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: Apr 8, 2026
Brake actuator makes a shriek when I engage the pedal. Problem is ongoing and applies to 2015-2019 Lexus RX450 Hybrid models. Problem is getting worse, and I am afraid of brake failure. Lexus has been repairing this problem, gratis, for owners under their Customer Support Program 23LE04. I contacted Lexus and was told that Hawaii-based Lexus Vehicles are part of the Japan Dealer Network and to con... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Lexus RX 500h. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking erratically, and the vehicle stopped independently. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated and the message to “See the Dealer” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure reocc... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Lexus RX 500h. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking abnormally and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, and the vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
While I was driving on the highway in cruise control, my car suddenly broke the cruise setting, slowed down, and the check engine light turned on. I pulled over and the car would not accelerate to over about 15-20 mph. I made it to an auto center, where they informed me that the reader said there was an issue with one of the fuel pumps. I am aware that there is a recall on fuel pumps in this model... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2026
While driving on [XXX] in [XXX] with my young child in the vehicle, my 2023 Lexus RX 350 F Sport suddenly lost acceleration. The vehicle initially would not accelerate beyond 50 mph and then progressively lost power, eventually being unable to accelerate beyond 40 mph. This occurred during rush-hour traffic, with vehicles traveling faster than me and passing closely. I attempted to move farther o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
We have had 2 windshields crack on the Lexus TX350, with very low impact to the windshield by very small road debris. Both windshields require(d) replacement due to long migrating cracks. There are several issues with the windshields on the TX350 per online searches. The windshields are a laminated acrylic one that are prone to cracks requiring replacement. This is a common issue on the TX350. The... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Lexus RZ-450E. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the driver’s side door failed to respond. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to dealer, and the contact was informed that the data communication module had drained the battery and needed to be replaced. The dealer updated th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
The rain-sensing wiper system in my 2023 Lexus RX has been inoperative since I purchased the vehicle in May 2023 (current mileage: approximately 55,000 miles). The automatic wipers consistently fail to activate in response to rain, requiring manual operation while driving — a dangerous distraction that significantly reduces safety, especially during heavy rainfall when visibility is already comp... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
After sitting all night -- Started the car which started normally. But the instrument gauge cluster remained totally black except for the warning symbols in test cycle. The infotainment screen started properly. But the gauge cluster remained black. No speedometer, gas gauge, tire pressure etc. Just black. Tried multiple times, turned on and off, killed the electronics by holding the volume b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
Our 19-month old Lexus NX450h with under 7,000 miles on it was not driven for a week. When we went to start the vehicle this morning, the car would not unlock via the keyfob, credit card key or app. The car required AAA to open the doors and jump start it. This is a very common failure with the 12-volt battery in the Lexus NX hybrids. This could result in a motorist being left stranded somewhe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
Our 19-month old Lexus NX450h with under 7,000 miles on it was not driven for a week. When we went to start the vehicle this morning, the car would not unlock via the keyfob, credit card key or app. The car required AAA to open the doors and jump start it. This is a very common failure with the 12-volt battery in the Lexus NX hybrids. This could result in a motorist being left stranded somewhe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
After slowly making a left into a parking space at Dunkin Donuts and trying to deploy my brakes, my car lunged forward spontaneously accelerating, jumped two curbs and hit a barrier and the window of the store. The impact of the crash wrecked my front end and the radiator was damaged and was laying on the ground. With this intense impact, the airbags did not deploy on impact. My insurance agency t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
After slowly making a left into a parking space at Dunkin Donuts and trying to deploy my brakes, my car lunged forward spontaneously accelerating, jumped two curbs and hit a barrier and the window of the store. The impact of the crash wrecked my front end and the radiator was damaged and was laying on the ground. With this intense impact, the airbags did not deploy on impact. My insurance agency t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
After slowly making a left into a parking space at Dunkin Donuts and trying to deploy my brakes, my car lunged forward spontaneously accelerating, jumped two curbs and hit a barrier and the window of the store. The impact of the crash wrecked my front end and the radiator was damaged and was laying on the ground. With this intense impact, the airbags did not deploy on impact. My insurance agency t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
Airbags blew on me while driving.
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Auto Hold feature activated, and the check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTCs U0164, U0123, U01B0, and U1131 were retrieved. The independent mechanic stated that the battery needed to be replaced. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Auto Hold feature activated, and the check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTCs U0164, U0123, U01B0, and U1131 were retrieved. The independent mechanic stated that the battery needed to be replaced. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic and was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dea... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
Lots of creaking and grinding noises coming from both front upper control arm bushings. Steering starting to become less stable.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
My odometer flashes since buying. Bluetooth connection causing screen to glitch and jump between settings. Screen turns blue and back up camera doesn’t work randomly. Overheating issue came out of nowhere. No check engine lights. The jerking is a hazard while driving. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired by multiple shops. All these issues have been hazardous to me and my family.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
My odometer flashes since buying. Bluetooth connection causing screen to glitch and jump between settings. Screen turns blue and back up camera doesn’t work randomly. Overheating issue came out of nowhere. No check engine lights. The jerking is a hazard while driving. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired by multiple shops. All these issues have been hazardous to me and my family.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
The transmission was repaired at 48k and I am now at 76k having severe issues with jerking, shuddering, and so forth. The car has undergone excellent maintenance for the CARFAX proves this. I bought this car with the very last of my inheritance money thinking I was getting a reliable product and come to find out, I got screwed and am on the hook for EVERY foregoing transmission repair.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V423000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
I was driving on the highway to work. All of a sudden my car lost control and started spinning in circles. I attempted to steer and break but it would not stop. All the lights came on on the dash with an engine warning. I lost total control and slammed into a guardrail. I did call 911 because I was in part of the road facing the wrong direction. They sent the fire department. I was able to event... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Lexus NX 250. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly decelerated. During the failure, there was no warning light illuminated or messages displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 14,000.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service Charging Battery" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who discovered that rodents had chewed through a power cable and built a nest inside the engine compartment. The dealer found one rodent electrocuted in the engine compartment. The contact was informed that the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
low‑beam headlights/headlight assembly issues. Moisture getting in, corrosion of prongs that connect to the headlight assembly. Dimming lights once assembly was replaced. Condensation in the headlights. Some bulbs work while others don't.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While the contact’s son was driving approximately 45 ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
On multiple occasions while pulling across/into traffic the vehicle had a delayed acceleration response with a 1-2 second hesitation causing close calls with unpredictable acceleration coming from a complete stop.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
On multiple occasions while pulling across/into traffic the vehicle had a delayed acceleration response with a 1-2 second hesitation causing close calls with unpredictable acceleration coming from a complete stop.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
When vehicle was purchased new there was a slight bearing wear noise at the front driver side, which grew louder with years. Noise synchronized with tire rolling rpm. Replacing (my self) front trans axle, the brake pads, shaving rotors, & wheel hub bearing did not fix noise. Next; Dealer shop reported that the AWD front transfer case (differential) had a bad bearing AND that this was a common ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
About 6 times during higher speed operation 80+km/hr during a downshift, the rear wheels lock up causing panic from screeching tires and sudden deceleration. Extremely unsafe. The vehicle is in with the dealership and as suspected, they can't find any issues with codes or transmission pressures. We even have a sound recording of the tires locking up. Typical symptoms of the valve body failure... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was 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: Jun 6, 2026
In August 2025, my Kia dealership serviced my 2021 Kia Telluride and billed me for 7 quarts of oil as part of the repair. Approximately four months later, in December 2025, the vehicle developed severe engine problems and became inoperable. The dealership diagnosed the failure as a collapsed timing tensioner and stated the engine required complete replacement. Kia Techline agreed with that diagno... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
In August 2025, my Kia dealership serviced my 2021 Kia Telluride and billed me for 7 quarts of oil as part of the repair. Approximately four months later, in December 2025, the vehicle developed severe engine problems and became inoperable. The dealership diagnosed the failure as a collapsed timing tensioner and stated the engine required complete replacement. Kia Techline agreed with that diagno... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was soft and spongy. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard before the vehicle stopped. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechani... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Driving down the highway on a family road trip the car suddenly flashed all warning lights and goes in to limp mode. We’re on the highway surrounded by cars going 80+ and trying to get to the side. We’re reach an exit and limp to an autozone where they read a code about an EGR system. Car gets towed to the dealer and they’ve determined there is coolant in the oil and the engine needs repla... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
Driver seat moves/repositions on its own after starting vehicle. The seat will move forward, fold you forward into the steering wheel then move far back and reposition to saved setting. Also, while in reverse, the seat will move back all the way and pull you away from the brake/accelerator pedals. This is a safety issue especially while the vehicle is not in park or is in motion. This vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
As I was driving a service electronic stability control came up on my dash and I lost control of the vehicle. The brakes did not work and it was hard to steer. I almost hit a vehicle and the Jeep kept rolling until it stopped. Then I received an alert that the brakes did system, anti lock brake system, and Electronic Stability System failure. This is very scary my vehicle is a lease and they say t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
As I was driving a service electronic stability control came up on my dash and I lost control of the vehicle. The brakes did not work and it was hard to steer. I almost hit a vehicle and the Jeep kept rolling until it stopped. Then I received an alert that the brakes did system, anti lock brake system, and Electronic Stability System failure. This is very scary my vehicle is a lease and they say t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
On July 23, 2026, the transmission failed. I was driving for a weekend getaway (4.5 hrs from my home) and the transmission jerked extremely hard three times and I lost control of the car. I was driving through the mountains at 8pm. The RPM was in the red zone, even though my speed was fairly low. The car would not go into Park or Reverse. I took the car to HONOR GMC for diagnostic and they to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
THROTTLE LAG With the 2026 Mercedes CLE 300, throttle lag is driven by a combination of software programming, transmission behavior, and turbocharger dynamics working simultaneously.The following situation is when it usually occurs:Transitioning from a slow roll up a ramp (like the parking ramp at my condo) or pulling away from an intersection or traffic light or stop sign, you can catch the power... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Hood latches failed 3 days after vehicle purchase. Hood blew into the windshield obstructing my view at highway speeds. Dealership claims they are not responsible for damages as the vehicle was sold as is, but states the vehicle passed safety inspections and was able to be driven on public roads. Insurance company is currently investigating. No warning lamps upon incident.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
The IP cluster (gauges that display speedometer, fuel levels and other ADAS features) was blanking intermittently, BMW service center suggested software update as they believed it to be a software bug. Later, when the software update did not work, they suggested we replace the battery even though we tested it months ago and it was fine. After the battery replacement when the IP cluster was still ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
The IP cluster (gauges that display speedometer, fuel levels and other ADAS features) was blanking intermittently, BMW service center suggested software update as they believed it to be a software bug. Later, when the software update did not work, they suggested we replace the battery even though we tested it months ago and it was fine. After the battery replacement when the IP cluster was still ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica (VIN [XXX], approximately 99,880 miles) intermittently loses electric power steering assist while driving. The Service Power Steering warning illuminates and steering effort increases substantially. Assist returns on its own without restarting the vehicle. Failures correlate with extended driving and heat. I scanned the electric power steering module directly. It reports... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
Concern: Suspension Noise - What location is the noise coming from? Front. Suspension or Steering. What best describes the issue? Noise from suspension when driving on uneven roads. Repair Notes: Inspected Front Suspension for Activity 01 (Front suspension noise). Found torn bushings on Front Lateral Links and Compliance Links. Heavily torn on LH side. Safety concern. Both LH and RH Front Lower C... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
Concern: Suspension Noise - What location is the noise coming from? Front. Suspension or Steering. What best describes the issue? Noise from suspension when driving on uneven roads. Repair Notes: Inspected Front Suspension for Activity 01 (Front suspension noise). Found torn bushings on Front Lateral Links and Compliance Links. Heavily torn on LH side. Safety concern. Both LH and RH Front Lower C... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
I purchased a brand new 2025 Lexus with only 3 miles recently I had a nail in my tire and took my vehicle to a local tire shop who could not removed the tire to put a patch because I did not have tire lock key; we searched the vehicle from top to bottom one was never given to me at the time of purchase. I contacted Lexus of Palm Beach several times and left a message for my service advisor BK ... Read more