Brakes — Vehicle Component Safety Report

Brakes failure reports: 1118 total complaints across 100 vehicles from 3 makes. See which models are most affected.

1118Total Complaints
100Affected Vehicles
3Makes Affected

Brakes Decision Cockpit

This component hub groups real NHTSA complaint signals by make, model year, and vehicle page. Use it as a spoke from individual vehicle reports into the broader brakes safety pattern.

Top Makes for Brakes Complaints

Toyota — 785 Volkswagen — 324 Volvo — 9

Top Years for Brakes Complaints

2018 — 206 2015 — 200 2022 — 132 2016 — 116 2021 — 113 2017 — 110 2019 — 72 2024 — 61

A high complaint count does not automatically prove a defect, but it is a strong inspection signal when the same component appears repeatedly across related vehicles, years, recalls, or crash narratives.

Common Brakes Issues

The brakes component is one of the most commonly reported areas of failure in NHTSA consumer complaints. Issues range from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards including potential crashes and fires. Below are the vehicles most affected by brakes problems.

Most Affected Vehicles

VehicleComplaintsRecalls
2018 Toyota Camry 69 0
2015 Toyota Prius 60 0
2015 Toyota Prius V 47 0
2015 Toyota Prius C 41 0
2018 Volkswagen Atlas 40 0
2021 Toyota Highlander 40 0
2018 Toyota Highlander 33 0
2022 Volkswagen Taos 31 0
2022 Volkswagen Atlas 29 0
2016 Toyota Rav4 29 0
2019 Toyota Tacoma 28 0
2018 Toyota Tacoma 27 0
2019 Volkswagen Atlas 26 0
2017 Toyota Rav4 24 0
2016 Toyota Tundra 23 0
2022 Toyota Highlander 22 0
2024 Volkswagen Atlas 21 0
2015 Toyota Camry 21 0
2017 Toyota Tacoma 20 0
2020 Toyota Highlander 20 0
2025 Toyota 4runner 18 0
2021 Volkswagen Jetta 17 0
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Gli 17 0
2018 Toyota Rav4 13 0
2016 Toyota Highlander 13 0
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 12 0
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 12 0
2016 Toyota Corolla 12 0
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan 10 0
2024 Toyota Tacoma 10 0

Frequently Asked Questions About Brakes Safety

What are the most common brakes problems in cars?

Based on 1118 NHTSA complaints across 100 vehicles, brakes issues range from minor malfunctions to serious safety hazards. The most affected vehicles are listed in the table below — click any vehicle to see its specific brakes complaint details.

Which vehicles have the most brakes recalls?

The Toyota Camry is among the most affected. See the ranked table below for the full list of 100 vehicles with brakes complaints filed with NHTSA.

How dangerous are brakes failures?

Brakes failures can range from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards. Some brakes complaints involve crashes, fires, or injuries. Always have brakes issues inspected promptly by a qualified mechanic, especially if your vehicle is subject to a related recall.

How do I check if my car has a brakes recall?

Search for your vehicle using our search tool or enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If a brakes recall exists for your vehicle, the repair is free at authorized dealerships.