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: May 9, 2025
When getting on the gas from a complete stop the engine hesitates to get going. I use sport mode and it helps lessen the effects.
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
Automatic seatbelts came out of track on driver's side. Have bulletin saying Mazda will replace defective seatbelts for life of vehicle, but they will not. No help from Mazda saying it had been replaced before I owned it and they only do it once. Cannot find replacement new or used. Tried contacting seatbelt companies to repair and got no response.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
Transmission failed around 81,000 miles resulting in a costly repair. Luckily I was not on a busy highway at the time so I was not in imminent danger.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
MMI (infotainment), and the dashboard screen will turn off randomly and reboot. This is a safety concern as it turns all sound off, and driving visuals like directions/backup camera, and freezes or reboots, not where you last had it but from a different check point. Audi dealership misdiagnosed the issue once, performed a software update, but the issue persists. Seems to be a widespread problem - ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic,... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
Hello: My 2018 Pacifica hybrid was just recalled, and serviced, yet the hybrid battery only last a few miles before needing to be recharged. Also, when in reverse the back up camera doesn’t always come on and doesn’t beep when approaching an obstacle. It will also stay on while driving forward.
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
our 2019 jeep cherokee limited has had the service 4wd light on for a few months. having issue of it losing acceleration on hwy and on city streets. i have to drive alot for my work, it can cause me to lose income if it is not drivable. i have reported it to the manufacturer. but they state it is not on the recall list. even though they have other models of the same year and model under recall, fo... Read more
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
The wagoneer while driving twice has shut off, gone into park, and emergency break turned on. The problem is shutting off on its own while driving. This could cause a wreck obviously if happens at a higher rate of speed. Thankfully both times I was at about 5-10mph and nobody was behind me.
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
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: May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while at an intersection at a stop light attempting to make a turn at 5 MPH, the brake pedal was hard when depressed, and the vehicle continued to move. As a result, the vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The front camera was not operational. There were no warning lights illuminated. There we... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
THE VEHICLE WILL HARD SHIFT RANDOMLY. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SOMETIMES AND THE ENGINE LOSSES SPEED AND POWER WHILE DRIVEING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I CAN SOMETIMES CUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND MAKE IT HOME SAFELY OTHER TIMES IT WILL NOT LET ME DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT ALL. WE HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY CANT DIAGNOSE IF LIGHT ISNT ON. MOST OF THE TIME WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON I CANT MAKE IT TO THE DEAL... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
First engine blown 31,904 miles, Lifter failure. Replaced with re-manufactured engine. Second engine failure at 68,000 miles, Piston rod failure. Piston blew thru engine block and engine bay caught on fire.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
Overheated due to an internal coolant / antifreeze leak that allows coolant to enter into the cylinders of the engine. This is a known manufacturer's defect that has caused total engine failure and required replacement of the engine block. Mechanic quoted $13,000, more than the value of the car.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms par... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway turned off and unattended, the contact became aware that all the interior and exterior lights were flashing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V682000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact called the local dealer and... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop, the vehicle lost motive power. There was an abnormal exhaust odor and smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The engine and fuel lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #5, and the exhaust li... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
Over a bumpy street coming to a red light (stop) car stalled and failed to stop almost hitting another car. Car made a funny noise and brake petals needed alot of pressure to pust to floor
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
When turning (any direction and any speed) the steering wheel will get stuck requiring more effort to turn the vehicle. It was initially intermittent but has recently become more frequent. After searching online this appears to be a common issue with newer Hondas.
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
When I am rolling to a stop, or lightly pressing in the brakes, the car will occasionally jolt forward and I have to slam on the brakes. It is not every time but has happened many times since buying the car new. I brought it into the dealership and they could not replicate it, but it makes me so scared to drive. This could result in an accident or the hitting of a pedestrian. No warning lights.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
The glass panel of my 2021 Toyota RAV4 sunroof blew out, shattering explosively, sounded like a rifle shot going off, into hundreds of pieces of small bits of glass while traveling on a smooth interstate highway with no other vehicles in close proximity. If the interior solid panel had not been closed, I would have been showered with all the small glass particles while traveling at 65 mph. I hav... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for an air bag replacement, the contact was informed that the front passenger's side knuckle was fractured. The contact was informed that the front passenger's side knuckle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were not available. The contact re... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that when the vehicle was turned on, the brakes, ABS, traction control, and braking system warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle took longer than normal to slow down. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depres... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact’s wife owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel failed to return to center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the steering rack, and pinion plugs were faulty and needed to be replaced. The... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Truck will not fully shut off when turned off will say shift to park for 5/10 minutes after it is turned off finally drained my. 6 month old batterie
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine keeps stalling and there’s a recall on the engines and I had to wait a month for dealership to say the recall isn’t the problem! How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I drive on the highway and busy street and my car will just stop or make smoke for oil reserve. Ha... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and accelerating, the vehicle shuddered and jerked before shifting into gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was confirmed that the failure was wit... Read more
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 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: Apr 17, 2025
This week I noticed my low tone horn on my vehicle had stopped working It was replaced under warranty by Hyundai at 41000 miles Only a little while ago at 35000 miles both horns went out and I only learned this when I needed it to help avoid being hit and it wasn’t available Hyundai indicated they are aware of issue but are still replacing horns with the same original part that is p... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
The contact owned a 2013 BMW 550I. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast into the driveway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure; however, several unknown warning lights illuminated when t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
The D-pillar clips are flimsy and break easily resulting in a soft top back panel that is no longer water proof and could fall apart.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
The V62 fuel pump recall was repaired in 2021. Recently this vehicle has had hard starts again, misfires, engine light came on. The vehicle was taken in to certified repair shop. The shop states cannot diagnose without tearing the only thing apart and a high expense. The shop believes it could be lifters or possibly cam but they are unsure even though the systems to this vehicle having a hard star... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
On about [XXX], I was driving and my engine felt like it missed and my check engine light came on and a message appeared telling me to get remote throttle serviced. The truck began to drive badly and lack of acceleration made it difficult to maneuver in traffic. The truck was very difficult to start and unsafe to pull into traffic due to lagging ability to accelerate. I took it to a Firestone an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
The water pump has been replaced twice already and the water pump needs to be replaced again at 105,000 miles. This will be the fourth water pump this vehicle has. The originally came with, two replacements, and now the one that it needs because it is leaking like the previous three. The turbo charger failed and was burning oil. That was replaced. A month later it is back at the dealership being... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
I took a video: for at least the 6th time since owning this vehicle a multi alert shows up on dash. “Brake Power Low, Visit your dealer”, “Antilock Brake System Malfunction, visit your dealer”, “Lame departure alert, visit your dealer”, “Pre-collision system malfunction, visit your dealer”, “AWD system malfunction, 2WD mode engaged, visit your dealer”, I have 2 other Rav 4s b... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2025
Uconnect 8.4" infotainment screen is delaminating. This causes the touch screen to randomly press buttons during driving. This can make calls to contacts, or emergency numbers during driving. This can change settings at random during driving like seating heat, radio stations, other vehicles settings such as drive assistant software, turning on and off, blind spot notifications, lane assist, etc. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
CLICKING NOISE AND STICKY FEELING WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT(NOT CONTINUOUS) AND A LIGHT JERKY AT TIMES STARTED ABOUT A WEEK AGO (STARTED MARCH 24,2025) MILEAGE 64405
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Sunshade on panoramic sunroof broke off and tore sunshade. Took it to MB service center and was told it is known issue for that model and many more with some part snapping off causing the damage and cost to repair is between 2500-3000. Have been reading online and lot of people seem to have same issue with the panoramic sunroof and shade not syncing together. Seems to be concern manufacturer shoul... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
Vehicle was running but transmission was in PARK. Suddenly on screen in front of driver this message appeared: BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE 43MPH TOP SPEED WARNING SERVICE ESC. Vehicle was not moving. Engine was running but vehicle was in PARK. I had to drive it home. Very difficult to stop. Brake pedal vibrated violently. Very long stopping distance even at 20MPH. I had the vehicle towed to the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound. The contact stated that upon pulling into an apartment complex parking lot, the contact noticed that there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately parked and exited the ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Took my toyota in for repair at they deemed it not safe to drive
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not ex... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving on a main road at 30 MPH, the power steering assist became disabled, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufact... Read more