Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 15,126 complaints for LEXUS
Incident date: May 14, 2025
I was traveling down the highway when my vehicles hood unattached and smashed into my windshield causing extensive damage to my windshield and hood. The impact of the hood releasing and shattering my windshield caused glass to enter the cabin of my vehicle. This was an unsafe incident as I had my toddler in my backseat, and I was traveling down a busy highway at the time of the event causing my vi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 FCC XC-M. The contact stated that the 12.3-inch instrument panel had started to develop bubbles on the left side. The contact stated that the failure caused the speedometer to go blank, presenting a concern while driving. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed because the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that after stopping the vehicle, the front driver’s side door erroneously opened, causing damage to the door stop and window. The contact stated that after the failure, the window failed to roll down completely. Additionally, whenever the door was opened, the door opened extremely wide. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who dia... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the check engine, air bag, and the fuel pump relay failure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed, and the vehicle occasionally failed to start. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagn... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the check engine, air bag, and the fuel pump relay failure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the exterior lights failed to operate as needed, and the vehicle occasionally failed to start. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagn... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's husband was able to pull over to the side of the road and ended up i... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The collision mitigation braking system problem, adaptive cruise control problem, lane keeping assist problem, road departure mitigation system problem and auto high-beam problem. All these are keep showing on my dashboard.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The passenger side rear tail light assembly (with built in blind spot unit) has noticeable condensation in the unit. This has intermittently caused a hyper blink situation with use of hazards and directionals, as well as causing the lamp assembly to not function at all creating a lighting and safety hazard. I have had this evaluated by the dealer, and was quoted $2,453 for a new light assembly t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
I bought a this car and the car started giving me issues, Engine wasn’t working properly, brakes were not working well, they gave me problem even I thought maybe the need to be changed, the suspension was off in a way that I feel uncomfortable driving the car and besides that, has electrical problems sometimes the radio and the panel went off out of nowhere and the car just have 40,000 miles.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission malfunctioned, and was slipping and shifting erratically. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission fork and transmission clutches were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
On April 14,2025 My 2022 Tesla Model Y caught on fire while charging. The fire Started from underneath the car near the trunk. The Fire burned the side of my house as well. The Fire Department Ruled it as an electrical fire due to the Battery.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact went to purchase a 2008 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 118,000; however, it was discovered that the mileage listed on the service record sticker on the top of the windshield showed 292,000. The contact obtained a Carfax report ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). No warning lights were illuminated. The contact had not experienced a failure; however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced as per the recall summary. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Water constantly leak from ceiling light in vehicle. Sunroof seal either need replaced. Leaking roof pose a serious risk of meeting in accident for it tamper with vision and electrical components. Passenger side rear door also making unseen sound
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
As I was turning a corner, my steering wheel completely locked up on me. I was stuck in the middle of the street trying to get my car to turn into our driveway. Thankfully, I was able to alert incoming traffic through my horn that I was there and stuck. This could’ve been a near death experience and I am uncomfortable driving any Acuras at this time.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
As I was turning a corner, my steering wheel completely locked up on me. I was stuck in the middle of the street trying to get my car to turn into our driveway. Thankfully, I was able to alert incoming traffic through my horn that I was there and stuck. This could’ve been a near death experience and I am uncomfortable driving any Acuras at this time.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
After receiving the 2.2 OTA UPDATE, I have lost the Pedestrian warning sounds at low speeds which are required to pass State safety inspections in my state of NC. Without this function the vehicle can not be heard moving down the streets at slow speeds below 18mpg which is a Hazzard. Also the reverse function has lost the warning sound.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
When making a left or right turn in this vehicle, there is a distinct knocking or clicking sound coming from under the drivers foot area. Dealer reviewed CV axel and suspension and says everything looks fine. However, I have driven enough cars to know that a persistent knocking sound while turning is not normal. This appears to be an issue with multiple 2024 Grand Highlander owners.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Driving my KIA on a highway, no engine light came on and it slowed down and eventually turned off. Tried starting it and heard rattling noise. Had it towed to KIA dealer in Fargo, ND and told me it was normal wear and tear.
Incident date: May 2, 2025
Sitting in my truck and everything just stopped working. Starter was still going even with the key out of the ignition and there was a burn smelling come from under the engine and the truck wouldn't Starter. Had to get it tow from my job. Till this day my truck is still down. Engine be replace and the dealership still don't know why it still wouldn't starter. Also before the electrical problem. Me... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
I own a 2017 Ford Escape equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. I am experiencing a known issue related to engine coolant intrusion into the cylinders, which has been reported by many owners and acknowledged by Ford through Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. This issue involves coolant leaking internally into the combustion chamber—usually due to a flawed cylinder head casting—which can cau... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 135,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 190,000. The VIN was not available. Local aut... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The lock warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a chip inside the transmission causing the transmission to seize. The vehicle was not repaired. The origin of the chip was u... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while approaching the vehicle after the vehicle had been started, the contact noticed that the taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the taillights assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred approximately two mo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while turning left at slow speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the driver’s side of the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. An unknown message was displayed. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The failure had gotten progressively worse. The contact stated that on a separate occasion while driving in stop and go traffic, t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
While driving the svc 4wd light came on and a clicking noise was heard. Took to mechanic. They stated the ptu needed to be changed and is common in jeeps
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
Moon roof cover is sagging and interfering with visibility with the rear view mirror. There have been many incidents of the sagging occurring online in for forums. There have been no warning notices for this issue
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
One computer shorted out of 22 on the car cause major repairs
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
Dangerous hop that I was experiencing and would happen on a straight away going down the interstate. I did not have to be hitting a corner for the back end to hop sideways on me. It also would happen going around a slight corner. So pretty much, it happened no matter what when Id hit bumps at higher speeds. But it most definitely was a dangerous scenario for my truck and Ford should not take that ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the VTC actuator, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that a partial rebuild of the engine was required. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
After 2 weeks of owning the truck which we are paying on it had to be towed 3 times stalling out and leaving leaving my family,my children with us at least once, and stranded in high traffic roads. We took it back to the dealership and they replaced the fuel pump and the fuel light came came on the very same day we picked it up. Now over a week after getting it back it has stranded us again,this t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
Rusted out frame, missing entire sections of it in the rear end, body mounts are floating, Lexus inspected the car at 144,000~ miles and deemed it unsafe to drive, was owned by a friend of mine and now it is up for sale at morse road auto sales inc in columbus ohio.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Transmission seems to be slipping the truck in getting louder when I switch gears it takes a min to take off
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Transmission seems to be slipping the truck in getting louder when I switch gears it takes a min to take off
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact contacted the dealer and scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Driving at highway speeds and my truck began to shake violently and very loud banging sound. Slowed down to pull over on the highway. Found driveshaft broken in half with gas dumping out of the fuel tank. Broken driveshaft damaged heat shield for gas tank, punctured gas tank and dented/broke clips on exhaust. Very lucky back driveshaft didn’t hit pot hole and leaking gas didn’t start a fire. S... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
As the vehicle drove over railroad tracks the steering wheel began to shake violently and I attempted to push the brake pedal with my full body weight but the brakes would not work and the car lunged forward, striking the vehicle in front of me. The failure of the brake system on my 2024 Hyundai Palisade prevented me from stopping the vehicle and thus I impacted the vehicle in front of me putti... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
On three separate occasions when I open my door, I get a “brake fault service soon” notification. I’ve done research and forums say this was a recall in the past. I’m aware my truck doesn’t have any current recalls but it has me wondering if it was ever fixed or if the repair was not good enough. I never owned the vehicle when the original recall came out so I’m not too sure what happe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
On more than five occasions, the engine shut off without warning and the emergency brake and battery light came on. All instances occurred when I was slowing down at a stop sign or attempting to turn. I have taken my truck to at least 3 differend dealerships regarding the issues. The Horne dealership in Show Low, AZ, connected a code reader and stated it could be the eco battery system and if ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
My car powers off while driving and then cuts back home within a second. It also has electrical issues the lights so flash during the night when you’re driving and then the front and shakes so bad that it shakes you just about off the road when you hit the brakes
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Juke. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagn... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while 65 MPH on the freeway, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the power steering assist failed to operate. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality returned; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ23003 (Steering). The manufacturer was not... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a squeaking sound coming from the rear suspension of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V710000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change. The contact made the d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
E torque system on this truck has had several problems Factory did replace it, but still has issues Before replacing the system, my truck shut down in the middle road several times very dangerous After replacing the system, I now get strange issues remote start stop won't work Had several situations with the truck, stopping and starting again
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The engine seized unexpectedly and without warning during driving. Being sudden and without warning it risked the occupants of the vehicle being injured as they struggled to get off the road and out of harms way on the road. The vehicle was taken to the nearest Chevrolet dealer to be inspected where we were told that the engine had suffered a total engine failure and would need to be replaced en... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
Camshaft bearing failure. Catastrophic engine failure while accelerating at left turn. Required full engine replacement. Incident occured at 59,982 miles on odometer. Even though vehical was under manufacture warranty it took approx. 18 days for GM to assume responsability. I was required to produce all maintenance records and was left without a vehicle for this time. Company was not clear on what... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
Was driving and all of a sudden ‘steering power low’ came on and engine died, got stuck in a busy intersection and needed assistance from police officer until I could be towed. Steering did not work to push car to side of the road so I was stuck in the center of the traffic. There was absolutely no lights or warnings before the steering power low and it died. Could have been very dangerous, I ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2025
These models were recalled on March 9, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN 09v076000. my vin number apparently did not fall within the selected vin numbers. However my auto even though it is the same year as the recall has this same exact defect and condition and is deemed to be a fire hazard. what are my options.