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: Dec 13, 2025
Since purchasing my vehicle in January of 2023 the front breaks have been squeaking. I brought this to the attention of the dealer where I purchased the vehicle, several times. I even asked them how I will I even supposed to know if I need new brakes because the start of the squeaking is typically a sign to get your brakes checked. Anyway, online auto forums are loaded with this squeaking brak... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Premature wear on rear brakes and dealers tells there fine each time I’ve taken it in for service I don’t think they even test driven the car is shakes and vibrates when you brake at speeds higher than 30-40 mph. They advised me the battery needs replacing on the last service that it’s showing some sort of signs that needs to be replaced. The heated seats on the passenger side just stopped w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
We recently had an engine failure in our 2023 Toyota Tundra ([XXX]). Then on [XXX] the truck caught fire while we were driving in Arkansas. The fire caused the brakes to fail completely, and we wound up jumping from the still moving truck. The truck and contents were a total loss. Since then, Toyota has completed their investigation and stated they are unable to determine the cause of the fire I... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
The steering was hard to turn, and the fully supervised driving mode didn't work. This has happened twice, and both times the issue went away on its own after a few minutes. I performed a soft reset both times, but it did not resolve the issue. The first time, the steering was very heavy, i.e., hard to turn. The second time was less difficult, but in both cases, FSD (Full Self-Driving) did not fun... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
Hydraulic Brake controller has been under recall for over a year with no remedy. Unacceptable and dangerous at this point. When will action be taken against Mopar and chrysler?
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2023) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 13, 2025
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
I took my car into Freeland Chevrolet for the recall my car was running great,when i picked it up it was idling rough and smoking on my way home it was stalling out at every stop causing me to loose control of power steering and braking creating a safty haszard called them the next day and told them about it which they already knew because the manager was outside when i started it up. They said it... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of electrical voltage. Multiple warning messages appeared, and several vehicle systems disabled while the vehicle was in motion. Power and safety features malfunctioned, and the parking brake engaged unexpectedly. The vehicle became unsafe to operate while driving. The failure required towing and a battery replacement to restore drivability. T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
My 2016 Malibu has a severe EBCM-related safety defect causing all four brakes to drag and overheat (reaching 240°F), leading to unstable handling. This condition mirrors the 2016 Malibu EBCM recall (GM Recall 39440). I sought help from GM. A GM-certified dealer-Monken in Centralia, IL performed a “diagnostic scan” which documented the core hydraulic failure: a constant, uncommanded 6.839 psi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
On [XXX] at [XXX] I was backing out of a driveway when my 2016 Prius V5 accelerated on its own. When I applied the brakes, nothing happened. I hit a curb, which flattened the front passenger tire. In order to get the car to stop, I took it out of gear and put it in neutral. The car finally came to a stop. My speed while backing out of the driveway was less than 5 mph. It accelerated to about 15 mp... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
I was towing a 6,000 pound excavator on a 20’ tilt deck trailer and rounded a turn to see a line of traffic stopped waiting on a big truck to turn. I hit the brakes and the truck didn’t start to slow. I swerved to the shoulder and pressed breaks as hard as possible and went past several cars and t boned the big truck that was turning. The only brakes it felt like i had was the trailer brake... Read more
Crash
1 injured
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 12, 2025
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
In June 2025 and again in December 2025, when my truck stopped at a Red Traffic Light and I applied my brakes to stop the vehicle, my two rear wheels/tires started to spin rapidly non-stop for 60 seconds or the duration of the traffic light, causing a great deal of smoke and noise. My truck acted like a "Drag Racing" machine on a short track revving its engine and spinning its tires for a very sho... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
Vehicle: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss Mileage: Approximately 14,000 miles I am submitting this complaint because the ABS braking system on my vehicle activates unexpectedly and causes a temporary loss of braking when driving over uneven pavement. When braking over potholes, bumps, or rough road surfaces at low to moderate speeds, the ABS system engages even though traction is available. Wh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
I am writing to inform you of some recurring issues with my vehicle. The car has been displaying several (5) alerts, including those related to the parking brake system, drive-start control system, check engine light, vehicle stability control system, and secondary collision brake system. I took the car to a dealer for repairs, and they assured me that the issues were resolved. However, the follow... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
While pulling out of a parking lot onto a 4 lane undivided city street, the vehicle flashed a warning light on the dash saying “Trailer Brakes Engaged” and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop in the lanes of active traffic narrowly avoiding a collision. As if the parking brake had set uncommanded. The vehicle was not and has never pulled a trailer since we’ve owned it the last 9 months. The e... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
Brake System Failures (Multiple Occurrences): The vehicle has experienced repeated brake-related failures requiring multiple repairs. Brakes are a critical safety system, and repeated failures pose a serious risk to occupant and public safety. Despite repairs, the brake issues have reoccurred. 2.Fuel System Failures (Two Occurrences): The fuel system has failed on multiple occasions, requiring rep... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
On [XXX] around [XXX], while driving on [XXX] fro Santa Paula to Ojai, my car displayed a message on the dash that said "critical brake fault, pull over safely." When I applied the brakes they did not respond. I came to a stop only when the car lost momentum. When I exited the car to investigate, I shut the driver's door and was locked out. Neither my key card, nor phone key worked and the Volvo ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2026) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 12, 2025
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Brake system-Unresolved repair and inadequate investigation.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
ABS module failed and the Jeep began violently shaking on the freeway. There is a significant risk of the brakes locking up which put myself and the general public at risk. A dealer confirmed however there are no parts to buy from Stellantis/Mopar. They are on an "indefinite backorder". Even getting them rebuilt is impossible because they are unable to get the parts. ABS, brake, and traction contr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
Collision mitigation braking system malfunctioned while pulling into a chic fil a parking lot at approximately 1800 on 12 December 2025. Entering the parking lot with a right hand turn, a car was exiting the parking lot and pulling up to their stop sign at the same time I was entering. Me and my wife were both in the car when the Honda crv we were in decided to absolutely slam on the breaks for no... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Vehicle randomly activated automatic emergency braking and the forward collision warning with no other vehicles in sight. The vehicle slammed on the brakes almost causing a trailing car to rear end our vehicle. This has happened 5 times with speeds between 40 and 80 mph over the past 4 weeks. Conditions were cloudy. Problem has not been reproduced by the dealorship. No inspections have occurred.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
It seems that this vehicle was not included in a brake booster recall which included this model from 2005 through 2015. The brakes are not working properly, and brake fluid has entered the master brake cylinder damaging the seal. It is extremely unsafe to operate this vehicle in this condition. Somehow, this vehicle was not included in the recall, but definitely should have been.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The ABS module has had an internal failure for a couple of years now, and since it had just over 50,000 miles on it, the code in the ABS is C2200-49, it turns off traction control and makes the Ram 1500, unsafe to drive, you guys made them do a recall for the ram 2500, and ram 3500, for the same part, it's time to make them step up and stand behind their ram 1500, also! Braking systems are very im... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
Forward collision braking activated for no reason and will hard brake. Has done it in the middle of an empty parking lot as well as when driving 65 MPH down the highway, twice. No major injuries happened either time other then sore necks and seatbelt marks. On 2 incidents only the driver was in the vehicle, the other incident consisted of the driver, front seat passenger and 2 children in the b... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
This vehicle Misrecognizes intersections on two lane highways and causes the vehicle to unexpectedly slam on its brakes without warning in anticipation of an intersection that either does not exist or where my vehicle has the entire right way. this behavior has persisted since the date of purchase and has not been corrected at all. Audi has confirmed that the vehicle is operating as designed howe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
I have documented the following issues: -84 instances of "Keep Hands on the Wheel" when my hands were on the 10/2 or 9/3 position. This dates back to March 2025 and has continued into December. -12 instances of the ER braking engaging with "Collision Alert" when no other vehicles/object/danger were around. The ER braking is the sudden, full force stopping of the vehicle staring in April 2025 and... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2025
My car is currently under two recall notices however only one of the issues has been communicated to me of resolution. One being emissions control 25E02 and second being Recall 25S87 REAR BRAKE FLEXIBLE HOSE LEAK. Recall 1- emissions has been a problem for about 2 years now. Emissions are connected to my engine thus having my check engine light come on. My car failed an emissions test but was only... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
A known issue with the Brake Actuator failing. Lexus/Toyota will not fix. Family driven vehicle that Im afraid could result in accident
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
While I was driving, I pressed the brake pedal. As soon as I applied the brakes, the vehicle abruptly screeched to a halt in a manner that felt abnormal and uncontrollable. Immediately after this sudden stop, the vehicle lost stability. It slid sideways, causing it to rotate and end up facing in a different direction than the one I had been traveling.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The power assist braking system failed while I was driving in the rain. I was approaching a stoplight and I had to push down a lot harder and farther than I typically have to in order to stop. Luckily I was not going that fast and there were no cars ahead of me, but I stopped beyond where I had intended at a busy intersection. No warning lamps or messages had been illuminated prior to this happeni... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
The ABS system and cruise control are currently inoperative. The ABS module has been diagnosed as faulty, but the replacement part from Chrysler is on a year-long backorder
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
I was traveling along the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge on a normal commute day when the brakes started sticking early on after that point, by the time I reached the Caldecott tunnel after the incident on the Bay Bridge, the brakes locked up completely, forcing me to coast without using any brakes and subsequently the brakes started smoking. I had to exit the nearest exit to stop the car and tu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
ABS warning/Traction Control lights and warning chime activation...for over 9 month...
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2017) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 11, 2025
Incident date: May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service brakes activated, and the vehicle slid and crashed into a deer. The contact stated that the deer appeared instantly. The brake pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to stop, and the vehicle crashed into the deer. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The co... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
While driving, the vehicle immediately went into full unintended acceleration without any input from the accelerator pedal. I removed my foot completely from the pedal, but engine RPM increased to full 7000 rpm’s and the throttle was stuck there. The vehicle surged forward unexpectedly. The car spun in circles 180 degrees and wouldn’t stop. This was a sudden and unpredictable event. This crea... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
Was driving the car in a neighborhood setting only going 20 mph, ABS light turned on the dashboard, traction control light or some other light regarding traction came on as well, brakes failed. Had to use parking brake to stop the vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
I placed my foot on the brake to start my vehicle and when I pushed the start button my brake pedal went to the floor and warning came up stating brake failure ect. I contacted the dealership and was told to drive it to them so the could put it on the scope and tell me if it is safe to drive. I did and then was told it was a master brake cylinder failure and not safe to drive. In researching this ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 11, 2025
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
Purchased a brand new 2026 Ram 1500 RHO on 11/28/25 and it has been back at the dealership since 12/2/25 the vehicle had brake lines leaking as well as miss aligned body panels and scratches they need to replace the brake line assembly at one of the wheels they are replacing a fender realigning the hood and vender painting the new fender touching up paint on the rear fender and hood this vehicle... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2025) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 11, 2025
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Summary: My 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT has repeatedly experienced a complete and unexpected loss of propulsion while driving in active traffic. Each time, the vehicle displayed a red “Stop Safely Now” warning with additional critical alerts, followed by an immediate loss of forward motion with no prior indication. This left the vehicle stalled in traffic and created a significant safety hazar... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
My vehicle has a hand brake built into the vehicle and at 25,000 miles my hand brake started to fail and wouldn’t hold the car in place. I had it repaired under warranty and the whole emergency/handbrake assembly was replaced, I looked at it and tested it before I left the dealership and noticed the same issue, I brought it up to the dealership and they noticed the same issue also after testing ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
My 2018 Tesla Model S has a recurring safety-critical defect involving the steering system and the Chassis CAN communication network. On October 20, 2025, the vehicle had to be towed to a Tesla Service Center because it would not power on and displayed multiple safety alerts (traction control disabled, stability control disabled, ABS disabled, and reduced steering assist). Tesla documented that th... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2022) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 10, 2025
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
While entering my garage (video available)The 2023 Hybrid Rav 4 accelerated on its own when I was braking to put it into reverse to back up to realign to park in my space. I was hitting the brake and the brake lights were on the dashboard while the car keep accelerating hitting the garage wall.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
Battery tempature warning-Constant banging sound while driving. Know EV defect per BMW, No fix in place.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
While driving, the power steering warning came on and the steering wheel became extremely tight, making it very difficult to turn. This has happened more than once, most recently on December 8, 2025. The loss of steering assist occurred while the vehicle was in motion and created a serious safety concern. The dealership retrieved diagnostic code C1250-52, which indicates an internal malfunction o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Driver side wheel baron was scrubbing together and brake fluid was leaking I lost speed can't go over 35 miles on the speedometer my airbag light is on on the dashboard, abs, the car with 2 lines and tire along with engine sign is on I look up for recall and it listed everything my 2012 Hyundai Elantra is doing I took it to Hyundai dealership in Orlando Florida on West colonial drive and 2 hours ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
My Honda will randomly beep and slam the brakes but there is nothing in front of me, it has done this multiple times and getting to the point I’m scared it will cause an accident. When it happened the first time I thought maybe it was because it was slightly raining, but it will do it regardless of the weather conditions. It has happened probably 5+ times, and it’s starting to become more freq... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
The truck “detected” a warning collision when there was no one in front of me which made the engine lag. There for causing me to come to an abrupt stop from 40 mph. I stepped on the gas to get back up to speed with traffic beside and behind me and there was no power almost causing an accident. This is the 3rd time this truck has done this in 6 months.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 10, 2025
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
1st Issue: Braking noises while applying brakes. While applying brake pressure to brake pedal there are squealing, grinding, gargling (liquid) sounds coming from the front of the vehicle. There are no lights or warnings displayed. This has been happening since bought new back in may of 2024. This issue has been brought up to the service department at the Volkswagen dealership where purchased multi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Road debris under normal driving conditions caused a puncture of the inverter radiator resulting in a total loss of coolant in the inverter and battery system. Inspection of the system at a Kia dealer confirmed the problem. The first sign of concern was an error displayed on the driver screen stating, "Check drive motor cooling system". There is no mention of this error in the owner's manual for t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
Since January 2023, my truck stability control system has been disabled related to CB4 NHTSA 24V-896 recall. TWO years! I can't sell the truck like this & I have no idea when it will result in an accident. Stellantis needs to be held accountable. Every contact with them results in a response of waiting for parts. I've had no choice but to drive another 18000 dangrous miles with this vehicle.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
ABS control modules are all out of stock, everywhere. This issue is becoming more and more common. I cannot replace the module or have it rebuilt because of a chip shortage, and I do not have ABS on my truck anymore.