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: Nov 18, 2022
I own a 2025 Ford F-150 Lariat equipped with the factory Tow Package. The truck was sold to me and later serviced under the representation that the trailer brake controller was functional. Duvall Ford in Clayton, GA installed and programmed only a brake controller switch and assured me the trailer brakes were working, without performing a functional brake output test. The truck was later found to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
After diagnostic troubleshooting from DTCs on a check engine light, it was discovered that the brake vacuum pump connected to the engine was completely nonfunctional. Previous symptoms included stiff brake, loss of brake power at random brake periods which could have cause and accident with other drivers, and finally malfunctioning sensors attributed to the exhaust system. This also led the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
The frame is completely rotted from wheel well to wheel well on both sides of vehicle frame was completely rotted thru with judge holes completely rusted thru The vehicle was sold with no brakes sold to me and with dog chain holding the gas tank in place because fuel straps were rotted thru and bad wheel bearing that was ready to seize or will fall off vehicle purchased on 11/06 /25 and returned a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
My vehicle was in for recall R22A6 / 22V-549 for the brake booster power supply since the brakes felt spongy and there was a loud ringing sound so we look around a round out about the recall. After the recall repair, all brake codes cleared except C1111 – ABS Pump Motor Failure. The part is still on the vehicle and available for inspection. They told us it was not safe to drive because we have p... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
Vehicle is consuming oil, stalling, milage blinking, radio goes out, key switch will not turn to off, not going into park, oil pan bolts backing off, brakes shimmy over 55, list goes on, still no fix for the recall
LINCOLN
CORSAIR PHEV
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Nov 22, 2025
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
The power brake booster failed suddenly causing the brake petal to become hard. Almost caused an accident as I suddenly lost the ability to brake. There was no warning prior to the failure. After the failure a service warning for brake assist appeared. The vehicle was been inspected by an auto service provider.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
2016 Ram 1500. Abs system malfunction. Brakes lock up randomly. Abs, brake light, traction control light come on randomly causing brake issues. Very dangerous. Called multiple dealerships. No control module available. No date for part to be available. This is huge safety issue and Ram/fiat are not seeming to care. No sense of urgency from any of the dealerships or manufacturer. Lawsuit co... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
Beginning on April 18, 2025, my 2020 Toyota Corolla LE began experiencing repeated failures involving multiple safety systems while driving. Without warning, several lights illuminate at the same time, including: Brake System Malfunction, Pre-Collision System, Parking Brake System, Vehicle Stability Control, Check Engine, and Secondary Collision Brake System. These warnings appear suddenly during ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
The braking system on my 2015 Chevy Suburban LTZ failed at slow speeds in a parking lot. I have replicated the issue in both forward and reverse. My family's safety was put at risk in that while backing up out of a parking spot the brakes failed completely and I had to push extremely hard on the brake to get the vehicle to stop. That same behavior occurred while pulling forward into a parking s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
When the vehicle decelerates—either from high speed or while already moving slowly—it frequently jerks just before coming to a complete stop. This issue is especially noticeable at very low speeds or during final braking, where the vehicle may lurch forward by a few inches unless the brakes are applied firmly. Despite multiple visits to the dealership, including transmission resets and softwar... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The abs system is bad. I have 150000 on the truck. They are doing recalls on this system. But don't go back to 2014. There are other people having same issue. It's ashame that Dodge don't want to fix it. I'm on disability and it's a shame that a company can do this when you pay so much for a vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
When driving over bumps, potholes, or railroad tracks with the breaks being pressed, the brakes would pulsate and causing vehicle to stop at a further distance. Due to taking longer time to slow down and stop, I almost hit another vehicle in front of me.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
My brakes stopped working randomly. Alarms started going off in the car. Thankfully I was able to quickly turn right instead of rolling into traffic. This was terrifying and could have caused a very serious wreck.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
While driving on the highway at 70 MPH on cruise control the ABS and Traction Control lights came on and the cruise control stopped working. There was a warning message to have the ABS system serviced. This happened again two days later. The lights did not come on after restarting the truck. I took it into the dealer and the codes were C0020-1C and C0020-16. The shop said the ABS pump and ABS... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2025
SUMMARY OF PROBLEM: Vehicle experienced sudden uncontrolled acceleration and deceleration while driving on busy road with family as passengers on November 16 2025. Vehicle provided no warning before loss of control occurred. Created immediate risk of collision and serious injury. DETAILED DESCRIPTION: On November 16 2025 at approximately 5:25 PM ET, my 2025 Rivian R1S experienced sudden uncontr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
Unintended acceleration event. Entered vehicle, put my foot on the brake, cranked it, held in that position while seatbelting. Engine had a VERY loud revving sound. Within seconds vehicle moving backwards on its own. Foot still on the brake, had not touched gas pedal, had not touched gear shifter, and was still sitting straight forward with my foot on the brake and confirmed gear shifter in pa... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Subject: Safety Defect Report – Failure of Telematics Module (TCU) Causing Loss of 9-1-1 Emergency Function, Electrical System Malfunctions, and Potential Brake Booster Recall Defect (2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Dear NHTSA, I am submitting this complaint because my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is experiencing multiple safety-related failures that I believe are part of a wider defect pattern ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
I have a 2018 Dodge Journey SE with currently 70,000 miles. I'm the second owner & purchased it with only 11,000 miles on it. The front brakes | anti-lock braking system (ABS) experienced failure when I needed to stop the vehicle. I was approaching a 4-way intersection and had the green light ahead of me not knowing that a semi truck was entering the intersection due to other vehicles in left turn... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
While driving, suddenly all brake lights and warning lights went on, and brakes stopped working normally. It became difficult to brake (brake took a while to engage - had to press pedal to the floor). After diagnostics at the dealership it looks like the brake booster failed. Apparently Toyota knew about this issue as they did an extended warranty through a Customer Support Program, but unfortunat... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2025
Brake pad fell off while driving, it hasn’t been serviced by anyone else except the manufacturer. It’s a manufacturer failure and a safety issue. The dealer ship refused to provide an inspection report of the vehicle
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
Car shut off while driving without warnings.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
The car has a feature called "curvature assist" that takes control of braking and steering at times when using cruise control. The incidents are at times surprising as there is no curvature present but the braking is suddenly applied. This is a surprise for both the driver and any following traffic. The car would be safer if this feature could be disabled but that is not possible.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
No solution for the antilock breaking system,causing drivability issues and loss of traction control,abs and control on numerous occasions.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
BRAKE, ABS, Wrench, check engine lights all began intermittently coming on. Before we could bring it into the dealer, it went into "limp mode" while at a very dangerous time and would not move forward while in "Drive". Had to abandon the car in a roadside parking lot. Finally able to get it to the dealer and after their inspection we were told it was NOT repairable. The EBCM module (part of th... Read more
TOYOTA
FJ CRUISER
(2010) - SERVICE BRAKES
Nov 21, 2025
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
My vehicle experienced multiple safety system malfunctions before a minor collision occurred. While driving, the car displayed warnings indicating that traction control had been disabled, followed immediately by a warning that the automatic vehicle hold/brake hold was disabled. These failures happened before any impact. At the same time, the vehicle’s cameras were not functioning correctly, and ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
I am reporting a serious safety defect in my vehicle. While driving, the power steering suddenly failed without any warning, resulting in complete loss of steering control. At the same time, the brake warning light, ABS light, and traction control light illuminated, suggesting possible failure of critical braking and stability systems. This incident placed my safety and the safety of others at imm... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Purchased 5 years ago aprox 100k miles.kept oil changed regularly. Of course parts kept coming off, monk safety clips etc. It's a dime store matcbox wannabe. Then the abs and engine light came on. The computer was acting up and it would do crazy things. Lock and unlock, go into that slow drive as i was pulling into a road. Etc. These would self correct, all but the abs in a matter of minutes. Oh ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
2025 Chevy Tahoe: While approaching a traffic stop I hit the brake pedal and this would not work nor stopped the car. The pedal went all the way to the floor and would not work anymore. I believe the Emergency Brake activated and managed to stop the car. i was driving at The Check Engine warning light was immediately activated along with the following warnings: *Service Brake Assist *Check trai... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Something within the brake system is causing my shifter to not communicate with the brakes and will not allow my car to go into reverse or park. It stays stuck on drive or neutral. The only thing I can do is shut the car off and can’t do much except for move around the key until I can put the car into park. Then that is hot and starts making under the hood hot. Then the check engine light will g... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
I am reporting a serious safety defect involving the rear brake system of my 2021 Toyota Highlander, purchased from Penn Toyota (Glen Cove, NY). The dealership represented the vehicle as “Toyota Certified” and indicated that it passed all safety inspections. On November 15, 2025, I discovered that the rear brake rotors and pads were in extremely unsafe condition, showing severe corrosion, dee... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
My brake light light up, check engine light comes on and my Stability Control system does not work. My car won't electric start as the check engine light is illuminated. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they could not help me as there is no fix in place.
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 2
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Nov 20, 2025
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
Driving on freeway October of 2025 and PTU failed causing loss of power and electronic emergency brake engagement. There were no previous indications or warnings with vehicle prior to total loss of propulsion. Vehicle is at jeep dealership in Gaylord Michigan not repaired. Fortunate there was shoulder on right I was able to swerve into and stopped without collision as vehicles sped by at high ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
I purchased a 2024 dodge hornet RT February of 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, I now have had issues where my breaks are screeching so loud that it is heard from my camera inside my house and blocks over from my street. I tried to address this issue with the Sterling Kunes location and they said nothing is wrong and offered to put a desqeak on it and they never did when they fixed my recalled ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
On November 17, 2025 at 8:25am, the collision happened while I was parking my vehicle into the parking spot at my work place. The vehicle allegedly failed to stop and unexpected accelerated and subsequently crashed into the wall. The impact caused significant damage to the front of the vehicle triggered airbags deployments and hurt my chest and forehead
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Cusumer choice automotive 1706 lower Roswell rd. Sold me a vehicle with a branded title with /knowledge it was a total loss vehicle now the ABS and traction lights or on the seatbelt deployed light is on air sensor light on and brakes or grinding I purchased on 10-4- 2025 this is November-20-2025 I asked for refund and to cancel they say as is not sure this is a wreck or flooded vehicle
Incident date: May 23, 2025
The brakes are extremely squeaky and it terrible grinding sound whenever I braked. It sounds like water going back and forth under the car. I have taken it to the dealership multiple times. I requested a test drive of the vehicle. Their response is yes, vehicle was driven. its the same noises my coworkers have with their own atlas.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The HCU/ABS module falsely reads pressure in the primary circuit. The brake lights illuminate when brakes are not depressed, leading to risk of crashes. The car may be shifted in and out of park without depressing the brake, risking rollaway. The ABS is non-functional, a critical safety item standard on most vehicles that prevents crashes. The recall was issued NOV 7th 2024, over a year ago. The... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH on I-40 Westbound to I-25 and making a turn in a construction zone, the passenger’s side air bag deployed without warning or impact to the vehicle. There were no reported injuries. The air bag control message was displayed after the failure. Two days later, the system indicators produced a fail... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Our 2017 Ford Edge that we bought for our daughter to drive to college already had the passenger read brake line blow out and ruin the seals on the calipers and the parking brake actuator had to be replaced. The pedal went to the floor and she couldn't stop at an intersection and she put a hole in the front bumper. There was no warning in the dash to indicate that there was a problem with the br... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
I purchased this used vehicle. I have never received any recall information on this vehicle. The electric power steering system, tire pressure and the vehicle stability Assist indicators lit up after a successful vehicle inspection was conducted Thursday 11132025. A 2023 recall, identified by the NHTSA AS 23V-430, covers the issue and requires dealerships to replace the VSA modulator. I contact... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
The parking brake cable was too tight as described in Ford SSM-51050. We travelled 200 miles each way to an RV dealer to repair and paid out of pocket. Ford instructed us to take the vehicle to a certified repair shop to fix since there is no Ford dealer in Washington state that would work on this chassis issue. The repair shop fixed the parking brake cable and it is now in working order. I re... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2025
The brakes are grinding, pads were checked at local shop and were noted to be 11mm and should not be grinding
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Nov 20, 2025
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
truck is under 20 thousand miles right front brake shoes are loose and not in place. the whole brake assembly is completely rusted .brake lines are leaking.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
In November 2024, I went to get into my 2019 Jeep Cherokee (17,000 miles). At that time, numerous lights started flashing on the vehicle dash (start-stop, stability control and check engine). I took the vehical to the nearest Jeep dealership, Valor Ford in Junction City. They indicated this was a known issue but unresolved by Jeep (received recall notice two weeks later). I was leaving for vac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Well driving down the interstate my van slammed on brakes stated safety mode engine will.shut off soon. Now it will not start. It could have caused us to get in a serious wreck.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
Brake booster failure, master brake cylinder failure
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
Brakes would not release after driving a little ways the brake system failure warning came on. I stopped and killed engine and restarted but it lunged and I lost all braking. I pulled over to side of road and again killed engine a couple minutes I restarted it released. Then drove normal. ????
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
At stop signs, in a row of 3 or 4 cars, on the 3rd or 4th stop, I apply the brake but it accelerates as i am braking, moving forward 8 or 10 feet. Over the course of 1800 miles, this has occurred 3 or 4 times, narrowly avoiding collisions.