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: Jan 10, 2025
After unboxing my Maxi Cosi Emme 360, I was able to properly install it into my vehicle. Once installed, I manipulated the seat checking for movement from side to side. This seat did not feel secure despite being tethered, buckled, and anchored. I was going to brush this off as normal until I realized that I could actually push the shell of the seat partially off the base when the seat is in rear ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
I had a head on collision with a light pole and the airbags did not deploy. The vehicle was inspected by aProgressive insurance claims adjuster and they claimed the vehicle a total loss. They kept the vehicle. There were no warning lights or anything. The vehicle had been taken into a North Park Lexus dealership after a defective airbag recall to be serviced in 2018.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
On [XXX], at 5 pm, at [XXX] , the vehicle went into park, but showed as reverse, and the key was unable to be removed, or turn the electrical system off, or place the vehicle in park. I contacted The General Insurance Company Roadside assistance; a tow truck was dispatched. It took several hours, 2-3 hrs. for the driver to arrive. He stated he was familiar with Phillips CJDR, and new exactly wh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Multipurpose camera failure, all advanced safety systems were affected (Adaptive Cruise, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Auto-dim headlights, etc) Also, caused engine light, brake system and transmission system errors to appear but they were cleared by replacing the camera with no apparent damage to the actual systems. Replaced at a dealership for a total cost for... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was depressing the accelerator pedal, the AWD warning illuminated, and the vehicle started hesitating. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and waited for tow truck assistance. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was depressing the accelerator pedal, the AWD warning illuminated, and the vehicle started hesitating. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and waited for tow truck assistance. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
- Emission systems problem despite changing fuel injectors twice -- Dealer found DTC P0420 . Performed 20-100 under warranty extension Dealer replaced the fuel injectors last year in 2024 when the emissions systems problem indicator light appeared and recently again on September 04 2025. The repairs were performed free of charge. - The indicator now appears again on and off in the last two weeks... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Driving down the highway and heard a pop and my seats were rising slowly and while trying to make it to the nearest exit only two minutes later my rpm’s started jumping and my engine just shut off and multiple dash lights came on. Had it towed to Kia and after they did an inspection they said that my fuel tank had expanded and was pushing on my fuel lines and pushing my back seats up. S... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
2019 Ducati Multistrada MTS1200S. Bought brand new. The bike constantly stalls when pulling in the clutch coming to a stop. Bike is completely stock. No issues with air filter or fuel. The bike does it intermittently and has almost caused a couple of crashes on the highway when coming into traffic. Bike will stall in backed up traffic on the highway or coming to a red light, then cars behind ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
Windshield cracked from minor item being thrown up by car in front of me. Engine burns out no oil on dipstick with regular maintenance engine tick transmission slips axle boot ripped oil pan cracked due to it being faulty
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
My vehicle had an engine rod bearing issue before the 1st recall, they replaced part of the engine. My vehicle also went through a starter recall and they also changed the rod bearing with the corrected part that was in for the last recall. Currently, my engine is still having the exact same rod bearing issue which is a safety concern for me. It’s currently at Ed Voyles Acura in Chamblee, GA wai... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
Vehicle transmission shift cable failed. This part is considered recalled, but GM is refusing to fix.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
The car shuts down on my wife multiple times now more than 10 to 15 times and most of the time it’s on the freeway few times she’s had my teenage son with her and I have three videos that I have sent to Kia but they’re refusing to move with buying the car back, saying because the dealership cannot duplicate the problem And the dealership drives the car 10 to 20 miles. I’ve stated to the de... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
When driving my vehicle under normal conditions, the car will unexpectedly slow down on its own, and the system brake lights and hazard lights will activate as if I am about to be in a collision, even though no accident is occurring. I have noticed this issue most frequently when I am stopped at a traffic light and begin to accelerate again. Once I turn the car off and restart it, the warning ligh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
Thousands of 2014-2017 Chevy Volt owners are having issues where the EGR Valve malfunctions and the engine shuts down. The Volt's EGR valve can cause the car to shut down by blowing the "walk home" fuse. This is a safety issue. In many cases cars are in the shop for months because the part is on "backorder". That's my situation-- dealer just told me it's a $2800 repair job, but the part is on "ba... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
The reason that I'm currently writing you this letter is to report an incident that happened on Sep. 16th, 2025. This is the date that I was very excited because I got my first EV - Tesla Model 3 new car. Me and my wife went over to the delivery plant in Fefe, Washington. The address is 3701 20th St. E., Fife, WA 98424. We took the car and I myself drove it back home around 2:45ish (-3 :00 pm the... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
The reason that I'm currently writing you this letter is to report an incident that happened on Sep. 16th, 2025. This is the date that I was very excited because I got my first EV - Tesla Model 3 new car. Me and my wife went over to the delivery plant in Fefe, Washington. The address is 3701 20th St. E., Fife, WA 98424. We took the car and I myself drove it back home around 2:45ish (-3 :00 pm the... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
Car started hesitating to start then messaged popped up on screen saying my system was overheating I had to pay for a new starter.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
Car started hesitating to start then messaged popped up on screen saying my system was overheating I had to pay for a new starter.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
Transmission issuse, jerking and shuttering. Not going in reverse and then not going in park. Transmission needs replaced now.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
The electrical system of this vehicle is causing several issues putting the safety of me, my passengers and drivers around me at risk. Starting at 6,300 miles the vehicle had a temporary loss of power steering. After parking for a day the power steering returned, leading me to believe it was caused by an electrical/software code issue. There was a safety recall for the battery pack starting on f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
The electrical system of this vehicle is causing several issues putting the safety of me, my passengers and drivers around me at risk. Starting at 6,300 miles the vehicle had a temporary loss of power steering. After parking for a day the power steering returned, leading me to believe it was caused by an electrical/software code issue. There was a safety recall for the battery pack starting on f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
My sorento started smelling like gas , inside & outside. Worse when I stop driving. The fuel pump pressure hose (that’s in a compartment under my backseat) is spraying fuel everywhere inside the compartment it in. The safety for myself and my grand sons that are all 2years old (3 of them) is we are inhaling the fumes from it separating steadily out under the seat their car seats are sitting on. ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel felt stiff and became difficult to steer in either direction. The “Service Power Steering” warning light was illuminated. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failu... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Had a Honda fixed for a well known piston ring problem that did not have a recall, but should have at the time repaired. In July, Honda sent us an extended warranty for the very problem we had repaired. I sent in all documentation and claim was denied twice. My dealer has sent me a voice mail confirming the repair is the exact one mentioned in the warranty extension. American Honda is claiming cer... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
There is coolant intrusion that is a known issue with this model. Coolant is leaking into cylinder 1, which has damaged the engine.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, the “Service 4-WD” warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
On August 15, 2025, I was driving my Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC on the freeway under normal conditions. Without any warning lights, error messages, or prior signs of mechanical issues, the vehicle suddenly and completely lost power. The accelerator pedal became unresponsive and felt locked, and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop in the middle of an active freeway, in the second lane from the lef... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
The transmission shifted into neutral at a stop sign and a see dealer warning light came on. Turned the vehicle off and restarted it and it was able to resume drive. It happened twice more at a speed of 70mph. Ford has had the vehicle all but 3 weeks since 5/12 to repair it. Replaced the trans and harness.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
I was at a 4 way stop on a quiet street, I stopped and then proceeded to move forward. As I was moving forward, in the middle of the intersection, the automatic emergency braking system activated which slammed on my brakes, involuntarily, in the middle of the intersection. There were no hazards in front of me that the vehicle would have detected as being a cause for braking. Thankfully, no one was... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
Transmission bucking and slow under 40 mph. brought to dealers attention. Car only 5 years old. Diagnostics resulted in internal fault , excessive slippage and torque converter chatter. Told that I could easily breakdown at any time if transmission not replaced.!!!! No warnings or messages. Occurring approx 2 months. Noted a class action investigation into this issue on 2020 Nautilus !
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
At first I noticed that there’s a strong smell of oil when I am driving it. The engine was consuming a large amount of oil so much so that I have to keep an extra bottle of oil in my car. I will be driving and oil light shows up and I have had an oil change not just a week prior. I had an independent mechanic to come check it and he said a lot of oil is leaking out into the engine because, I nev... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2025
Several warning lights on the dashboard illuminated: powersteering warning, ABS system warning, VSA warning. We had to pay almost $300 for dealer diagnostics which advised our ABS VSA module must be replaced, reprogrammed and brake fluid bleed otherwise our ABS brake system would fail. There are hundreds of similar complaints on-line of Honda owners with the exact issue costing over $3000 to mak... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2025
Several warning lights on the dashboard illuminated: powersteering warning, ABS system warning, VSA warning. We had to pay almost $300 for dealer diagnostics which advised our ABS VSA module must be replaced, reprogrammed and brake fluid bleed otherwise our ABS brake system would fail. There are hundreds of similar complaints on-line of Honda owners with the exact issue costing over $3000 to mak... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2025
After hitting the button to close my back hatch, my boyfriend noticed that the window was cracking from the upper left corner. When nearly fully closed, the window spontaneously shattered.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
My 2020 Ram 1500 etorque had a major breakdown. My husband was driving down the highway in a construction zone when he lost power steering, power brakes and then the vehicle totally shut down. He had to steer it to the side of the highway, barely making it. We had the vehicle towed to the dealership who ran diagnostics on it and told us the Mechanical Generator Unit (MGU) needed to be replaced.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
On July 5, 2025, I entered my vehicle parked in my home garage and the door latched shut. Upon putting my foot on the brake. Center screen was blank (did not power on). I attempted to press the unlock button on the door and there was no sound from the motor to open the door. The door was still locked from the inside of the vehicle and I was locked inside. I waited around 5 minutes (after atte... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
On July 5, 2025, I entered my vehicle parked in my home garage and the door latched shut. Upon putting my foot on the brake. Center screen was blank (did not power on). I attempted to press the unlock button on the door and there was no sound from the motor to open the door. The door was still locked from the inside of the vehicle and I was locked inside. I waited around 5 minutes (after atte... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
On July 5, 2025, I entered my vehicle parked in my home garage and the door latched shut. Upon putting my foot on the brake. Center screen was blank (did not power on). I attempted to press the unlock button on the door and there was no sound from the motor to open the door. The door was still locked from the inside of the vehicle and I was locked inside. I waited around 5 minutes (after atte... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
Car difficult to control found to have corroded sub frame and rear break lines. Very unsafe to drive brought to independent dealer who had car towed back to Mercedes. No warning lamps, or other symptoms prior to failure. Scary situation.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
My 2023 Honda Pilot has had persistent issues with the steering system since it was purchased new. The problems manifest as knocking noises in the steering column, although no warning lights appear. The Honda dealer has replaced the steering rack three times. A rattling noise is now occurring in the steering column, and the dealer is advising replacement of the steering column. The dealer was in c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The PTU (transfer case) is not working. It started as more of a transmission issue. I would be driving at times and my transmission would not shift up. I had to manually shift my car to get it into gear. Now, it lead to knocking noises when I turn my steering wheel.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
Shift to park issue car is in park car is not recognizing it and won’t turn off accessories
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
The auxiliary display that contains the rear camera view failed on several occasions even after the software installation from Ford to fix the failure of this display. The aural alert for cross traffic and pedestrian warning still functions, however, without the display I do not know what is behind or beside the car and from which direction it is coming from when backing out of blind parking spot ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
I started my vehicle, everything seemed fine, but once I reached my destination, the vehicles auto start/off activated which was normal. I was in a school line to pick up my child, once picked up my child and the auto start reactivated, that's when the problems be can. Once I exceeded 40 mph the car began to jerk violently, and as I tried to move over to the side of the road I couldn't fast enough... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
When in reverse, the backup camera in my vehicle no longer functions. The view is displayed upside down which is very disorienting or the screen rapidly flashes.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
I am writing to formally report a serious issue with my 2022 Chevy Silverado which I purchased brand new. Within just a few months of ownership, during a routine oil change, I was informed by the service technician that there was an oil leak. I took the truck to the dealership, and they claimed the issue was resolved by replacing the oil pan. However, the oil consumption continued, without knowing... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
The auxiliary display that contains the rear camera view failed on several occasions even after the software installation from Ford to fix the failure of this display. The aural alert for cross traffic and pedestrian warning still functions, however, without the display I do not know what is behind or beside the car and from which direction it is coming from when backing out of blind parking spot ... Read more