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: Apr 1, 2024
When I was pulling out of the gas station parking lot on Dec 15th, 2025, I pressed the gas and heard a noise that sounded like high RPMs. I then approached the intersection and attempted to press the brake and the brake would not press in, it was hard. My truck then continued to move forward. I attempted to turn the steering wheel as a truck was coming at me. The steering wheel would not turn or m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
One instance all the brakes locked up on dry pavement. Second instance the brakes were slowing the truck on a wet surface but would not stop and did not engage the antilock brakes properly. 3rd time brake locked up just on right front wheel.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
Visibly observed antifreeze / coolant leaking from top radiator hose where it connects to the radiator. Dealer replaced upper radiator o-ring but it's still leaking. At 17000 miles a service brake warning message showed up on information screen. Front brake rotors are warped. Dealer states normal wear on front brakes. Also the dealership stated the front left inner brake pad was down to 2mm of ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact stated that the same day that the vehicle was purchased, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after shifting to park(P) and the parking brake was engaged, the vehicle rolled backwards. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with an unknown sensor failure. The sensor and the brakes were re... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
The powertrain/transmission is not receiving the signal from the engine to accelerate. It can be inspected. The vehicle is slow to accelerate or will not accelerate at all, causing lurching motions and slow movement of the vehicle. This can cause my vehicle to rapidly accelerate or me to slowly decelerate, causing me to possibly run into others or be hit by others. No one has reproduced or assesse... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
While driving on a residential street at about 30 mph, our car suddenly, on its own and without warning, braked sharply. There was no other vehicle near to initiate the sharp braking. Had there been a car behind us at the time, the braking was so sharp it hit might have rear ended our car. We have now taken the car to the dealer for their assessment of the issue and a solution.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
The Corsair menu includes a Pre-Collision Assistance (PCA) option that controls Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and a Distance Indication icon (DA) in the display. The AEB and DA have not functioned at all since we bought the car (08/10/2024). A dealer has had the Corsair 3 times for a total of 12 days and has not fixed the problem. In fact the dealer has stated: "Customer should not exp... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
My brake pedal randomly sinks to the floor. I have been close to rear ending the vehicle in front of me due to this issue. My car has been to the Acura dealership on three different occasions complaining of this issue but nothing was ever found. The tech was unable to replicate the issue.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
While making a left turn on a green left turn arrow the vehicle for no reason slammed on the brakes without any notice. Causing the car to come to a violent stop. And almost causing us to be rear ended. The violent stop caused both of us injuries to our backs and necks.
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
NHTSA SAFETY COMPLAINT – HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY FAULT & LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL Vehicle: chevy Silverado EV LT Mileage at most recent incident: ~5,400+ miles Incident date: December 17, 2025 Description of the Problem This is the third occurrence of a high-voltage battery fault warning, and the second time involving active vehicle malfunction while driving. • First occurrence: ~700... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 18, 2025
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
2025 Traverse ABS brake system failed, and master cylinder broke at 12K. All of the safety features, Lane Departure, Forward Crash detection, blind spot, automatic braking system all stop working with no signs that it was failing! Extremely unsafe! Traverse are meant to be family vehicles, well with major functions failures this kind of problem is going be recipe for disaster if not recalled ASAP.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
TWO NHTSA NOTIFICATIONS RECEIVED IN SEPTEMBER 2025 AND HAVE YET TO BE CONTACTED BY FMC REGARDING REPAIRS. HAVE CONCERNS WITH BRAKE LINE RECALL AND AT CURRENT TIME HAVE COMPLETELY BLURRED CAMERA, AND UNABLE TO VIEW REAR CAMERA WHILE BACKING UP. CONTACT LOCAL DEALER REGARDING REPAIRS BUT THEY ARE UNABLE TO MAKE REPAIRS UNTIL FMC NOTIFICATIONS. HOW LONG DOES FMC HAVE TO MAKE REPAIRS ONCE NOTIFIED BY ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
There have been several times that I have been driving and either turning onto a 4-lane road (2 lanes going each way) or driving on the parkway, where my car has slammed on the brakes by itself. Not only was I not prepared for this to happen, but neither were the cars behind me. I tend to drive with at least 1.5 car-length space between myself and the car in front of me. Last week, I was making a ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
After dealer (worldwide motors Ltd also call (Paragon Acura) 33-40 57th street, Woodside, NY 11377)replaced front and rear brake pads and rotors, my vehicle experienced unintended acceleration while stopped. While idling at a red light with my foot firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly moved forward approximately 10 feet on its own. This was a serious safety concern and nearly caused a c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
When these problems started it was only 6 months after purchase and I was already having issues with power train malfunctions and it didnt want to switch gears. I purchased this at roughly 47,000 miles and it didnt make it to 70,000 miles before I ultimately decided it was not the safe vehicle that was advertised to my family and I. It was taken to the dealership over 3 times in under a year and f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ABS Control Module (Part Number 68228991AD). Failure of this part prevents the ABS system, trailer brake, cruise control, and traction control from functioning properly. Part is currently installed into vehicle and is not available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 18, 2025
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
In December 2024, at under 50,000 miles, my 2021 Chevrolet Colorado suffered complete brake failure caused by vacuum pump failure. The vacuum pump failure led to irreparable internal engine damage, requiring complete engine replacement under warranty. Sudden, complete brake failure in traffic could have led to a serious accident causing injuries or death to myself and/or others. The component was ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
Abs system fails periodically causing the jeep to go into limp mode driving in traffic.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The componet that failed is the cars electric system in the rear. Battery gets so hot its melted a 2nd orange box on top of the battery. Burned a hole right through. Attempted to start the vehicle, now it's throwing big sparks in the rear battery compartment. ABS warnings, brake warnings, it leaks. It will not start again! We have no transportation. Noone seems to be very concerned about the matt... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
failure of ABS control module. This disables anti lock brake system,traction control & cruise control. There are hundreds of this modules on back order. Not one of parts suppliers have this part & do not know when they will be available. I reached out to corporate & they don't either
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
Phantom emergency braking. Vehicle slamming on brakes at intermediate times when there is no emergency.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2025
Since the first week of driving my vehicle in August, I have reported to the dealership that it rides fairly bumpy over any road and fails to properly break if it is a bumpy road, causing me to almost have a collision. The dealership was unable to reproduce the same issue I was having and says that my car drives just fine. No messages have popped up
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle intermittently stalled. While idling or utilizing cruise control, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to 70 after releasing the brake pedal. While entering the garage with her foot hovering over the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward and crashed through the wall into the TV room. The ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 6, 2025
Beginning in May 2025, my 2025 Chevrolet Traverse began exhibiting a false “rear liftgate open” condition when the liftgate is fully closed. This defect triggers a continuous audible alarm that occurs before every drive and persists for the entire duration of the drive, stopping only when the vehicle is turned off. As a result of this defect, the rear windshield wiper and washer are disabled,... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
I am writing to express my significant concerns regarding the recurring issues with my 2024 Denali 6.2, which has been subject to multiple service visits since reaching 7,000 miles. Despite these visits, the underlying problem remains undiagnosed and reoccurs shortly after I retrieve the vehicle. Following the second oil change, the engine developed a persistent ticking noise. Over the past 13 mo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
I took my car in several times to complain about the rotors and brakes. They said everything was fine but then the vehicle failed on the road so we had it taken to the nearest repair shop since we were on a road trip. Now Kia which has a fix to the damaged parts refusing to replace the defective parts.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 17, 2025
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
Was taking an exit car felt like lose control and got hit with the sign pole on the exit. I have been complaining for the safety reasons and the location and other issues in car to onstar and Chevy for months. Went to Freeport Chevy dealer and changed oil, when I bought the car pre-approved but the when I went for the service they said no oil was changed since the car was new. And I have been payi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Bad wheel speed sensor which disables ABS, cruise control, and all the ADAS systems. Vehicle has been to dealer 5 times for this in less than 8 months. Stellantis takes over a month to replace the part. Vehicle also will not shut off and/or be able to move while this happens.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
My husband test drove a 2015 Audi A7 Prestige at National City Auto Center, 1800 National City Blvd, National City, CA 91950. The brakes are unsafe: the pedal goes all of the way to the floor and the car does not stop immediately when pushed. Front brakes are new, rear brakes are extremely worn, and brake fluid is extremely full. The dealership provided an inspection check list from an undisclose... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2013) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 17, 2025
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
I am reporting a safety issue involving my Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 following repairs performed by an authorized dealership, Critz Mercedes-Benz in Savannah, Georgia. I brought the vehicle in due to persistent noise when shifting gears and steering-related symptoms. I asked the dealership to fully investigate the cause of the issue and not limit the diagnosis or repair to any single system, as I am n... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
My 2022 hybrid Maverick suddenly lost power as I was driving at 45 MPH. There was no warning lights; the entire dashboard went black. I lost all power including lights, speedometer, and power steering. Additionally, and more concerning, I lost all brake functionality so I could not stop the vehicle, even pressing the brake very hard. The parking brake switch also did not work due to the power loss... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 17, 2025
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
On [XXX] I was stopped in the red light behind a car in the New York City suddenly my car moved I applied the brake hard but almost hit the car in front. The message in the dashboard were -Depress brake pedal apply parking brake,brake system problem brake performance may be reduced,brake hold system problem apply brake when stopped,vechile stability assist system problem reduce traction and handli... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
I am the original owner of a 2015 chevrolet silverado 1500. The vehicle's brake vacuum pump has failed, resulting in a sudden, significant loss of power braking assist. This requires excessive pedal force to stop the vehicle, creating an immediate safety hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. General Motors previously issued special coverage adjustment N192210240 ( or N182202780 ) to address t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was shifted to park(P), the word (P) was illuminated on the PRNDL, but the word was not displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that while shifted to drive(D) there was no indication of drive on the PRNDL, or the instrument cluster, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the fai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
Brake pedal went to the floor couldnt stop nearly crashed
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 17, 2025
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
Warning lamps for braking systems are active. Recall C4B has been active for over a year now with no remedy.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
Yes had it inspected rear frame is rusting out affecting the sway bars which I will also need a new exhaust due to the rust. I did see honda has a recall but not in my state.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
I started the vehicle to move it to a different place in my driveway and after putting it in reverse, it notified me that the ABS was not working. I could not stop the vehicle without pressing the brakes very hard and even then it was still rolling backward slowly. I quickly put the vehicle in park before the car rolled into my house.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
on 11/1/25 we were driving our Jeep and it malfunctioned while at a stop light. We heard a loud "clunk" and the car would barely go and if we tried to put in park, it would continue to roll. We were on top of a hill so thankfully we didnt roll back or into traffic. We could not drive the car and had to have it towed since it was not safe to drive. Our Jeep is at an authorized Jeep dealer since 11/... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
While I was driving, my vehicle’s Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) suddenly stopped working. At the same time, the Automatic Emergency Braking / Forward Emergency Braking (AEB/FEB) warning light turned on. While the vehicle was in motion, warning messages appeared on the dashboard, including: “Unavailable: Front Radar Obstruction,” and/or “Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled – F... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
Car keeps throwing a C1391 Abnormal Leak in Accumulator code. The ABS, traction control, and brake lights are all illuminated. Hissing sound from brake pedal. Spongy feel when braking and incredibly soft braking as well, very hazardous to driving and stopping. This is a known issue with the 2010-2015 Prius, and a quick internet search shows thousands of other Prius owners who also have this issu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
Vehicle lost steering and brakes suddenly. Many errors on screen such as: Brake System Failure, ABS Failure, ESC Failure, Traction Control Failure, Maximum Vehicle Speed 43mph. Was able to slowly get home with no power assisted brakes. Did not drive it any more until it was taken to dealer 2 days later and the dealer could not replicate the errors. Dealer was able to see stored error codes; h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
Premature brake pad wear on all Brakes. All break pads worn down and had to be replaced at or before 25,000 miles. No trailer pulling and only light driving. Dealer stated rotors needed to be turned as well due to extremely low brake life.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
There is a SERIOUS safety-related FSD (full self driving) fundamental design flaw with stop sign behavior. On previous versions AND on the latest and best version of FSD (currently that is v14.2.1.25) when FSD approaches a stop sign AND there is no white painted stopping line, FSD will make its full initial stop (also called the zero-speed stop) directly at or behind the stop sign instead of maki... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The car was parked totally normal, went into a store, then came out to start it and when it was put in drive every light on the dash came on and gave a warning for “brake system failure top speed 43 mph” “service traction control” “service esc” “service steering column lock” “service brake pad monitor” “trailer brakes disabled service required”. Shut the vehicle off and res... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The rear brakes are fully worn after 12k miles from purchased, by searching on internet, it seems a common issue but not being responded from Nissan yet.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2025
Failure of the cam driven vacuum pump causing brake failure. Leading to a hard brake pedal which increases risk of a crash. Debris from the broken vacuum pump can fall down into the engine causing a catastrophic failure of the engine needing a replacement. This happens with little to no warning. Warranty companies will not pay to repair the known issue. A recall needs to be issued for this to prov... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
Parking brakes can only be applied but cannot be released due to faulty design of the parking switch. This will cause the vehicle not able to move or be towed in an emergency especially when an engine failed to start. This problem confirmed by an independent repair shop and also has highlighted in several BMW group chats.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
When driving after dark without warning head lights will suddenly go out and then go back on for no reason especially when you use the heater, almost caused a wreck a few times,and my parking break did release on it's own 1 time and rolled backwards and bent the spare tire stopper that swings open when tail gate is open.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
I was driving in I75 highway south in Michigan and heading to Ohio. I had around 70 mil/hr ish speed and was trying to pass a commercial truck. I Just turned on rear window wiper to clean it and once it started to work, the vehicle had a very hard brake for a couple seconds which the my seat belt pushed me hard to the seat to avoid of my head to go forward to windshield. Fortunately it was very q... Read more