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 15, 2024
Hydraulic brake booster pump abs actuator has been on a service bulletin around 2015 with a definitive timetable. I have had numerous notifications with warning lights that are indicative of the booster pump failure for more than 10 years and every time I bring it to the Lexus dealer they said it is my battery. They replace the battery and reset the computer and it repeats itself over and over. M... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
I am continuing to have warning lights telling me to service Anti Lock brake system and also the Electronic brake system. I took it to a dealership and they told me that the hydraulic control unit and the ABS module was faulty but made no attempt to resolve the problem unless I paid over $6000 for the repairs. My truck only has 122300 miles on it and it has been a constant problem. ... Read more
AUDI
RS E-TRON GT
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 20, 2024
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
On December 19th at about 5pm, I was pulling into a gas station driving at about 10-15 MPH when my brakes locked up and the car started shaking. It felt like the anti lock braking system was activated and I did not have full braking control of the vehicle. I was driving slow enough that the vehicle did finally come to a complete stop. The gas station was flat and the road appeared in good conditio... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
Breaks squeal while in reverse.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The car experienced a sudden loss of boost power and, at the same time, and MUCH more concerning and dangerous, a total loss of brake power assist. The brakes were firm (hard), but had ZERO power assist, and I could barely stop the car at idle in my driveway, much less on a highway or open road. I thank God that my son, who was driving at the time, was not in a dangerous situation when this failur... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
Brake Booster Failure. $947.45 to repair out of pocket expense. Thank God I was not injured or killed, nor was anyone else, or property damaged, as I was able to avoid a collision. There is a class action lawsuit over this defective Ford part.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 19, 2024
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Brake actuator defective
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Entering a freeway off-ramp at about 65 mph, I depressed the brakes and the brake pedal went to the floor with little resistance. Two error messages were displayed on the dashboard: "Brake System Failure - 62 MPH Top Speed" and "Service ESC". The following dashboard lights came on: Check Engine, Brake, ESC, ABS. I held the brake pedal to the floor and coasted to a complete stop at the intersection... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
I was on the exit for union turnpike on the gcp at a good 40 miles per hour when boom a whole bunch of lights popped up on the dash saying see dealer and 3 lights come on the top right. By the grace of god the car infront of me was very far and i was able to drop the car into manual mode drop gears while turning wheels slowly go into bumps and i slowed down when i came around the corner to a full ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The following information refers to recall notice 19V544000 "SERVICE BRAKES" and "ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL" (recall number same for both notices) by Toyota for the 2019 Rav 4 Hybrid: "In 2019, Toyota issued a recall for certain 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vehicles due to a faulty brake assist system, specifically related to a potential issue with the brake booster pump which could lead to brake f... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There were multiple component and system failures that were experienced. My vehicles autopilot and full self driving took over causing my vehicle to crash head on into a tree. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety and others were at risk because I had no control over my ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 19, 2024
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
My brakes seem to have an issue at times and I am happy to provide it for inspection if needed. When traveling downhill with a slight curve to a stop at slower speeds, the car lunges forward for a second just after the brakes have been engaged. It does not happen all the time, but when it does happen it feels like you could crash into a car in front of you. This issue happens 2-4 times a month an... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
This was new vehicle in the dealer parking lot with 215 miles on it. I took it for a test drive with the sales person in the city next to me on the passenger seat.I was on the interstate with adaptive cruise control on. When the electric breaks failed and all kinds of information popped up on the screen. The display screen toggled between, "Brake System Failure - 62 MPH Top Speed" and "Service ES... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
The automatic braking system will activate at various times shaking the wheel and applying the brakes. This happens when there is nothing in front of the vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated at excessive speeds. The contact aggressively depressed the brake pedal and shifted into neutral to decelerate and slow the vehicle to a stop. The failure was intermittent and occurred at various speeds. The contact’s son inspected the vehicle and determined that a fuse related ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Multiple systems failed on this unit. Trailer Brake failure—The rear trailer brake wires were discovered to be severed inside the wheel drum from the factory. For the first year of use they were inoperable. This was suspected and confirmed with a thermal camera. The tow vehicle also alarmed “Check trailer brakes” while driving. A dealer inspected them and found the wires severed. This was... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Abs ,traction control, and brake lights stay on I took it to the dealer they told me it was internal failure on the abs module I can't afford 1200$ to fix it I'm in a jeep club this is a common problem it should be recalled and fixed for free it's a safety hazard. And you lose power you can't even pass another car when all the lights are illuminated.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
My dash screen where is shows the mileage and the speed went black, which is very dangerous The horn isn’t working It always shows that the back brake light isn’t working this happen multiple times
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
This vehicle has the same issue as other recalled GMC Sierra vehicles - the brake booster pump is failing, causing braking difficulty, particularly at low RPM and after repeated presses of the brake pedal.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2021
When stopped at a red light, vehicle shut off and emergency parking brake engaged. Safety was not necessarily put at risk but other cars had to pass me as I tried to figure out the issue. Dealer cannot reproduce the issue as it's happened only twice in one year. The only warning that came on the instrument cluster was "parking brake engaged".
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
When the Vehicle is put into Neutral Tow Mode and Towed behind a vehicle while using a supplemental braking system. The Bronco's Brake system becomes intermittently Active. Causing the slightest pressure to lock up the brakes. The Same issue as reported in. SSM 51415 . The Bronco power brake system is supposed to be de activated once it is put into neutral tow mode. Thus you set the supplemental... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Horrific screeching sound while braking. Braking when going down slight hill grinds and drags when braking. Brake sound occurs after car stops in addition to the grinding screeching sound during braking. Took vehicle in to VW and they report brake pads are 8mm and no issues found but stated there is a defect in the composite of this models brakes and will notify once they get more information. Th... Read more
HYUNDAI
KONA ELECTRIC
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 18, 2024
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
While driving on the highway I had an error message pop up on the dash that said right brake light electrical malfunction and as soon as the error message popped up I saw a bunch of debris and smoke coming from the back right side of my car and the engine shut off. After sitting for some time while waiting for roadside assistance and trying to make it to safety since my car shut off in the middle ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
the brakes failed to function while I drove. I almost hit the car in front of me. the brake booster was not functioning. the engine check light appeared suddenly, but with that other messages too, and also that was safe to continue to drive with caution. Just to mention two more messages that appeared on the display were: Stability control not available and Hill descent Control not available. I h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
I have brought two new Gm pickups this years a Denali and a high county and they both been hack into they take over the brakes and steering and everything of the vehicle that’s 80000 thousand a piece truck Gm need to do something before they kill me onstar has report of them in the vehicle
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
vehicle caught on fire under apt complex carport causing extensive damage to property and 2 other vehicles.
Fire
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2011) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 18, 2024
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The braking system warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,156.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The computer control system showed low tire pressures. While the passenger’s seat was occupied, there was an abnormal dinging sound detected. The message that the seat not activated message was displayed. The contact stated that the battery drained, and the vehicle failed to start. The star... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
Vehicle start up diagnostics show multiple failures, including ABS, e-steering, emergency braking, adaptive speed control. Dealership found a problem with the right rear ABS sensor. The sensor wire harness was severed. The harness showed damage in multiple places (see photos). Besides being severed, it showed another deep cut and a place where the outer plastic sheath was cut away. The loss of ABS... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
1. brake lines corroded and broke. i see there were numerous reports sent to you and nothing was done. 2. both driver and passenger seat broke in the same spot...mercedes recognized the issue in their internal bulletins. nothing was done 3. both rear springs broke on their own. no accident. car was really unstable in highway speeds
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
While driving in the rain, the vehicle failed to decelerate and brake efficiently. There were two event this morning (12/18/24). 1. Approaching a red light with Regen braking set to lvl 3 the car failed to slow after removing my foot from the accelerator. Quickly i began applying braking force with the brake pedal, but there was no change in the vehicles speed. Finally I firmly forced the brake pe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Brake Light Switch How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Per multiple reports this could cause the car not to start or to indicate to cars that the vehicle is slowing down and preparing to stop Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance rep... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Driving in traffic. Hissing sound from brake pedal, stiff brake pedal, delayed stopping after pushing brake pedal, I almost ran into car ahead of me, unpredictable how long it takes to stop, stalled at red light, I have to push as hard as I can to stop vehicle. Bad brake booster. I can barely drive this. It’s not safe.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
Over the air date on my vehicle. It has disabled the high beams, front collision won't turn on, Am radio won't work
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
ISSUE TYPE: Safety Concern “Brakes Auto Engage When Driving At ANY Speed and Parking Brake Lever Is Raised” DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM: I inadvertently lifted up on the Parking Brake switch in center console while driving about 30mph, trying to turn off a different switch on the console. This caused the vehicle to slam-on the brakes, narrowly avoiding a rear-end collision. It is labeled as a ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
My brakes have become soft, and non reactive 3 times this year. Where normally you start braking and the brakes give resistance and slowly start braking as you push the pedal, now it feels like it releases and pushes to the floor before it starts breaking. I took it in twice already for repairs and last night the same thing has happened once again. The first incident happened around 7/13/24 the... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 17, 2024
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Brake booster failed. This is an known problem with year and model. Ford says recall doesn't apply to vin.
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
(2001) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 17, 2024
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
My brakes stopped braking but luckily I could drive slowly into a curb in my neighborhood. God knows what could’ve happened if I was on the freeway. All the dash lights came on at the same time so I ran some codes; it came back C1391 - the brake actuator is broken. Toyota will not cover it despite this being a very common issue. My car is undriveable until this gets fixed because it will not bre... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
The contact rented a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the brakes failed to respond as needed. The contact was able to steer the vehicle and ended up in a neighbor's driveway. The contact was then able to shift into the park gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact informed the Ent... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQS 450+
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 17, 2024
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Brakes they do not stop it is available for inspection , I was on the highway when the brake pedal went to the floor and I had to roll to stop and yes Jtr repair has confirmed the master cylinder and ABS SUSTEM IS FAULTY no warning it just happened and it happened about a week ago the car is currently parked
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
My brakes are not working at all brake goes to the floor
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Was driving 20 mph on a two lane road and my brakes came on for 1-2 seconds, it was sudden and jarred me forward
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after having a routine oil change and tire maintenance, the vehicle began making an abnormal clunking sound. The vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message that the automatic brake was disabled was displayed. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact called an inde... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
Was driving in traffic and when the cars were coming to a stop I was putting my foot on the break to prepare for a stop but it kept creeping forward and I’m pushing down the breaks as hard as I could but nothing. It ended up hitting the big rig in front of me. The mode of my breaks is on hold it’s always been on hold I even tried to push the parking button but it would not budge, continued for... Read more
Crash
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER VELAR
(2018) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 17, 2024
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Driving home from work 7/1/2024 approx 5:15PM Smelled burning smell, no noise or dash lights, thought it was another car. 1 minute later, heard a thump from under hood and "Charging System Failure" came on dash. Decided to take to Chevy dealer, which was 5 minutes away. Within next 2 minutes steering failed. As I came to next intersection, brakes failed, went thorough red light, luckily not hit by... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2018) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 17, 2024
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
Please read the attached file "prius complaint signed" for a full description. I am the owner of a 2010 Toyota Prius, 2ZR-FXE. The warning light came up on my dashboard of my vehicle, so I took my 2010 prius to AutoZone, to get a free diagnostic. The diagnostic indicated the problem code of “C1256” “Accumulator Low Pressure” for the “Anti-Lock Brake System.” See Ex. A (AutoZone Dia... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SE (4Motion) has approximately 75,000 miles on it. The rear driver-side brake lines failed, snapping in half, which resulted in a complete loss of brake fluid. Consequently, the vehicle was unable to stop unless the emergency brake was engaged.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound inside the vehicle on the passenger’s side when the brake pedal was depressed. The undated needed check booklet message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Hit dig mark in road caused by a plow about a half inch to a 1 inch deep by 5 to 7 inches wide while driving 15 mph down the road into work on November 19,2024 around 1:03/1:10 pm next thing I know I am upside down in my car in a ditch about four to five feet wide by 3-4 feet deep
Crash
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
abs brake system service and advance tract system fault codes/ sign shown on the dash. i was driving 40 mph at the brake peddle had no fed back or pressure and the peddle went to the floor i had to use low gear and E-brake to stop. the vehicle is currently in the auto shop waiting to be worked on.