [XXX] The repair at ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
I got my car out of the shop a week ago for my brakes the car was in the shop for a month and this past weekend my car is doing the same exact thing a week later I was on I 75 also hit a semi truck
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
A bolt sheared off of the wheel assembly and got stuck between the rotor and break pad causing damage to rotor and break pad. This has since been repaired by the dealership, I am not aware if it was inspected by the manufacturer. I have pictures of the damage from the dealership. No warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. It was in the dealership 900 miles (3 weeks earlier) for an oil chan... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 30, 2024
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
Brake actuator failed with exact symptom in [XXX] Repaired in dealer and the same symptom comes back within 2k miles. It seems a design flaw that affected many lexus rx hybrid and toyota highlander hybrid cars, and likely due to air being trapped in the brake lines or brake actuator components. Air in these system is a major safety hazards. Please help to make it a recall and ask Toyota to come ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
ABS module is bad with trouble code U3000-49 ABS MODULE internal problem. ABS system is disabled and also Traction Control Function is disabled. ABS module is on Nationwide back order. This is a safety concern as the ABS system is not functioning
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The brakes and rotors need to be replaced every 3-6 months. They have been fixed at least 4 times under warranty. Every time I take the car in I get asked if I drove through the mountains because they are fried. This vehicle has never been in the mountains because I fear what will happen if it really were driven through the mountains. However, no excessive braking occurs to cause them to be ruined... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Hello, I am writing to bring attention to a vital public safety issue regarding the Lexus recall policy eligibility of 21LE01, concerning brake system issues. The current policy deems vehicles eligible for recall based on a set criterion: the vehicle must be under 10 years of age or under 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. The term “whichever comes first” disregards the importance of “m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Left the house and at about 1.5 miles while approaching a stop sign the vehicle brakes did not engage even when pushing all the way down. Resulting in a collision that landed in a corn field and jumping over a ditch. Vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic but will be heading to repair shop soon. Would like to know any information the NHTSA would like to collect during repairs to rely the i... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
ABS module failure. Been waiting almost a year now for one, but apparently it’s not a priority to Chrysler and their engineers. It’s going to cause an accident one day and when it does, Chrysler is going to be writing a fat check to your truly.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
The recall for the Integrated Braking System has been on going since February with no remedy! This is unfair to us. They haven’t offered any kind of compensation in regards to this recall either.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
No warning, the brake pedal went stiff as a board. No brakes could not stop doing 35 on a residential road. Had to coast to a stop in neutral.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2024
whilst driving, the ABS/traction control warning lights will randomly come on, then go off, and come on again. Sometimes they stay off, other times it is constant dingining as the lights appear and disappear, then re appear. when they are on the traction Control, and ABS do not work. I feel the truck is unsafe in incliment weather, or panic sitiuations that require emergency braking, or slick cond... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
In October of 2023, I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid to the laundry mat about a quarter of a mile from my home. I stopped at a stop light and all of a sudden, a warning sound burst from my dasher board. The message stated, "Hybrid Warning-DO NOT DRIVE: CHECK BRAKES". The brakes completely stopped working, the pedal was to the floor and the accelerator was stalling. After managing to get... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
When I park the vehicle doesn’t recognize that I switched my gear to park and it won’t let me turn my vehicle off and when I have my foot on the brake it feels like sponginess
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 28, 2024
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Vehicle stopped dramatically at low speed in snow while sensors were freaking out and flashing reverse breaking sensor problem. Car has been in shop for 6 weeks. My concern is the breaks auto/over corrected and caused my car to slide in snow.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The Stibilitrack in the truck went out just after 20 minutes of driving in 34 degree rainy weather at 65 mph. Found out that it was the passenger front bearing reluctor had chipped away, which is what the wheel speed sensor reads. Once one those go out, you lose Stibilitrack and ABS. I believe that this is a significant safety issue, and a poorly engineered/designed system. The rear system reads g... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 28, 2024
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
I was at a stoplight behind a Toyota Tacoma. I must have stopped around 8 feet behind it. I was not using FSD and I was not one-pedal driving. My foot was on the brake. I must have been at a complete stop for approximately 10 seconds when my Model 3 suddenly accelerated full throttle on its own and rear ended the Tacoma, directly hitting its trailer hitch, causing my car's driver-side airbags to d... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
Battery dies during vehicle update spontanteniouly. After jumoing vehicle to start it all systems will not return to normal causing brakes not to function normally. I jumped my vehicle after one system update and brakes failed to engage almost causing an acident. these vehicles should not be on the road due to the software safety flaws. GMC is aware of this and still have no fix for the problem. T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
Roll back feature on manual car. Causes disruptive driving by Engaging and holding too long causing stallouts and potential collisions. Also rearbackup camera only works <80% of time.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
I slowly turned right into a parking space, braked to stop but the car didn't stop and instead lurched, jumping forward over the parking curb and hitting a small wall. My foot was on the brake pedal the entire time. It happened at 9:00am on a clear day. I was alone in the car and uninjured. Damage to the car was extensive and estimated at nearly $40,000. As a result, car was totaled by the in... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
Here is my draft: Vehicle Information: • Make: Tesla • Model: Model Y • Year: 2024 Description of the Problem: After a software update pushed by Tesla, the AP4 computer in my 2024 Tesla Model Y shorted out, causing a complete failure of all systems controlled by this computer. The following safety-critical and driver-assist features have become non-functional: 1.Cruise Control (ada... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
I was driving my Ram up to a red light and was slowing down to come to a stop. Upon my attempt to slow down to the approaching redlight the vehicle abruptly jerked and stopped, the vehicle pretty much felt like it jumped into park on its own. The battery light came on, the brake light came on and the auto start symbol came on with this symbol (A!) The engine felt like it was going to stall, howe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
accumulators begin to leak internally, as they share the same part numbers. Therefore, the actuator will buzz every few seconds trying to keep pressure in the braking system to a safe operating level of gas pressure to no avail due to this leak in the actuator. After it quits buzzing from shutting the car off, you can hear the air leak hissing the pressure away. There are tons and tons of articles... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
Bought a 2014 Jeep Cherokee, while driving the vehicle one day it started braking while accelerating causing it to jerk the vehicle and had to pull over causing the car to completely shut off. I took it to a dealership to get two recalls fixed on it that I found out about and after getting the vehicle back from the dealership and driving it there has been poor acceleration, harsh shifting gears. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
Vehicle behaved erratically before repair and still does. It seemed a bit better after the repair but issues are still there. It lurches forward when coming to a stop and accelerates in a delayed manner, starting slow and then jumping forward. The 4 wheel drive issues system errors like overheated and function diminished. At times it just doesn't work. Systems turn themselves on. (axle lock) Thes... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
No accident involved . Warning lights pop up on dashboard. Honda diagnosed that my ABS modulator need to be replaced. I have seen many comments online that many people are experiencing this problem. Fix is very expensive and people who can least afford it are going to be driving without this problem being corrected and maybe causing accidents which could be fatal. Will provide diagnosis by deale... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
On December 24, 2024 I was driving on Freeway 5 South and all of the sudden my vehicle came to an abrupt breaking without any reason. The traffic ahead of me was of normal traffic. This abrupt breaking happened twice within 5 minutes of time span. I have notified Tesla Service Center and the service center gave me a quote of $137.50 for diagnostic and to schedule the service. I felt that this issu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
The ABS module has a fault which is preventing the ABS system from functioning resulting in increased potential for braking mishaps. The module scan shows a c2200-49 code indicating a fault in the module. The RAM dealer states they are unable to get replacement parts from the manufacturer or a non-factory party. From internet searches it appears this is a longstanding problem potentially puttin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
I initially brought my vehicle to the Tesla Service Center in Richmond, Texas, to address issues involving the motor. During this visit, I was informed that mismatched tire sizes and worn parts in the front end were contributing to the problem. The service center proceeded with repairs, charging me for the work. However, the original issue persisted after I picked up the vehicle. Despite multiple ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
To Whom It May Concern, My name is [XXX] , and I am writing regarding unresolved issues with my 2016 Tesla Model X (VIN: [XXX] ). Despite multiple service visits, extensive repairs, and approximately $8,000 in costs, my vehicle remains undrivable and presents significant safety concerns. I initially brought my vehicle to the Tesla Service Center in Richmond, Texas, for motor-related issues. I wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that intermittently, while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal odor of smoke. The braking lamp malfunction light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the failure was related to the engine, engine cooling, and electrical system. The contact received notifi... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2024
•I’m not sure what component was responsble for either the braking issue or the fire. It is available for inspection. •When driving the brake pedal had a frightening delay that almost caused 2 accidents and unfortunately my car was charging on the 24th of October which could have something to do with arching that led to my garage catching fire rendering the car unable to move or turn on aft... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
I’ve been to the Honda dealership twice. My passenger brake light is flickering and I’ve noticed other Honda vehicles on the road with the same passenger brake light out. I’ve googled and many people are having the same problem. Honda can’t seem to fix the problem because they don’t have staff. they complain. The appointment line is over booking them. I have recently been pulled over and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, new, they noticed that when applying the brake pedal there would be a loud squeaking sound emitting from the vehicle. The failure was most prominent after the initial startup and when driving during rainy weather conditions. The contact stated the noise had increased in volume over time. The vehicle was ta... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 27, 2024
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
On the morning of 12/26/24 - I stepped inside my 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and turned on the engine. The vehicle was parked in a commuter parking lot near my home to begin with. When I turned on the vehicle - I noticed a loud roaring sound when the engine turned on which i thought was very strange. Additionally I did NOT have my foot on the gas pedal at all during this time. I proceeded to place t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
The vehicle was giving a false alert about my driver's door being opened. The door was infact closed properly. During this time when i was driving when i came to a slowed or complete stop the car put the emgergency/parking brake on. This happened twice in seven days. I took the car to the dealership to look at it and it appears to be a known defect that the door latch can freeze and cause thi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, the pedal felt soft and extended to the floorboard. The brake pedal was pressed multiple times to stop the vehicle. The contact indicated that the failure was intermittent. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Camp... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
Multiple occasions the start/stop malfunction has turned on. The brakes grind and screech horribly and I’ll get breaking malfunction warning. It has been checked by vw and they state that the brakes are fine and they’ve had several come in with same issue but there’s no recall that has been issued. They stated it is the material that was used to manufacture brake parts that cause this proble... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
Break lights won't work and was almost hit by another car, changed break lights changed light break switch checked fuses and wiring everything is good
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
The brake system failed. No warning. When the brakes failed, driver ran the car into a tree to stop instead of hitting pedestrians or other vehicles
Crash
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
I am experiencing the same problem reported in NHTSA ID Number: 11587076. I am writing to let you know that this problem is not limited to the Golf R model but also affects the Golf GTI models with manual transmission. The description of the problem in report 11587076 matches my experience exactly so I will not repeat it here. An additional problem possibly related to this one is that there is ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
My abs control warning goes on and off and will not allow me to use cruise control and is constantly beeping at me.
JEEP
GRAND WAGONEER
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 26, 2024
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
While driving my 2013 Honda Accord sedan on the turnpike, I experienced a critical failure of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) modulator, which was later inspected and confirmed to be malfunctioning by a Honda service technician at South Motors Honda. This component is available for inspection upon request. As I was traveling at approximately 65 mph, the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) malfunctio... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
While driving 25mph, the brakes went out. 2 warning lights came up " service electronic stability control" followed by "service anti-lock brake system" We were able to pull into another lane and still to a stop but vehicle was not responding to brake being floored.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 26, 2024
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
WHEN BRAKING THERE IS A GRINDING/SCREECHING NOISE Upon inspection found front brake pads to be down to metal damaging rotor i was informed by a mechanic that the issue with the brakes is not normal wear and tear that it is a factory defect coz they are not wearing out equally the right side is worst than the left that in the right side theres no brakes anymore deañer says i have to pay for it i ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the brake pedal became inoperable. The contact stated the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake booste... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2010) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 26, 2024
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
On [XXX] numerous brake system warning dash lamps came on on your truck. I also noticed that once this happened the cruise control no longer works. The local RAM dealer could not inspect my truck for several days so I had an independent service center test it and he confirmed the anti-lock brake module had stopped working. I believe he also noted that error code(s) were detected. yes, it can be in... Read more