Brakes Problems
40,312 owner complaints · 192 model lines · median failure at 49,669 miles
Among 40,312 owner complaints for brakes problems across 192 model lines, the most-reported vehicle is the 2010 Toyota Prius (1,801 complaints, typically failing near 6,000 miles). Across all vehicles the median failure mileage is 49,669 miles and the typical repair estimate is $450.
Key numbers
| Total complaints (NHTSA) | 40,312 |
|---|---|
| Model lines affected | 192 from 30 makes |
| Median failure mileage | 49,669 mi |
| Typical repair estimate | $450 |
| Severity mix | 535 severe · 189 moderate · 0 minor (of 733 vehicle-year patterns) |
| Related serious reports | 419 alleged fires, 1,796 alleged injuries, 4,015 alleged crashes |
Worst vehicles for brakes problems
| Vehicle | Complaints | Typical failure mileage | Repair est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Toyota Prius | 1,801 | 6,000 mi | $450 |
| 2018 RAM 2500 | 1,678 | 59,000 mi | $450 |
| 2013 Ford Edge | 583 | 86,296 mi | $450 |
| 2008 Honda Accord | 541 | 22,000 mi | $450 |
| 2008 Ford Fusion | 518 | 109,000 mi | $450 |
| 2009 Ford Fusion | 496 | 103,000 mi | $450 |
| 2018 RAM 3500 | 482 | 56,843 mi | $450 |
| 2010 Ford Fusion | 478 | 115,000 mi | $450 |
| 2007 Toyota Camry | 394 | 94,385 mi | $450 |
| 2017 RAM 2500 | 360 | 65,000 mi | $450 |
| 2015 Chevrolet Silverado | 336 | 59,000 mi | $450 |
| 2008 Toyota Prius | 336 | 37,000 mi | $450 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Silverado | 314 | 66,000 mi | $450 |
| 2013 Ford F-150 | 310 | 59,000 mi | $450 |
| 2009 Dodge Journey | 290 | 21,000 mi | $450 |
People also ask
What is the most common brakes problem?
Based on 40,312 owner complaints in the NHTSA database, the most-reported failure pattern in this category appears on the 2010 Toyota Prius. Complaint volume reflects how many owners filed reports, not proof of a defect rate.
At what mileage do brakes problems start?
The median failure mileage across vehicles in this category is 49,669 miles, but the range is wide — the 25th to 75th percentile on individual model lines can span tens of thousands of miles. Individual vehicles fail earlier or later depending on use.
How much does it cost to fix?
The typical repair estimate in this category is $450, with significant spread between model lines — complex components on luxury vehicles can cost several times more than the same repair on a mainstream car.
Are these complaints verified defects?
No. Owner complaints filed with NHTSA are unverified first-person reports. A high complaint count signals a pattern worth checking (open recalls, TSBs, investigations) — not a confirmed defect.
Other component categories
electrical · engine · powertrain / transmission · steering · airbags & restraints · body & exterior · cruise control · visibility / wipers · lighting · fuel system · suspension · tires · wheels · seat belts · equipment / accessories
Checking a specific car? Decode its VIN to see the exact build, open safety recalls and crash-test ratings — free, no registration.
Source: ProblemsByVin (CC BY 4.0), aggregated from public NHTSA complaint and recall data. Owner complaints are unverified; volume reflects reporting, not per-vehicle defect rates. See Data Sources & Methodology.