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
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) — SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 6, 2026
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
Vehicle makes a loud noise when under 65mph. Car shakes when breaking. Transmission needs to be replaced.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
On January 28, 2026, I brought my vehicle to Kia of Fayetteville for brake pads, rotor replacement, and brake fluid service. I paid approximately $900 for these services and was provided a dealership loaner vehicle. Upon entering the loaner vehicle, I discovered a loaded firearm inside the vehicle as I was gathering my items. The firearm’s serial numbers appeared to be scratched off. Law enforce... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
During the last two years with my 2017 Ford F150 XLT 4X4 5.4L, I've replaced the brake pads 8 times. I've also replaced the rotors on all 4 wheels. Each time, with less than 30,000 miles between needing to replace the pads, the front pads have worn down the entire pad at an unreasonable rate. I do not brake hard, and I drive mostly on highways without much traffic, so having to replace the pads ev... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
My brake lights suddenly wouldn’t turn on and my car wouldn’t start. We replaced the brake light switch and it worked for a short while, but it stopped working the same day almost causing several collisions as brake lights won’t turn on. There was a recall on this issue with this year and model, but my VIN number was not included regardless of the symptoms all being there. We had a master me... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
ABS module needs replacing which can lead to accidents and care unexpectedly going into lump mode. Part is impossible to get as Jeep as not produced in years and on permanent backorder. This is a safety hazard for myself and my family. Jeep refuses to issue a recall or offer a fix.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
I was driving the vehicle when all of a sudden all of the lights appeared on the dashboard.i took it in to the dealership and was told it was due to PO172 code.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
I was unaware that when I purchased this vehicle that when the oil is low, the breaks go out and the break power booster shatters. The beaks have gone out on me 2x already and thankfully I’ve only had to replace the break power booster only once. Now once the oil is changed the breaks go back to normal, there is no grinding of any sort heard, so now going forward I pay real close attention to my... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Brakes have been really squeaky and seems like a common problem for other CX90 but no fix. Steering tends to feel “sticky” when doing certain turns and locks when you’re at the max radius and won’t return back
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
While driving, the front left brake caliper detached, causing immediate damage to the wheel and a tire blowout. There was no recent brake, wheel, or suspension service (over two years). Tesla is repairing the vehicle for an estimated $2,336.41 but did not clearly identify root cause. This was a sudden brake system failure that could have resulted in loss of control. I am reporting this as a potent... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
SEE NHTSA Safety Recall Report 25V-12- It appears it should apply to both 2025 FRONT WHEEL DRIVE Chevy Equinox EVs with ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (and without Super Cruise) in addition to 2025 ALL WHEEL DRIVE Equinox EVs with ACC (also without Super Cruise). This is very dangerous. Here's what happened: My 8 month old 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV FRONT WHEEL DRIVE w/ACC(no Super Cruise) has had 2 insta... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
I parked the car to load something into the trunk. I admit I did not verify that the car was in Park, and I missed fully moving the selector all the way forward and it clicked into reverse. I turned off the car and stepped out, the car started to roll away going forwards. I was able to chase the car, hop in and stop it. No injuries or damage occurred. Cars with electronic parking brakes should ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The abs module has an internal short, yes. The abs, traction control, and trailer brakes stopped working as a result. Yes. No. The failure happed abruptly and only showed warning lights after the part failed. The failure appeared while driving resulting in reduced braking and some skidding.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
On the morning of January 28, 2026 I arrived to work and came to a complete stop in my works parking garage. I used my key card to raise the gate. Once the gate was fully raised I pressed the accelerator to drive up the ramp. Shortly after accelerating, my engine revved really loud and high rate, then my car automatically increased speed. I immediately pressed the brake pedal but it didn’t stop.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
I am reporting a safety-related defect involving unintended vehicle movement on my Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Model Year 2023, SEL AWD). Observed behavior: With the vehicle in Drive and the Auto Hold function active (indicated by the white “AUTO HOLD” indicator in the instrument cluster), I brought the vehicle to a complete stop by pressing the brake pedal. Auto Hold engaged (text now green), the vehic... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) — SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
On 12/18/2025 at approximately 73,097 miles, while driving on I-75 near Wildwood, Florida at about 75 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden powertrain failure. The engine became seized/locked, the vehicle progressively lost power, and there were abnormal/loud mechanical noises. I was able to avoid a crash, but the event created a safety risk due to loss of propulsion at interstate speed. No accide... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLA 250 4MATIC
(2021) — SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
Component/System: Engine cooling and lubrication system. Coolant was found mixing with engine oil (milky oil), indicating internal engine failure (I was informed it could be oil cooler/housing, thermostat, head gasket, or related components). Vehicle is currently at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership and available for inspection. The front left inner lining of my front break pad also "failed" ... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2019) — SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH and attempting to come to a stop, the vehicle failed to decelerate sufficiently, resulting in a rear-end collision. Upon impact, the frontal air bags failed to fully deploy, as they only partially emerged from the housing. The vehicle's front bumper was a bit scratched. The failure experienced was a malfunct... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
ABS was activating inappropriately creating a grinding/pulsating noise while I was attempting to stop at a light. The vehicle did slow down but despite the completely dry road service and sufficient stopping distance, the vehicle never came to a stop and ran into the vehicle in front of me. The vehicle is currently in the autobody shop to be repaired as it is not drivable (leaking fluids). I ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
I have been trying to get a ram dealer to fix the hcu unit under recall. All I get is no remedy available, im driving a truck with an open “ safety recall” that’s been a recall for over a year. I never stop listening to warning buzzers and flashing alarm lights.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
My abs module has an error code and I can't find the part I need.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
On November 26, 2025, while traveling in stop-and-go freeway traffic, I experienced a severe braking failure that led to a rear-end collision. Despite applying maximum force to the brake pedal, the vehicle did not decelerate as expected. Objective technical evidence from the Bosch CDR report (Case #1105768) confirms a critical system failure: Extreme Driver Input: At -0.5 seconds before impact, D... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
I was in a public parking lot and slowly approached a parking space in front of a store. When I applied the brakes to stop in the space, the car did not respond, it continued to drive forward, up the curb, crashed through the store front, and eventually came to rest mid-way in the store, amidst the furniture and store structure.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
Service Brake Assist message appeared on the dash, brakes got soft , vehicle would not stop. Check engine light came on. Dealership reported no codes were reported but the Power Brake Booster Vacuum Sensor & Hose Assembly needs replaced due to a sensor malfunction. Say it is not covered under any safety/service bulletin so we need to pay for it. Other make and models are covered under 17-NA-314, S... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
Vacuumed pump replacement oil leakVacume Brake fluid leaked into power booster Complete brake failure . Complete Brake failure while pulling 6000 lb trailer Family in vehicle . Coolant leaks, water pump,heater hoses, exaust turbos ,and blow off valve.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
"Parking Brake Fault - Service Now" warning appeared. Parking brakes locked after stopping vehicle. Dealer diagnosed problem as corroded wiring connector to left rear wheel parking brake motor. Vehicle has 41,000 miles. Vehicle was stuck and could not be moved. If this had occurred in traffic situation a crash could have resulted. Charge to repair was $600 because dealer claimed brake parts are a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
I received TWO safety recalls that my dealer has never fixed. One for the ABS System R61/NHTSA 15V-675 and one for the beauty cover R32/NHTSA 15V-431. I was supposed to be contacted when the parts were available and never was. My beauty cover has come off and my ABS system randomly turns off. I am not sure who reported that these repairs for the recalls were completed but they were not. I woul... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
On December 29, 2025, while pulling into a parking space, my Honda CRV Hybrid unexpectedly accelerated in spite of my foot being firmly on the brake. The unintended acceleration resulted in a collision with the vehicle that was parked in front of my vehicle. The security video footage shows clearly that my brake lights were consistently on during the collision. My braking system clearly did not wo... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Engine warning light went on. Replaced spark plugs and coil to cylinder # 2. Then, Traction control light indicated system off. Technician advised the need for dealership software upgrade to ABS. Dealership advised that engine block allowing coolant intrusion into #2 cylinder. Needs a new engine. And need for a new ABS module, also defective.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
Wednesday [XXX]/Phantom Braking Proceeding northbound on [XXX] at estimated speed of 35 mph. Road was clear with no oncoming traffic. Suddenly the brakes locked up and a collision notice appeared on dash. Brakes released and continued northbound with no further issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
ABS module internal electrical failure. Causes traction control, antilock brakes, and trailer brakes to fail. Brakes could lose power and cause a collision. Parts are unavailable new. No remedy available from manufacturer.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
My family and I were returning home from vacation in another state, and while we were driving on the interstate, an alarm popped up on the DTC stating ruduced engine power. I tried to start slowing down so I could take the next off ramp and could not push the brake pedal in. I had absolutely no brakes trying to slow down from interstate speed. I was able to pull into a gas station parking lot whil... Read more
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2025) — SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
The incident involved a 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer, purchased new in late February 2025. The failure appears related to the vehicle’s electrical/charging system and associated control modules, resulting in a sudden loss of critical safety systems. The vehicle was towed by GM Roadside Assistance and is currently at an authorized Chevrolet dealership, where it is available for inspection upon requ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
1. Vehicle has a horrible squeaking sound coming from the brake pedal area. First dealer diagnosed it as the master cylinder needing replacement. Noise did not go away and GM said that it is normal. The noise is not normal and has never been on any other car I have owned. 2. When reversing, the car sometimes abruptly slams on the brakes as if it is avoiding a collision even though no collision is... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
In May 2025 shortly after purchasing this vehicle I had complete Brake failure while driving down the road. I was driving approximately 65 mph when the forward collision warning, ABS warning, Brake Warning, Auto Emergency Brake warning lights came on and when I pushed on the brake pedal it was hard as a rock and wouldn't stop the vehicle. It was returned to the purchasing dealership, and they repl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Hello, since I purchased the vehicle on October 1, 2025, there have been issues regarding collison system and adaptive cruise control. When driving down the road it will try to come to a complete stop with no reasoning. It happens more often when it is rainy and night time. I believe the collision system is conufsed with oncoming traffic and it thinks they are on my side of the road but they are n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
C4B 2017 Ram D2 DD DF DJ DP Hydraulic C / Not Available We are at Risk everyday Yes Confirmed Recall and Problem Yes inspected by Ram Dealer & CarMax The warning lights and the noise constantly goes off and they’ve been happening since a few days after we purchased the vehicle and the dealership that we purchased, the vehicle knew about the problem and never fixed it until this recall which t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
I have taken my 2017 F150 to Sunrise over a period of 3 years to ‘fix’ the downshifting issue on the engine. I was constantly told I was imagining things. Then the dealer kept my truck for 3 months while is was supposedly fixed according to a recall sent out in 2022. The problem was not corrected. Then in 2025 another recall was issued for the braking system and the emergency brake light comi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Was driving to work passenger front wheel locked overheating brakes and smoking had to have towed to jones ford in Shalotte North Carolina today
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Polestar Polestar 3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH in a parking lot, as he depressed the brake pedal, to slow down the vehicle did not slow down. The contact stated no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped a curb and ran over some shrubbery. The contact stated that the passenger side front and rear doors had scrape... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
I have been in need of a repair for the C4B recall for well over a year. My truck is unsafe to drive. No ABS, no traction control, no cruise control. I also cannot use 4wd with this issue. My truck has been undriveable for this time frame.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
The Ford dealer performed the Recall 21/v202 and the ABS light stays on.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
During a recent incident where a tire issue caused damage to the wiring harness for the parking brake, resulting in a Parking Brake Failure notification on the screen, the vehicle would not stop or turn off. The vehicle displayed N for neutral on the dash, but the vehicle would drive forward unless the brake was depressed. In addition, we were unable to place the vehicle in Park, which meant tha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Reporting multiple safety-related defects on my 2024 Mazda CX-90. Steering system: At approximately 5,000 miles, the vehicle developed abnormal steering behavior, including inconsistent steering response and abnormal feel during normal driving and turning. The condition affected my ability to steer the vehicle predictably and raised safety concerns, particularly during low-speed turns, parking ma... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) — SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
The one pedal driving / regenerative braking would randomly deactivate. I have my car set on high one pedal driving. 99.9% of the time, the one pedal driving would work as expected with the car slowing down as the accelerator is released. However, the car would randomly deactivate one pedal driving, so when I release the accelerator, instead of slowing down or stopping, the car would continue goin... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2016) — SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
ABS module failed and showed the warning lights. It happened ? years ago and I took it to dealership but still can not get the part to have repaired. This has affected the anti lock brakes, traction control and disables the cruise control. I have lost control coming to a stop light during a rain but luckily didn't hit anything during the slide. Hard to believe that they don't have a fix for this y... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
I was pulling into my garage with my foot on the break going very slow, all of a sudden the jeep jumped forward smashing into my garage wall into the family room. Filed a claim with insurance company for both damage to car and damage to home. Claim number for car: 26-01382 Claim number for home: 26-01383
Crash
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
The slip notification, abs, and brake lights turned on while driving on the highway. The brakes then became very stiff and the vehicle did not brake as fast or as well as it normally does without the lights.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
Collision warning randomly activates when driving while no vehicles or objects are around. This has been ongoing, but this last time emergency braking activated extremely hard and would had caused a collision if there was a vehicle following as vehicle almost came to a complete stop on a 75 mph highway.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
The vehicle experienced intermittent electrical failures, including screen blackouts/reboots during startup and while driving. These events affected visibility of vehicle information and settings. The drive mode selector malfunctioned, limiting the ability to select Eco, Normal, Sport, or Off-Road modes. Drive modes directly affect throttle response, braking behavior, and vehicle control. On mul... Read more