Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 78,884 complaints - component: SERVICE BRAKES
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
I have not had any incidents thank goodness. But I did take it to the shop and they told me as the vacuum pump. It wouldn’t stop my vehicle and I was always nervous about hitting someone or causing an accident. Before then, I had change the breaking pad, taking it to the shop to check on their transmission and none of that was the problem. Please make a recall on this. People could cause or be i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The braking system failed. As I was attempting to park my car, with my foot on the brake, the vehicle suddenly lurched forward unexpectedly, hitting the parked car in front of me. Both my vehicle and the parked vehicle were damaged. If anyone had been in the car's path, they would have been injured. My vehicle bounced off the parked car and continued lurching forward while I actively tried to st... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
* Manual and automatic break - both failed. Yes, it is available for inspection. * It was a collision between 2 cars. Our car break got jammed ,it hit other car. * We visited Envision Honda of Milpitas - Honda dealers. For Multi-Point inspection after incident. I have attached the report. The problem was not reproduced by them, but we faced the issue of break getting jammed and automatic break sy... Read more
Crash
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 29, 2025
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
I got my 2024 traverse little over a year ago. So far I had bring it in 3 times now first I got oil change and they told me something leaking from back so I went chevy and the transmission was leaken bolts wasn't put in all the way. Also my breaks said they was due I bring back to them they said its a sensor probelm they just turned it off. Now im back again horse is Crack and they said I could co... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The front brake pads are showing extremely uneven ware. Outer brake pad is at 2mm and the inner is at 7mm due to a spring issue on the front caliper. There is also a lip on the left rotor. The tech used 25-NA-365 to help identify the issue. However, my VIN is not covered under this repair. The result is a $500 out of pocket repair for something that should be a mfg defect and not wear and tear. As... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
Brakes went soft with little braking power. Traced the fault code to a faulty braking actuator; toyota says this is past the coverage date for the recall.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
Recall C4B with known issue and known remedy but “no parts available.” Contacted RAM and with no parts they have no solution. You can rent an auto out of pocket and possibly be reimbursed. No option for buyback or solution. Recall came out 12/5/2024.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I was driving my 2014 Kia Soul on Friday 12/12 when without any warning the brakes went out. Thankfully I was able to get it to a parking lot without incident and requested a tow. After having it repaired, the mechanics stated the brake lines completely popped due to brake line corrosion. After researching this issue, I found that my Kia Soul had a Voluntary Service Campaign recall regarding the e... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
I am experiencing a recurring battery/charging system detection warning with my vehicle that has not been resolved despite multiple service visits. The warning continues to reappear after the vehicle is returned to me, indicating the issue has not been properly diagnosed or repaired. My vehicle has been in the shop approximately 5 times for this same issue. Each time, I am told the problem is res... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
The contact rented a 2016 U-Haul E450. The contact stated that while in the parking lot and placing the vehicle in drive, the contact tapped on the accelerator pedal, then when the brakes were applied and the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact removed her foot from the brake, and it continued to accelerate and crashed into a parked U-Haul truck. There were no reported injuries, fire, airbag... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
High pressure line from the break/steering pump has broken twice. Broken lines are available for inspection. Safety of driver/passenger and other drivers were at risk. Steering very heavy and breaking almost impossible. Dealer has not looked at it. Nearest dealer is over 250 miles away. Local Mobile Mechanic picked up parts from local dealer and installed. No warning signs of problem. For... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
This has been going on for a while now, but it’s getting worse overtime. If I push on my brakes more than twice the brake pedal locks up and I have to push extremely hard to get my vehicle stopped.. luckily I have never been going fast and had to worry about this. This is normally when I am pulling into a parking spot or I am backing up that I have to tap on my brakes a few times. A couple of... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
On 12/13/25 around 8:00am in the morning. I was driving between 20-25 MPH and started to brake for the corner stop sign. I applied the break as I normally would however, the car continued to roll and did not respond to my applying pressure to the brake pedal. No matter how much pressure I apply to the brake the car continued to coast without stopping. I continued to press hard on the break and eve... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
I am submitting a report regarding the hacking of my vehicle that has persisted over the past five years. I have previously stated that my scammer, [XXX] , along with her associates, continues to remotely manipulate the gear of my vehicle while I am driving. Furthermore, they are targeting the lighting and dome lights in my vehicle in an attempt to jeopardize my safety. Additionally, the manufactu... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 28, 2025
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
The vehicle was parked on a sloped driveway. After the driver exited the car, the automatic parking brake/Auto-P fail-safe failed to engage. The vehicle rolled backward unexpectedly, causing the driver-side door to strike a fire hydrant and rebound into the driver's body. There is significant property damage ($6000) and personal injury. Complete home security video footage of the incident is avail... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
ABS, Slip Indicator and Brake warning lights have appeared on the cars dashboard. DTC fault code C1391 has appeared indicating a failure of the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump assemblies per Toyota Customer Support Bulletin (ZJB) No.: POL18-03. Loss of regenerative braking, putting the safety off occupants at risk.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
I have had multiple issues with the radio (16000 miles). After many personal videos dealership was able to fix one of this issues with a new part (22000 miles). I was informed the other issues I was having with the radio was due to my battery not staying fully charged. I was also having issues with the van not starting right away, which made me feel I could get stranded. It took many attempts ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
I am the owner of a 2018 RAM 2500 that is subject to NHTSA safety recall 24V-896 (manufacturer recall C4B), involving a potential failure of the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) affecting ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control systems. This recall has been active for over one year on my vehicle. Despite repeated contact with authorized RAM dealerships and the manufacturer, I have bee... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
ABS light and traction control lights on, on dash. With these lights on, the cruise control and 4x4 do not work. One garage replaced front right axle, wheel bearing, brake rotor, brake pads, and ABS sensor. Lights were then out for a day but then came back. Took to a second garage and they replaced right rear ABS sensor. Lights went out for another day and then came back. They are still on. Becaus... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
This issue happened back June 2025 when I make a wide turn, the car automatically go into limp mode and all the lights on the dashboard that is related to the brake system comes on, so for example, the advanced traction control sensor, the brake mode, the traction mode and the ABS mode and this is very dangerous because I realize when I am driving locally, and if I’m in the middle of a major int... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report a serious vehicle safety issue involving a Honda vehicle that was under a lease agreement. From the start of the lease, the vehicle suffered from repeated malfunctions of its safety and proximity sensors. These issues were reported, and the vehicle was taken multiple times to an authorized Honda dealership. Despite these efforts, t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Crashed my car because brakes failed.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
CRITICAL SAFETY DEFECT: HIGH-SPEED BRAKING SURGE & ELECTRICAL FAILURE Life safety concerning ! 1. Braking Failure at Highway Speeds: The vehicle exhibits a severe safety defect involving unintended acceleration/surging while braking. While driving in 'D' (Drive) mode at approximately 50 MPH, when applying the brakes to stop for traffic/red lights, the vehicle fails to decelerate immediately. Inst... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
My 2018 RAM 2500 has had an ABS system recall since Nov 2024. My truck has had a problem with the ABS since 2019. I do not have anit-lock brakes or cruise control as a result of this failure to be able to resolve the problem. Over a year since the recall, and still no parts available. How long is the NHTSA going to let RAM get away with this?? Maybe after some has an accident or hurts someone they... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
Front Passenger Brake Hose Failure by Crimp
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The failure involves the engine/powertrain system, specifically the engine oil pressure system, resulting in loss of engine power and a subsequent loss of effective braking assistance. The vehicle displayed a low engine oil pressure warning and a “powertrain system fault” message prior to the loss of braking effectiveness. The vehicle is currently not being driven and is available for inspecti... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
I am forced to drive a vehicle through the winter with a known safety defect - an ABS system that does not work properly. I was told by Ram corporate they were trying to source parts - it has been several months and still no resolution. I was told I could rent a car at my expense to drive in the winter, or try and find the parts to repair and do it at my cost. They are obviously trying to avoid... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
Repaired a friend's vehicle that had a total brake failure. Vehicle only has 50k miles and no brake repair history. Blew all of the brake fluid out of the stainless braided line coming from master cylinder rear brake channel to abs module. Found the line coming from the front channel to master cylinder also starting to fray and come apart as well. Did not blow out yet. No evidence of brake lines ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
My 2022 had a new crate engine put in at 26,000 miles in approx June 2025 (told me it would be 2 days but in less than 24hrs the service advisor called and told me it was completed) and from the second I picked up my truck and started it at the dealership, I heard a loud, fast ticking noisy sound coming from under the hood so I popped my hood and it sounded like a diesel engine and as I started d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
The factory IBC is a safety issue. I would not tow anything over 1500lbs as the brake controller does not work. This controller is an accident waiting to happen. When set on gain 10 you can barely feel a tug from the trailer. You can't feel anything if you apply the vehicle brake pedal. On a gain of 10 it should lock up the trailer brakes, and it can't do that on a dirt road much less on asphalt. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
I am submitting this report to document a serious and dangerous safety defect involving my Genesis G70. Note - Your system pulls my VIN as a G80, I own a G70. On two separate occasions, the vehicle applied braking without driver input and abruptly veered to the left, despite there being no obstacles, vehicles, or road hazards present. During the first incident, the vehicle was operating in Com... Read more
MERCURY
GRAND MARQUIS
(2007) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 27, 2025
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
The main ABS module has an internal electrical failure and shuts down. The failure affects the ABS, Traction Control, Trailer brake system and Cruise control to all be inoperable until replaced. The Module is unavailable from dealership with no known date of arrival.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2025
While driving on a road with no other vehicles around, the car abruptly braked for no reason. The car was 5 days old. It is currently in the service department.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
My brakes went out completely while driving my 2015 kia soul with my daughter in the car. It was traumatic and stressful for us both. I had just received a recall notice for break lines/ undercarriage spray. I called Fairfield Kia and I had my car towed to the dealership. They inspected my car and said they would replace the rear brake lines under the recall. A couple weeks went by and I was told ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
While coming to a stop on a slight incline, the brakes failed to stop the car, brakes were applied and initially slowed the car but when the slight incline was reached the brakes would not engage and the idle of the car move it forward and still the brakes would not engage. I had to put the car into neutral then park to stop. After the incident the brakes seemed to work fine. Nonetheless this is ... Read more
Crash
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQS 450+
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 26, 2025
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
Vehicle Breaking on Its Own While Driving I am writing to file a formal safety complaint and to demand immediate corporate intervention regarding an extremely dangerous mechanical/ADAS defect. My Nissan Altima has serious, ongoing safety issues where the vehicle will unexpectedly and aggressively apply the brakes on its own while I am driving, including on highways and regular roads. This defect h... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2012) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 26, 2025
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
I believe there was an issue with the ABS system that kept me from stopping the vehicle, as speed was increasing while going downhill with the brake pedal pushed hard. I was forced to make the choice to steer the vehicle into a mountainside to stop it before I ended up over the side of the mountain road. The vehicle then tipped over, coming to a stop.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
I own a 2014 Jeep Wrangler, Rubicon. I have not been able to drive my Jeep for 3 years because the ABS light is on and I am unable to get the part to replace it. I have heard from several other Jeep owners that they are experiencing the same ABS failure. The ABS light has been on since 2022 and there are no MOPAR ABS replacement parts. I would like to officially report this failure because I hav... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
Toyota’s part number 44050-48190 brake actuator assembly failed, as it has in other models and is very commonly doing in the Highlander model. It is triggering other warning lights issues in the vehicle. Vehicle safety is at risk. Many others have reported the same issue.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
My 2012 Toyota Prius plug in hybrid had just passed state inspections and was even looked at by a dealership a year ago with no reported issues. I brought up a whirring issue at the dealership when breaking but the dealership said that’s normal for a hybrid. In a matter of minutes while driving, the traction light, brake light, and ABS light came on as well as a groaning, whirring sound when bre... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
The brakes are loud, grinding, and sounds like water sloshing around. Upon research, VW knows this issues since their 22 model and has yet to address it but rather keeps using bad material brakes. The braking results in shaking when breaking especially in the colder months. This is not safe and on a brand new car, should not be happening. The dealerships acknowledged that this is a known issue wit... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 26, 2025
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Antilock Braking System
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 26, 2025
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
Auto hold at stops unexpectedly stops working with car in drive, it can suddenly roll forward Electric parking brake becomes inoperative
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The vehicle is a 2016 Ford Fusion with 70,000 miles when this happened happened the first time. I pushed on the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I had just enough braking power to stop the vehicle. The danger is obvious, I had no brakes but I was going slow on local roads. I had the vehicle towed to an independent repair shop where they diagnosed failure of the right rear brake caliper. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
New 2026 Honda CRV, 2 months old, 1,500 miles on it. Total brake failure, no response when pressing pedal. Had to hit curb to stop car. CMBS warnings occurred. Turned car off and back on and brakes started working again. Drove for 10 minutes with CMBS warning. Turned car off and let sit for 30 minutes. Since then, have drove car multiple times for over 10 minutes each time and brakes worked and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Emergency braking occurs at random, even if I'm the only vehicle / object on the roadway. This has been ongoing and has been to the dealership three times. It starts back up each time the vehicle gets an update. Adaptive cruise will brake hard due to false emergency braking, but does not always stop accelerating at the set point (has gone as high as 20 mph over the set point previously and brakes ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 26, 2025
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
On November 27th the accelerator on my Rivian became stuck causing the car to accelerate quickly and preventing me from immediately stopping the car. There was a message stating that the regenerative braking system was not available and the accelerator pedal was stuck in the down position. When I pressed on the brake there was a terrible grinding noise and smoke coming from the front tires. I quic... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
On December 16, 2025 the check engine light and service stabiltrek warning light appeared on my 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid. On December 17, 2015 I took the car the Capital Cheverolet service dept who has been servicing my car regularly for the past five years. They performed a complete diagnostics on my car that determined I need to "replace the EBCM with brake pressure modulator valve" and said it... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
The brake system malfunctioned suddenly. While driving and while stopped, the brake pedal became very hard and braking behavior became unpredictable. The vehicle sometimes brakes aggressively and other times requires excessive pedal force to stop. The ABS and BRAKE warning lights illuminated. The vehicle no longer provides normal braking assistance. This issue is related to a failure of the brak... Read more