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 5, 2025
Backing out of parking space resulting to damage to both vehicles . Brake\gas pedals. Position of driver ( body turned) relative to pedals while backing car can allow drivers foot to be in contact with both pedals. Increased pressure on the brake can allow increased pressure on the gas pedal allowing the vehicle to continue in a reversed direction . Can strike a person or object resulting in... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
I had Hold feature engaged during a I-70 construction traffic stop. after 7 or 8 minutes auto rolled forward by it's self and something like eps turned on. I was floored at this hazzard and it could have killed someone, if they were infront of my auto.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
While driving in approximately 10°F weather after the vehicle had been parked outside overnight during snowfall in Chicago, the vehicle displayed a warning that said “Do Not Drive — Maximum Speed 43 MPH.” At the same time, the brake pedal became extremely hard and the vehicle had significantly reduced braking ability, requiring much longer stopping distance. This occurred without any brake... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
Faulty abs module. Dealer is unable to get part to fix. Car is dangerous to be driven with issue.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
Early 2024 and it continues today, I randomly get an alert about my braking system needing checked but then the message will go away and everything works fine. I finally took it to Keer Automotive dealership in New Lexington OH in March 2024 to see what was going on and they advised there was an issue with the ABS module and the part wasn't available but they were expecting it in May 2024 and it ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
I have a certified 2024 VW Atlas with 22K miles. I noticed a strong rattling when braking at higher speeds. And the breaks are constantly squeaking. The VW dealer said the brakes looked good. I took it to Brake Master and they did a full inspection and found the brakes were in a descent shape but the rotors were severely damaged and had some stress fractures. Notes from BM: Check front brakes a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
The rear brake pads have been replaced every year. The first time was on 3/11/23 at 15,080 miles. The second time was on 2/24/24 at 30,279 miles. The third time they were replaced was 2/28/25 at 42,731 miles. I took the car in again on 12/05/25 and the rear brake pads needed to be replaced again. This is not normal wear and tear. The dealership told me it's a known issue and Infiniti isn't doing a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the airbag warning light illuminated. I took the vehicle to a Nissan dealership in Texas for diagnosis. The technician confirmed that the airbag fault was present before the vehicle was sold to me. According to the diagnostic records, the selling dealer (Kelly Nissan in Oak Lawn, Illinois) had previously scanned the airbag system, identified an airbag fault co... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
As far as everybody did and shut down three times in a major intersections as far as to completely shut off or keep up with the camera activity and it seems to not be able to empower through the cabin or central part of the cabin where the computer is stored when I had my f****** completely turn itself off and ran or red lights just to barely make it to my house and in the car would not start I ha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
While driving the car approaching a stop the brake pedal suddenly went almost all the way to the floor. It stayed that way for the next couple of days before going back to a fully functioning brake pedal. Months later it happened again this time without repairing itself. We took it to a local mechanic as well as the local Ford dealership twice. Their computer did not detect anything wrong and yet ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
At a low speed, between 10 and 15 mph, the forward collision system automatically triggered and brought the car to an immediate stop. While we were lucky that no car was following behind us, the passenger and I experienced significant whiplash and lasting back pain as a result of this. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone, and not been reproduced. The forward collision system flashed (red ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
Car has a brake malfunction. There was a recall issued for this model in 2013 for this year and model, yet they only included some VIN#'s in the recall when they know most if not all of these models have the problem. Recall: 13V235000 "Model year 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured June 19, 2009, through October 9, 2009. Nitrogen gas from a component of the brake booster pump assembly could ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
The Master Cylinder started failing while I was driving the car, the car only has 138k miles, the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, all the warning lights were on, and when I went to step on the brake, I had to push it all the way to the floor for any braking to happen. I remember being scared for my life because I had almost no brakes which I could've got into a serious accident or been kil... Read more
JEEP
WAGONEER S
(2025) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 9, 2025
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
While driving on the interstate, the vehicle went into “limp” mode and showed a turtle on my screen. From there, my vehicle decelerated drastically from 80 to 40 and did not allow me to accelerate. The screen showed a message that stated the systems were shutting down. My vehicle continued to decelerate as I tried to get to a safe spot out of the interstate lanes. After “resetting” the veh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -I have received a "Check Brake Light" warning several times now, even after replacing the bulbs. I have replaced them twice now in the past 6 months and the issue persists. I believe it to be a faulty sensor or something similar. Yes, it is available to inspect upon request. How was your safety or ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I bought this car over a week ago for a good price, performed fine until I’m driving it home on the interstate and some abs/brake lights came on the dash. I enter my city and notice the brakes aren’t performing as tight as they were during the test drive. A few days later I take it to a local dealership to get it looked at. The brake actuator and pump had gone bad, causing this issue. It cost ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
Whenever the physical brakes are engaged during daily "brake cleaning" during the first mile of driving, or whenever the regenerative brakes do not engage, or when the physical brakes are engaged under heaving braking where the regenerative braking system's braking capacity is exceeded, the vehicle shudders as the brakes grip and slip. When inspected by Audi of Mendham, the service technician note... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
Brakes failure. Approaching a busy intersection and facing a red light, I slowed and prepared to stop the vehicle. Nothing happened with regard to braking; instead, the engine seemed to rev up as it continued through the red-lighted intersection with 2 lanes of busy cross traffic from both directions. That there was not a collision is a miracle. I also noticed some flashing displays on the dis... Read more
TOYOTA
RAV4 PRIME
(2022) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 9, 2025
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
Bought in Sept 2026 with 30,000 miles. Would not stop when breaking at low speed but would jerk and accelerate, causing me to drive through red lights and stop signs. How to swerve to avoid collisionHappened about 6 times. Returned to dealer. States could not duplicate. Traded car in
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2020) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 9, 2025
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
November 2, 2025 at 12:19 PM, I received a call from the owner, Jose, who accused me of “assault” against his employee Toni—despite the fact that I have never been physically near Toni. I’ve only been calling to follow up on the unresolved safety issues: no fluids, bad brakes (which they claimed to have repaired), and rear tires with no tread at all. When they repaired the brakes, I would ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 9, 2025
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Driving around 30mph pressing brakes to slow down and brakes felt softer than normal. Noticed when around 7 mph car continues to not come to full stop but continued to move. This happened 3 times during the same drive. Once on my street I attempted to slow down to turn into my driveway. Car reduced to 5mph but jersey and accelerated. Had to slam brakes to stop. Was not detected by dash cam which... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The recall was issued over a year ago and still no remedy.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
My vehicle experienced a sudden and complete brake assist failure, including the emergency brake. I was unable to stop the vehicle, which directly resulted in a collision. Prior to the crash, the car showed no warning lights. After the accident, I had the vehicle inspected at the Hyundai dealership. The dealership stated they could not reproduce the failure and “found no issues,” which contrad... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
Vehicle purchased 9/1/24 from Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa. Dealership failed to file registration/tags until 10/4/24. 7/12/25: Vehicle experienced involuntary acceleration and braking, resulting in impact with my mother’s home. 7/16/25: Dealer issued written report stating vehicle was operating normally and documented a recall-related display/audio/camera software update. 8/14/25: Hyundai enginee... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
ABS module failure, dealer has tried to reprogram computer but didn’t work. They also tried to send out to rebuild the ABS module and it couldn’t be rebuilt. Dodge has no part to replace as of yet because this part was made vin specific. Brake traction control, trailer brakes and cruise control do not work. I have had this issue over a year now.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
Under regen braking the car has very loud ticking in the rear and feels as if the axles are sheering themselves. Looking into the issues with other owners the culprit is the ERAD motor turns to recoup the energy. It looks like this component is used in a wide variety of Volvo based vehicles like this one and other models report the same issue. The worry comes with failure, as this is a braking com... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Nearly a complete loss of braking downhill. I am very familiar with the stretch of road I was traveling and have traveled it in other vehicles without issue. When I did need to use my brakes I noticed they were not working as they should, I had to basically stand in the brake petal and the truck shook barely slowing. I eased off the brakes and applied pressure again with the truck still shaking a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Having problems with sudden braking and not accelerating after stopping at lights or stop signs. No warning lights came on. I dropped it off at dealership. They are keeping the vehicle due to safety concerns while driving the vehicle
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
Car rolls after parking brake is set. This happens on low hill grade and high hill grade parking location.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Since 28 June 2026, there has been an issue with braking system. I called the local Ford dealer twice and was told there has been no reported brake issues with 2024 Ford F-150. The first time this happened, I was driving on a county (dirt road) and I applied the brakes, and the brakes did not work. Thankfully, there was no traffic and I coasted to a stop. The same problem with the brakes has h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2025
Screens switches to Italian, also screens freeze or go blank, Front Collision Warning (FCW) light illuminates and can't be turned off. Bluetooth randomly disconnects, Auto door locks don't engage; paddle shifters for manual gear selection cease functioning, pedestrian avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and high-beam assist stop working; memory seats unexpectedly adjust while driving. I have ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
We purchased a 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD and had a couple of issues with it. Twice when starting the car, foot on brake and when putting it into D the brake pedal drops a notch. It had some error codes as well and OF Course the dealer could find anything wrong. So we trade it in in less than a month for this model 2025 Ford Explorer Active 4WD. The brake has done the same thing to me twice... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 8, 2025
Incident date: Mar 2, 2023
Car will not shift and shutters, this is putting myself and others at risk. The problem was confirmed by a dealership. There is now a check engine light in the vehicle
Incident date: May 2, 2023
I purchased this vehicle used in August 2025 from the estate of a friend's relative. The records show it was meticulously maintained and no recall notices have been unaddressed. The prior owner used it infrequently and it still has just under 90k miles. There were no major engine issues when my local repair shop (over 12 years and 3 vehicles) inspected all systems, and the vehicle passed for PA st... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2025
On several occasions, my Tesla Model Y has braked for no reason while using Traffic Aware Cruise Control as well as when using Autopilot. I can re-create this situation on the same parts of the highway. The sudden, uncommanded stopping creates a hazardous situation with the cars being me as I may get rear ended. At this point, I do not feel safe using Autopilot or TACC. I submitted a ticket to ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 8, 2025
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
We have experienced multiple recurring issues with our 2024 GMC Acadia that raise significant safety concerns and affect the vehicle’s reliability and overall operation. First, the brake system exhibits persistent squeaking, even at low speeds or light applications. The dealership has inspected the brakes but the noise continues, raising concerns about premature wear or improper brake function. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2025
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a serious malfunction of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system. This malfunction caused my vehicle to unexpectedly perform an emergency stop without a valid cause, resulting in significant damage to its suspension system. Incident Details: •Date of Incident: Friday, December 5, 2025, between 10:45 am and 11:15 am ET •Location: Community... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
Traction control, stability control, and ABS all not working. Started at 8,700 miles, truck now has 9,800 miles on it. Received a recall end of 2024, part is still not available. This is taking far to long for a repair, we know someone who has an extended warranty who had their truck repaired. Something is fishy here. This truck is the same as new and was bought to tow a fifth wheel and haul t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
All my warning lights keep coming on in dashboard and my car isn’t accelerating in cold weather after sitting overnight
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
Constant cycling of ABS and Traction Control lights with tones. Causes ABS, Traction Control and cruise control failures with persistent tones and lights. Parts not available after 12 months of open recall.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Brake booster failed. Lost brake assist while driving. Car became unsafe to drive immediately.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Reference 24V-986. This recall shows a date of November 2024. The remedy for this is not yet available as of 12/08/2025. It is winter and as there is no ABS on my truck I cannot use it for work or personal reasons. This is unacceptable. I will not purchase another FCA vehicle again due to the lack of customer support.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
1 day after purchasing from Dealer random ABS warnings started disabling the ABS, Cruse Control and Stability control. Researching issue there is a recall from 11/2024 Recall was not disclosed. the remedy is to replace the HPU which is not available for the 2500 series pickup. which appears to be the same HPU that is available for larger trucks. Parts availability is not timely for such a critical... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2021
My 2023 Kia EV6 experienced a sudden ICCU and 12-volt system failure while traveling approximately 50 mph. Without warning, the vehicle instantly lost propulsion and all electrical power. This included loss of steering assist, braking assist, hazard lights, shift capability (unable to shift into Park), and even the ability to lock the doors. The failure effectively “bricked” the vehicle in mot... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
The brake caplier screw came out why driving the vehicle and broke the brake line and the vehicle lost control try to use the emergency brake and it didn't work vehicle crash
Crash
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
I had 5 recalls completed at the MB Sprinter dealership in Pleasanton CA on 11/06/2025. Had hardly driven it 100 miles or 5 times since then when I noticed it was not always going into park. One recall had to do with not going in park when you push park button while foot on brake. I was not having that problem until the MB Sprinter dealership did the recall work. Now every 5th time or so it does n... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2022) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 7, 2025
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
I was driving 70 mi./ an hour and then all of a sudden the car jerked very hard. The car behind me had to hurry up and move from behind me because he saw my car had come coming to a complete stop at 25 to 35 miles an hour. A show that I had a crash and then I tried to accelerate to go pick up the speed and I couldn’t go no more than 45 miles was very scary don’t want driver car like that haven... Read more
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2021) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 7, 2025
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
Engine light came on . Warning low coolant turn car off engine over heating. Fan still running after turning off. Happen several times. Serveral days. Took in in to dealership because still under warranty. No longer car available despite under warranty. Also breaks alerted low break pad life in around July 2025 and took it in the dealer and said it was a update not completed.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Defective brake causing sudden brake loss How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
While driving normally, yellow brake warning lights came on but I arrived home without incident. Next time I drove, the warning lights were all off, but suddenly the brakes failed almost completely. I pushed the pedal to the floor and heard a grinding/clicking sound, and barely any stopping power. I was only going 25 mph, and was able to stop after 5 seconds of high foot pressure. At the same ... Read more