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 15,319 complaints for LEXUS
Incident date: Sep 9, 2026
Rear Driver side curtain air bag exploded while my car was parked. Happened around noon. It would have caused serious bodily injury to myself and passengers if we were in the vehicle.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2026
I am reporting a severe, systemic vehicle performance discrepancy on my Lexus TX 500h (2.4L Turbo Hybrid powertrain). The vehicle is officially labeled with an EPA rating of 27 MPG combined. However, under normal, conservative driving conditions, the vehicle routinely achieves only 20 to 21 MPG—a consistent 20%+ shortfall from the manufacturer's certified window sticker metrics. This has drastic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2026
I am reporting a severe, systemic vehicle performance discrepancy on my Lexus TX 500h (2.4L Turbo Hybrid powertrain). The vehicle is officially labeled with an EPA rating of 27 MPG combined. However, under normal, conservative driving conditions, the vehicle routinely achieves only 20 to 21 MPG—a consistent 20%+ shortfall from the manufacturer's certified window sticker metrics. This has drastic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2026
I am reporting a recurring potential fuel-system/EVAP safety issue with a 2025 Lexus TX 350 (same as Toyota Grand Highlander). On FIVE separate occasions (May, 6/27, July, 8/14, and 9/8/2026), I experienced an overwhelming raw gasoline odor associated with visible vapors coming from the fuel-filler/gas-cap area. Three incidents occurred after refueling; the two most recent occurred WITHOUT recent ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
I had a trip from Las Vegas to Scottsdale in 110 degree temperature and I live in Las Vegas so these temperatures are normal for this part of the country. Some where along the road a very small pebble hit the air condenser and put a tiny hole in it which leaked out all the Freon. There was not warning light we just ended up with no AC. This issue is happening to 2025 and 2026 models. You google ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2026
26V222 Recall. The dealership won’t do my recall. I don’t get why they can’t give me the part and I sign a waiver for it. I’m owed a part for my car.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2026
26V222 Recall. The dealership won’t do my recall. I don’t get why they can’t give me the part and I sign a waiver for it. I’m owed a part for my car.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
DOOR LOCK SYSTEM FAILURE - LOCKOUT AND ENTRAPMENT HAZARD. In late xxx, during a single sub-zero weather event in the [XXX] area, the door lock system on this 2024 Lexus NX 450h+ failed on two separate occasions within the same week. On both occasions the vehicle could not be unlocked or entered by any means available to the owner (smart key fob, digital key, remote unlock) and we were locked out i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
DOOR LOCK SYSTEM FAILURE - LOCKOUT AND ENTRAPMENT HAZARD. In late xxx, during a single sub-zero weather event in the [XXX] area, the door lock system on this 2024 Lexus NX 450h+ failed on two separate occasions within the same week. On both occasions the vehicle could not be unlocked or entered by any means available to the owner (smart key fob, digital key, remote unlock) and we were locked out i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2026
My vehicle runs hot after just five minutes and steam or smoke starts emitting from engine with a strange smell. It left me stranded on a narrow and busy highway where I felt unsafe
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
I have a Lexus rcf 2017. There’s a safety recall for a low pressure fuel pump. This recall has come out years later after the car has been bought. I am the 3rd owner. I bought the car in 2026. I bought the car with aftermarket work done on it, but I didn’t think there would be any recalls. The LPFP has wires hooked up to another fuel pump in the trunk for handling performance. With that said, ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2026
I have a Lexus rcf 2017. There’s a safety recall for a low pressure fuel pump. This recall has come out years later after the car has been bought. I am the 3rd owner. I bought the car in 2026. I bought the car with aftermarket work done on it, but I didn’t think there would be any recalls. The LPFP has wires hooked up to another fuel pump in the trunk for handling performance. With that said, ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
The rear middle seat child seatbelt retractor on my 2020 Lexus GX 460 failed internally — the belt became stuck and would not retract, rendering the child safety restraint position unusable. The failure was severe enough that the dealership (Tri-County Lexus, Little Falls, NJ) determined the vehicle was unsafe to drive with the affected seating position in use and grounded the vehicle pending re... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2026
On XXX I brought the vehicle to Tri-County and advised them that the vehicle was shifting roughly when coming to a complete stop or when slowing down to take a turn and beginning to accelerate. The dealership acknowledged the issue and advised that they were waiting for a software update. On XXX, I brought the vehicle to Tri-County Lexus about rough transmission jerking and rough idling shake whil... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2026
On XXX I brought the vehicle to Tri-County and advised them that the vehicle was shifting roughly when coming to a complete stop or when slowing down to take a turn and beginning to accelerate. The dealership acknowledged the issue and advised that they were waiting for a software update. On XXX, I brought the vehicle to Tri-County Lexus about rough transmission jerking and rough idling shake whil... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2026
When i open the trunk of my 2022 Lexus ES 350 vehicle, the lid pop out and bounce back, hitting my head and causing a minor concussion and bleeding on my forehead; I believe the trunk strut was malfunctioned
Incident date: Sep 2, 2026
I had my foot on the brakes waiting at a red light. The car just started jerking back and forth. It didn’t stop until I released my foot off the brake.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Lexus RZ 450. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the vehicle failed to start. The dealer jump-started the vehicle and the vehicle was towed to the service center, where it was determined that a module had failed and the battery was replaced. However, the contact felt unsafe driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2026
2026 Lexus RX 350h Luxury AWD Hybrid. Component Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V BATTERY, DIGITAL/ELECTRONIC LOCKS I am experiencing a severe and persistent 12V parasitic battery drain on my 2026 Lexus RX 350h. The vehicle's auxiliary 12V battery drains completely to a dead state if left parked and unused for only two to three days. This is an ongoing manufacturing or software defect that prevent... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Lexus TX 350. After purchasing and taking ownership of the vehicle, the contact discovered that the vehicle was included in a recall prior to the purchase. The contact notified a local dealer and was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and arranged for the vehicle to be inspected or serviced at the dealer. The dealer scheduled a servic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Lexus TX 350. After purchasing and taking ownership of the vehicle, the contact discovered that the vehicle was included in a recall prior to the purchase. The contact notified a local dealer and was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and arranged for the vehicle to be inspected or serviced at the dealer. The dealer scheduled a servic... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Lexus LX570 with a ProPride 3P Trailer Sway Control Hitch attached. The contact stated that while hauling an ATC trailer, the trailer was pulling to one side. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who installed the trailer hitch, but no cause for the issue was found. The vehicle and the trailer hitch were taken to another independent mechanic, but no failure was... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I have been noticing sluggish acceleration since the end of 2024, specially when fuel falls below or equal to half tank, I took my vehicle to the dealership several times and specifically instructed them to inspect my acceleration issue but every time said no issue on fuel pump. They even failed to reproduce my problem even though I paid for diagnostic. I would like to earnestly request NHTSA to ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2026
Battery life is very short sometimes lasting no more than 9 months.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding my 2024 Lexus TX. A road rock/debris entered through the vehicle’s factory front grille and struck/punctured the A/C condenser, causing the air conditioning system to stop functioning properly. The repair cost is approximately $2,500. The factory grille has large openings that leave the condenser vulnerable to direct impact from normal road debris. Lexus doe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
I am happy to have anyone come look at my vehicle for inspection. My passenger headlight daytime running light LEDs have changed color and are failing in this sealed unit. I have spoken with a service technician at a body shop, and had my insurance company inspect my headlight as they all believe it is faulty. The daytime running element is a completely off-white yellowed color, while it should on... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Lexus GX. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the center console repeatedly restarted and displayed a blank screen. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, but no failure was found. Additionally, while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle experienced a total loss of motive power. No warning lights illuminated. After multiple attempts, the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
My 2020 Lexus NX 300 caught fire overnight while parked and unattended outside my residence. I discovered the fire the next morning. The Seattle Fire Department responded (incident #SFD-26-0112715) and their report states the fire originated in the engine compartment, with the cause of ignition listed as 'failure of equipment or heat source.' There was no collision, no theft, and no visible extern... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Lexus RX 450h+. The contact stated that while occupying the vehicle, the battery lost power, causing the power door locks to fail to disengage and leaving the contact trapped inside the vehicle. Approximately 15 minutes later, the contact located the manual emergency release, unlocked the door, and exited the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact of the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Lexus RX 450h+. The contact stated that while occupying the vehicle, the battery lost power, causing the power door locks to fail to disengage and leaving the contact trapped inside the vehicle. Approximately 15 minutes later, the contact located the manual emergency release, unlocked the door, and exited the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact of the... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
I am reporting recurring infotainment, display, audio, and related electrical malfunctions with my vehicle that have continued despite multiple visits and repair attempts by an authorized Lexus dealership. The problems began when the vehicle was relatively new and have continued intermittently. While driving, the vehicle's audio system can suddenly cut out completely at different volume levels an... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
I am reporting recurring infotainment, display, audio, and related electrical malfunctions with my vehicle that have continued despite multiple visits and repair attempts by an authorized Lexus dealership. The problems began when the vehicle was relatively new and have continued intermittently. While driving, the vehicle's audio system can suddenly cut out completely at different volume levels an... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
I am reporting recurring infotainment, display, audio, and related electrical malfunctions with my vehicle that have continued despite multiple visits and repair attempts by an authorized Lexus dealership. The problems began when the vehicle was relatively new and have continued intermittently. While driving, the vehicle's audio system can suddenly cut out completely at different volume levels an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2026
Battery drains which locks car unexpectedly. No warning, even with car FOB inside car which creates a safety issue if child or someone is in the car. All doors lock and with no access to FOB cannot open the door with manual key. Also, safety issue if this happens at night or in a parking lot etc. Cannot open doors at all - There is obviously an issue with the battery draining after only a few days... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2026
On Saturday, August 22, 2026, while traveling on the highway with my two toddler-aged children in the vehicle, the temperature gauge entered the red zone and the vehicle automatically reduced power due to overheating. This forced me to navigate a power-reduced vehicle on a highway with minor children — a serious safety hazard. This incident occurred just five days after my vehicle was in the Se... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
When starting from a stop, putting foot on the gas pedal the car won’t move. Hesitates for a longtime. It has happened numerous times since purchased new. The manufacturer stated that engineering is looking into it, with no definitive answers. No warning lights. It just won’t go, at times which is a safety concerning especially when crossing with oncoming traffic. Unresponsive.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
When starting from a stop, putting foot on the gas pedal the car won’t move. Hesitates for a longtime. It has happened numerous times since purchased new. The manufacturer stated that engineering is looking into it, with no definitive answers. No warning lights. It just won’t go, at times which is a safety concerning especially when crossing with oncoming traffic. Unresponsive.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2026
255 /40 R18 99Y XL BSW Continental CONTROLCONTACT SPORT SRS+ Tire date: 2125 DOT 1CN0FBF5W Tire pressure rear set at 38 psi checked a week prior. Tire pressure Sensor light was not on at time of incident. Purchased 7 months ago, Jan 16 2026, 3335 miles on the tire when the incident happened. Driving on a country road at 60 mph, i hear flopping coming from the rear. The tire separated from the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
The sun roof suddenly shattered while driving at a high rate of speed on the freeway. A large chunk of glass broke upward and sprayed cars behind me. Shards of glass fell into the passenger area. The was a large bank and whoosh of air startling the driver.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2026
I have tried to get Stevenson Lexus in Lakewood Colorado to replace the head rests , they have not ever had the parts to complete the recall. I have been waiting for over a year. I called Lexus headquarters in Texas and was told that there is a remedy but Stevenson Lexus has never offered that to me.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
Strong smell of gas coming from around the car and near rear end of car. Usually after a drive. The smell does not happen after every drive. I brought up the smell to my husband a number of times within the year…and finally took to JD Auto in Arizona in June but the gas smell could not be replicated and no source or defect could be visually seen. No recall for this has been reported by Lexus. d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
Strong smell of gas coming from around the car and near rear end of car. Usually after a drive. The smell does not happen after every drive. I brought up the smell to my husband a number of times within the year…and finally took to JD Auto in Arizona in June but the gas smell could not be replicated and no source or defect could be visually seen. No recall for this has been reported by Lexus. d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Lexus NX 350H. The contact stated that the A/C unit failed to operate during extremely hot weather. A diagnostic test by the dealer determined that there was a hole in the condenser, which caused the refrigerant to leak. The manufacturer declined to help with covering the repair of the vehicle under warranty. The manufacturer attributed the damages to outside debris. Upon f... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The vehicle exhibits a severe, load-based mechanical transmission whine strictly during active acceleration. The pitch of the whining sound rises and falls in direct proportion to the engine's RPMs. This vehicle utilizes the Toyota/Lexus 8-speed automatic transmission architecture, which has a well-documented manufacturing flaw involving internal bearing wear, gear misalignment, and fluid starvati... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
On XXX, our 2018 Lexus RX 350L was involved in a high-speed collision in [XXX]. The vehicle struck a Jersey/concrete barrier with the left front of the vehicle. The collision caused extensive damage to the left-front corner of the vehicle. The left-front wheel and suspension were severely displaced, with substantial damage extending through the left-front body structure toward the driver's door a... Read more
Crash
1 injured
LEXUS
NX
(2025) - VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:AIR HANDLER/CHAMBER, DUCTS, AND VALVES
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
The Lexus NX 350 has developed a very strong odor coming from the ventilation system. The smell is consistent with standing water, stale moisture, and/or mold. This is a significant health and safety concern, as I am worried there may be standing water or mold, potentially including black mold, within the HVAC/ventilation system. If mold or contaminated moisture is present, it could potentially b... Read more