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: Feb 24, 2025
My transmission went out at 116,000 miles. We were having intermittent issues since 100k miles.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2025
My mother got in the car and as soon as the car was put on drive, the car accelerated to its max potential, but when she attempted to hit the brakes they did not respond. So max acceleration, on its own, and brakes did not work. She ended up in the hospital for 9 days suffering a broken rib, front teeth missing, they had to sew her tongue back together, both cheeks shattered, broken clavicle and s... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
On the coldest night of the winter the engine overheated. Pulled over immediately; , , now car will not start believe lit cracked the head or head gasket
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, with the service power steering message displayed. In addition, the contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was able to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that a message that the coolant level was high was displayed on the instrument panel and immediately after the message was displayed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. Additionally, the windows failed to open and close, the doors failed to lock and unlock, and there were other unstated electrical malfunctions. The contact coasted o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not ex... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
The transmission/ powertrain failed on my ford bronco sport badlands 2021. Had a software update about 2 months ago from ford and the automatic shifting of the bronco sport badlands 2021 became rougher and rougher at low speeds, causing a jerking of the vehicle. When shifting from a stop the vehicle missed a shift and then continued to make whirring noises at all speeds. Upon returning home & to a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
After having recall work done on the vehicle, the recalled driver side mirror is now not able to be to view roadway safely. The mirror is projecting duplicate images in a single lane and is impossible to view out of. In the photo you can see how the newly installed Honda side mirror is distorted.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
The right side of my windshield has significant ripples and distortions on the right side. It isn't just on the edge where it curves, but 6 inches to a foot in. I took it to the dealers who saw it. If you look at the two attached pictures, one is of the dealership's garage. In the first picture, the lines on the door are perfectly straight. The second picture is through the windshield and you can ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake was independently activated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had an oil leak from the oil pan. The contact stated that the oil needed to be added every two days. The contact stated that the alert system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake was independently activated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had an oil leak from the oil pan. The contact stated that the oil needed to be added every two days. The contact stated that the alert system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
I scheduled a OTA update as recommended in the recall campaigns. I was given a 48 hour window where I was unable to use the car and must keep it charged at all times. After completion I saw that the entire update was not completed. And about a week later another update came where I was not notified or scheduled at all for it. I returned to a car with a dead battery. Upon jumping the car ha... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
i was with my entire family 3 hours from home on a ski trip loaded with gear and the motor decided to go. i had to pull into an abandoned lot, leave my family in a car with no heat, walk 6 miles up a mountain to get another vehicle and pick up the family. Then i had to call a local tow company to drive out pick up the vehicle and myself and drive 3 hours home drop the vehicle at the dealer and the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30-40 MPH, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. While the vehicle was parked, the tapping sound continued. The engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, hydraulic); however, the part to d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
I started my car using the remote start. When I opened my car the driver side seat was smoking and a hole had been burned in the back. The inside of the hole was red and appeared to be light up like a hot coil. I turned my car off and tapped/blew on the area to put out the little fire.
Fire
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
My wife was driving our 2025 Honda CRV on [XXX] when suddenly the car turned off, there were no brakes, and was unable to steer. This happened while driving - moving - She was able to stop, turned the car off, then started the car again. She parked the car in a parking garage, and called the Honda dealership in Manassas, VA. The technician told her to NOT drive the car and have it towed to t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
Had GMC (Leominster, MA), perform the safety recall for the transmission on my Sierra. This is the one for the rear wheel lockup that requires a software update. My battery was completely dead after the vehicle sat for a week. No accessori s plugged in, and it's a 6 month old battery Battery tested fine and is charging now, but it appears the CPU never fully powered down after the software upd... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2017
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and became aware that the vehicle was stuck in gear, prompting the contact to tow the vehicle to the residence. After a visual inspection, the contact became aware that the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her son was driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated that a dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electrical steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Has had some issues trying to turn on after sitting over night. It will just kill the battery but it just started to die while driving and the entire system shuts off. All the lights, the steering wheel locks up and gas goes out. All you can do is brake and hope that you can stop in a good spot before it dies fully. This has happened a few times with my kids in the car and now I just don’t dare ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I purchased a new Dodge Ram 1550 Big Horn in July of 2020. To date I have only 21,000 miles on this vehicle. In January of 2023, at the 12,555 mile mark, they had to install a new fuel delivery line and fuel tank because I was unable to fill the tank. This was due to the rollover valve molded into the top of the tank malfunctioning and sticking. 25 months and 9,000 more miles later, I am once agai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
There is an ongoing noise issue where I hear a vibration or buzzing sound coming from the headliner or sunroof area while driving at various speeds, especially on uneven pavement. I have reported this concern previously, but the technician was unable to find the cause. On February 25, 2025, a maintenance technician at Jim Hudson Lexus in Columbia, SC, inspected the issue and confirmed an excessive... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
When it rains, just a steady rain, not a downpour, the vehicle slams on the brakes trying to back up. It literally took 3-4 minutes to back out of the driveway. I was also in a parking lot trying to back out and the same issue which created a significant safety hazard with other vehicles. Research online indicates this is not an isolated issue.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
When it rains, just a steady rain, not a downpour, the vehicle slams on the brakes trying to back up. It literally took 3-4 minutes to back out of the driveway. I was also in a parking lot trying to back out and the same issue which created a significant safety hazard with other vehicles. Research online indicates this is not an isolated issue.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
driving to work on very busy highway. The engine light and Service Battery charging system came on, then went to battery saver almost instantly. Radio cut off, heat cutt off and the Car cut off in the middle of the highway before I could safely get over. this caused me to fear for my life as the cars behind me barely had time to stop. a hair probably could not have fit between us. I did eventuall... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
2/16/2025 Light for 4WD came on when the temperature was 11 degrees. 4WD System Unavailable Service Required 2/19/25 & 2/25/25 Taken into the dealer and stated that Debris in the PTU causing Actuator to stick - will need to be replace PTU - if approved will need to locate part. Car difficult to put into park
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
Transmission is giving the same issues as the reported diesel transmission problems in same year model. Safety has not yet been put at risk. Due to a 2 month wait time I have been unable to get it inspected by a dealer.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
after prolonged driving steering becomes "sticky", steering wheel will jerk when steering, causing over correction on straights and turns
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
Lights in vehicle stays on, collision warning disabled it self.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
We have been experiencing multiple electrical and mechanical issues with our brand new 2025 Lincoln Aviator since we bought it approximately 4 months ago. The car frequently fails to start, with at least ten or more instances of this problem. We have taken it to the dealership two or three times, but despite their claims that the issue has been fixed, the problem recurs within a week or two from p... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
We have been experiencing multiple electrical and mechanical issues with our brand new 2025 Lincoln Aviator since we bought it approximately 4 months ago. The car frequently fails to start, with at least ten or more instances of this problem. We have taken it to the dealership two or three times, but despite their claims that the issue has been fixed, the problem recurs within a week or two from p... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
We have been experiencing multiple electrical and mechanical issues with our brand new 2025 Lincoln Aviator since we bought it approximately 4 months ago. The car frequently fails to start, with at least ten or more instances of this problem. We have taken it to the dealership two or three times, but despite their claims that the issue has been fixed, the problem recurs within a week or two from p... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The molding around my windshield is no longer there due to a recall from 1/19/24. I am no worried that either my windshield could fall out or that I might get water damage in my vehicle from the missing molding that goes around the windshield. The recall is for the A-Pillar trim and that is what I am referring to.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
All 4 door lock actuators Airbag System Malfunctioning CVT Slipping at 83,000 miles Broken Motor Mount
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
All warning lights in vehicle come on. Says car engine is hot but it is not. None of the power systems work. Nothing is wrong with the vehicle. Buying top tier gas fixes the problem.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
Front headlight low beam. Light randomly turn off. Yes No Alert on dashboard to check manual which provides no information. Internet search reveals this is a very pervasive issue with this vehicles and there should be a recall by ford.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the infotainment screen touchpad was engaging functions independently. Additionally, the contact stated the rearview camera and the GPS were intermittently inoperable. The contact replaced the Image Processing Module (IPM); however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the AWD and cruise control modes ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
On [XXX], I was exiting the freeway and went over a slight bump in the exit lane. I went to engage the brakes, and my car lunged forward (24V865000). Shortly after turning left from the freeway exit, my car began to stall and shut down - displaying an issue with the main battery. My car kept stalling and shutting off and had to be towed (24V404000). I had a mobile tech come out to try and repair... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
Dashboard notification indicating tighten gas cap, and then check engine light comes on. Took vehicle to get scanned and code says evap leak, took to mechanic all issues were fixed including replaced gas cap as suggested by many Chevy Traverse owners who have the same issue. 30 days later now same issue is coming up. Researched online and it seems that many other owners have experienced this and f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
While driving on the highway at 65 MPH, my driver’s door flew open, and the door will not latch. This almost caused my truck to hit another car causing me to swerve to the shoulder to prevent a major accident. This was a very scary incident and should be investigated further.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and became aware that the passenger's side rear tire was losing air. The contact attempted to use the OEM jack; however, the jack was too small. The contact used several rocks to add height to raise the vehicle up with the OEM jack. The flat tire was replac... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
Ford recall 18N03 was preformed in 2022. Now in 2024/2025 passenger front door will not latch during freezing temperatures.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
Spark plug for damaged due to oil seeping into it. This could lead to overheating of engine or cylinders getting damaged potentially leading to vehicle malfunction when I drive. Audi inspected the part and recommended to reseal the top of the engine. There was a warning for check engine which led to identifying the problem
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The front and rear passenger side windows of my 2025 Kia Sorento intermittently fail to operate. When attempting to roll them down, all that can be heard is a clicking sound, and the windows do not move. This issue occurs randomly and without warning. The malfunction poses a safety concern, as functioning windows are necessary for proper ventilation, emergency egress, and communication with others... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
235 r 17 104H I had a flat out tire, which led to a replacement of a relatively new tire that was bought in the middle of 2024. During the replacement process, it was found that the the tread depth dropped to 7 in 7 months or so as registered by local auto service personnel. I have been a long time driver with this type of instance happening for the first time during all these years where I had to... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
I was driving and my electric steering locked up. I had it towed to a garage and they reset the computer. I'm afraid it's going to happen again. I'm going to the dealership on Tuesday and I don't feel that I should pay for this since it's a safety issue. I only have 50,000 miles on it.can someone please get back to me. Thanks
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
Brake pedal rattling occasionally, lane departure warning light constantly on, multiple warning signs pop up (charger door open, driver monitoring system, etc.). OTA update is not done. main screen goes dark while driving
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
Brake pedal rattling occasionally, lane departure warning light constantly on, multiple warning signs pop up (charger door open, driver monitoring system, etc.). OTA update is not done. main screen goes dark while driving