Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 77,487 complaints — component: SERVICE BRAKES
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
while moving in reverse, the vehicle automatic breaking system engages on and off giving a jerking movement of the car and makes you feel like you hit something. Once the vehicle is placed into Drive mode the same thing happens with the breaking system. because of this the check vehicle lights come on and gives a "Hill start assist warning" also "Pre-collision Assist Not Available". Also all whee... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Vehicle: 2023 Nissan Kicks SR Incident Detail: On April 1, my son was involved in an auto accident. According to my son, he was traveling at approximately 20–30 mph. Upon approaching slowed traffic, my son applied the service brakes; however, the vehicle failed to decelerate or stop. To mitigate the impact, my son veered to the right. Despite this evasive maneuver, the front-left side of the N... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I just drove into a parking lot at First United Methodist Church parking lot. [XXX] ng a parking space very near. Driving into the space, applying brakes like I’ve done for the last 12/13 years….the car would not stop. I applied the brakes fully down to the floor( which I’ve never had to ever do at any time) the car kept going..rolling on. My husband the passenger told me” STOP”. I did... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Trailer Brake controller in vehicle does not work correctly. On the Radio, it is supposed to have brake type (heavy electric, heavy over hydraulic, light electric and light over hydraulic) and I am supposed to be able to save up to 4 trailers. Problem is I only get light electric only. I cannot change the brake type nor can I save the trailers. It is greyed out. I am scared to pull a trailer due t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
I have a recall on my Acura 2017 ILX. I called Bergstrom Acura Appleton in Wisconsin to make an appointment. Ashley said it would take about 2 hours. Trying to get a loaner car out of her was like pulling teeth. A week before service would have taken place, she called back and said that there was a diagnostic fee with the recall. I tried to retrain her about manufacturing problems are the dealersh... Read more
JEEP
WAGONEER S
(2025) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 3, 2026
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
1) Keyless entry/auto lock/unlock has been an issue since we leased the car, and it remains. CarPlay maps on the dashboard are not in sync with reality (even on the short ride home) often displaying the steering wheel icon and/or “0 m” directions that make no sense with the reality of where I was driving. After a brief stop on the way home, I turned the car on and the emergency brake initiated... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Since I purchase my vehicle I have had to continuously replace my tires on the front. Going through my carfax acct I came across some recalls that showed up that I had no idea of the car may had which was prior to purchase from the dealers. I would think that these issues were fixed prior to reselling. I recently had to pull over on the freeway due to the tire making noises then realized that the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Taillights holding water/condensation and making lights go dark.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
This vehicle qualifies for a repair under T-SB-0024-19. However, this TSB expired in 2023 but the defect and responsibility shouldn't. The car didn't qualify for the repair before the TSB expired, but does now. Because the bulletin was issued and Toyota as acknowledged the repair is needed I have asked them to cover the repair as if it was prior to expiration date. Without the pricey repair, t... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2016) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 2, 2026
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
I tried to stop my car and the brake pedal went completely to the floor and did not stop at all. There were no warning lights on, I keep my brakes and car well maintained. My car hit the rear of another car because the brakes failed to engage when I pushed the pedal down. My car which is the vw jetta was totaled in the accident. My insurance company GEICO has the car sitting at copart and it shoul... Read more
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
I am having a high voltage system box fault. I am within warranty but the dealership is denying me. My in service date is 6-2016.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2024) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 2, 2026
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
I am reporting a possible safety defect in my 2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid AWD, VIN [XXX] . The vehicle intermittently surges, lurches, or creeps forward while I am pressing the brake pedal and attempting to slow or stop. It feels as though the vehicle briefly adds power or braking force momentarily decreases even though my foot remains on the brake. The sensation is not normal creep alone; it feels... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
When decelerating/braking there is a knocking in the rear of the car. It has gotten progressively worse. Had the dealership check it out but found nothing wrong. They didn't drive the car.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
The vacuum pump. This vehicle was inspected by Dunn Tire. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. The safety issue that occurs is the loss of power assist to your brake system, and if not repaired, can impact the camshaft or the oiling system. (Please see attachment).
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
As I went to reverse to pull out of a parking area, the truck accelerated, I applied the brakes and the truck continued going dragging the front tires at one point. I decided at the last min to attempt to put the truck in neutral or park and at that time it was stopped between two trees. This could of been very bad if my kids were in the yard playing or many other scenarios. The 2024 F150 is sti... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
I was driving my 2022 BMW X5 on the highway at approximately 78 mph when the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly applied the brakes without any obstruction or vehicle in front of me. A warning appeared instructing me to release the brakes while driving. This created a dangerous situation and could have caused a rear-end collision. The vehicle has approximately 34,000 miles. This appears to be a malf... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
ABS light keeps coming on and off. The 4WD keeps going on and off and the cruise control and traction keeps working then not working. There is a recall for other year models for the ABS system that basically is exactly what’s happening with my truck. I am worried that it will go out and my truck will stop and cause and accident which almost happened today. This should be a recall alongside those... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
Trailer brake system malfunction causing truck to lose trailer braking abilities. Instrument panel showing trailer disconnected message. Issue happens with all trailers connected to 7 pin connector, including fifth wheel.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The brake booster has failed and seems to be a common issue with this model vehicle for Toyota issued an extended warranty, but I am passed the date and they are unwilling to do anything. Due to the malfunctioning brake booster. The car is unsafe to drive the too expensive to repair.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2024) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 2, 2026
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Brakes are constantly grinding and squeaking Seat belt sensor has an issue - Seat belt noise will continuously go off if no one is sitting in the seat If you give the SUV more gas going uphill then it gets stuck in that gear, which means there is a transmission issue. Car also randomly jolts The safety of my family is put at risk each day I drive the SUV. The dealer has not confirmed the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
About two weeks ago my truck popped up a message asking if I had installed new brake pads. When I selected no, on my Home Screen, where I can see the systems of my truck the front bake wear indicator no longer showed a percentage. When I inspected my brake pads the front outer pads still had a good amount of pad left, but when I checked the inner pads they had been severely worn down compared to t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Asymmetrical wear on the front brakes. The outer pad wears out completely while the inner pad( with the brake wear sensor) shows almost no wear. The dealer (Park Place Acura, Plano Texas) brought this to my attention on November 3, 2025 saying only the front pads needed replacing but did not disclose the asymmetrical wear. I took the vehicle back to the Dealer January 15, 2026 for repair after dis... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2008) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 2, 2026
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
after Harley Davidson performed the recall, the brakes are now lock up due to deposits in brake hydraulic control unit making the motorcycle unsafe to ride. they are stating this is not part of the recall, in the first paragraph of the recall it states that that is the problem that happens from the defective brake fluid. This is exactly why the recall is out there, they had me using defective brak... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
2014 Toyota RAV4 AWD XLE purchased June 2025. Multiple pre-existing safety defects confirmed by dealership personnel were never disclosed at time of sale. POWER TRAIN: Torque converter failure — vibration documented at pre-sale inspection, never disclosed or diagnosed. Axle bracket corroded so severely it was fused to axle and required cutting off — confirmed by service advisor on recorded cal... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2013) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
After having the ABS recall fixed a while back all of the lights came back on about a week ago. There has been a loss of oil meaning i have been adding oil in between oil changes at least once a week, there has been smoke coming from under the hood and if you run the heat or air you have to have circulate cabin air button pushed or it pulls the smell inside the car and it is overwhelming. The smok... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2021) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Vehicle: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Issue Type: Electrical System / Loss of Power / Braking System While operating my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L on Interstate 40 at approximately 70 miles per hour, with two minor children in the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly and without any prior warning began to rapidly decelerate, despite continued pressure on the accelerator pedal. At the time the decelerati... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
I was told by a mechanic that something electrical is wrong with the vehicle it causes the engine to misfire. Different issue than before.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
While driving a chime rang with message “low brake fluid”. Immediately noticed brake pedal soft and braking dramatically reduced. Was able to stop the vehicle close by gas station. Purchased 2 16 ounce bottles brake fluid. The reservoir was almost empty and I put in 16 ounces. Brake warning message was gone. Proceeded home which was 5 miles away. As I neared home warning returned. Once home I ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
I got the recall notice last September 2005 and until now, there's no fix in sight. Ford hasn't contacted us or any notice. It been a while since I'm not confidently using my car due to those recalls. Can this be expedited? It's almost 7 mos without any progress. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN!
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Parking brake pad failure has occurred twice. Last month at 31,668 mi, truck was taken in for servicing a warning light due to TPM failure (all replaced), and I asked for parking brake inspection because I was pushing pedal to the floor in order to engage. Mechanic said "Left rear prkg brake shoe has section missing." He had never seen that before and I exclaimed that it happened first in Apr 2021... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Brakes making a humming noise and loud noises when reversing. Have taken it to the dealer two times already, have had the car less than a year, and the dealer claims there is nothing they can do.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
My 2017 Ford Expedition is currently at an authorized dealership (Arlington Heights Ford, IL) for a failed transmission lead frame (DTCs P0706, P0707, P1702), which causes intermittent loss of gear engagement and sudden shift issues. This specific part is subject to NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA26001. Ford is refusing to honor the 10-year/150000-mile extended coverage (Program 19N01 Supplement 4) ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
ABS module has failed and there is no end in sight on the backorder, so many owners have the same issues so finding a part is almost impossible, there is a current lawsuit going on for the newer model rams because of similar issues so I guess they are focused on trying to fix those so there are no resources to get trucks like mine repaired. Nobody knows when or if ever we will have replacement par... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The parking brakes were engaged and would not release / yes, it is available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was in traffic stopped at a train track and could not move. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I am reporting a serious and ongoing safety issue with my Ram 1500. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents of complete power loss while driving, including at highway speeds. During these events, the vehicle abruptly shuts down without warning. The dashboard lights illuminate (including the battery and check engine lights), followed by total electrical failure. The engine turns off, the rad... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
"Between 12,000 and 13,000 miles, the parking brake pedal on my 2023 Dodge Charger began dropping to the floor with no physical resistance. It would fail to engage unless I rocked the vehicle back and forth. During an inspection at 14,000 miles, the dealership discovered the parking brake shoes had completely ground down to bare metal. During this entire period, the vehicle’s active audible safe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
After parking the vehicle, when returning to the vehicle the parking brake would not disengage. The computer reported Parking Brake Fault Service Immediately. Vehicle was not able to be moved and required a tow to the shop as a result. The vehicle is currently being serviced, but speaking with the dealership this is somewhat of a known issue. There were no symptoms or warning signs prior to this.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Date: April 1, 2026 Subject: FINAL NOTICE: Repeated Safety Failures and Demand for Buyback – 2024 Dodge Hornet (VIN: [XXX] ) To [XXX] Autoland, Management and Stellantis Customer Care, I am writing to formally document a persistent and life-threatening safety defect regarding my 2024 Dodge Hornet GT, purchased on December 21, 2023. As of today, this vehicle has become a liability to my... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
STELVIO
(2018) — SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
While driving normally one day, all the brake lights on the dash came on and my stopping power was diminished. I pulled the trouble codes and the only code was C1391 which indicates an "Abnormal Leakage in the Accumulator". This is a major safety concern and a costly repair if left to the customer.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
High voltage system error has flagged and been fixed multiple times starting in early January of 2026. Car randomly warns and breaks in the middle of the road because it sensed something that wasn’t there. Luckily no wrecks have occurred. Both CV joints have a loud clicking noise that the Honda dealerships knows about but has no fix for. I currently have an appointment for the dealership to look... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
My SUV pulls hard to the right when braking at speeds above 50 mph and much more on the interstates at 65 mph and above. I first experienced this after three weeks of ownership on a drive up I-95 on a trip to NC. It has happened numerous times while traveling on the interstates and has almost caused loss of control when having to brake hard when cut off by another driver or traffic suddenly coming... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
My 2023 Lincoln Aviator has a grinding noise when I back up. Also a rattle has begun at all speeds. I had vehicled check and the axles were found to be totally rusted. Prior to having it towed to the detail i did some research and found the following -- A 2023 Lincoln Aviator recall regarding a "rusted" or breaking axle generally refers to a serious issue where the rear axle bolt can fracture, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
Main Claim **Subject: Vehicle Malfunction Incident Report / Claim** I am writing to report a serious and unexpected issue with my vehicle that occurred on Sunday, March 29, 2026. I purchased this car in mid-December 2025, and it is still relatively new. For context, the vehicle’s brake hold function was turned on, and everything appeared to be operating normally before the incident. On the day o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
Got in a serious accident due to the crosswind assist malfunctioning totalled car and got tickets for bad driving when it wasnt my fault the car took control and I couldn't halo what happended - they arrested me thinking i was drunk (dont drink) it was a nighmare help!!!! I have court 4/29 - this is very time senansative!
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I would like to file a complaint against Jeep. I drive a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE with 16,000 miles. While driving to the Store, the electronic parking brake engaged while driving. This caused braking system damage. Jeep / Manufacturer are refusing to reimburse me. The total cost was: $9,129.26. This effected the Actuators, Brake Calipers, Rear Rotors, and Brake Pads. This is not norma... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
My 2025 Audi RS3 unexpectedly shifts into park and engages the electronic parking brake while the vehicle is in motion at low speeds. This issue has occurred multiple times, has been documented on at least nine occasions, and has undergone four (4) separate service attempts within the first 900 miles. The issue remains unresolved. On multiple occasions, the vehicle became immobilized in active t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
My drive motors keep failing (so far 3 times) and my emergency braking abruptly stops my vehicle when no true danger is present and I’m in complete control of my vehicle. Currently my vehicle has a constant shuddering while braking which doesn’t feel safe because it’s not braking properly. Audi regional and the dealership refuses to take ownership of the issue. Dealer has confirmed issue and... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
The vehicle stalls or shutdown while my foot is on brake or waiting at a red light.Unexpectedly and randomly. On rainy weather days it is more extreme.Sometimes your foot doesn’t have to be on the brake for it to happen.But when if you’re slowing down,before you brake, it will stall. A message will come on the dashboard about a system not being available. Vehicles will nearly rear end me somet... Read more