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: Nov 8, 2024
Welds on the frame where the fifth wheel overhang attaches to the main frame have broke allowing the kingpin to raise up off of the front upright. This means that the kingpin overhang is only attached at the rear upright making the RV unsafe to tow.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
I had to have the engine replaced on my 2016 Honda Pilot for the same problem covered by the 2023 connecting rod bearing recall. The Honda dealer said the engine was not covered under the bearing rod recall since it was out of the date range, but advised full engine replacement with only 99K miles on it. The diagnosis service was performed on about 12-12-23 for a clanking noise in the engine. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Located in the radio system in the center of the dashboard, others have discussed that there is a cooling fan that fails to cool an audio control chip a few years after the car has been being driven. This audio control chip then overheats destroys itself and will cause the car to permanently blast unbearable static at over 100 DB constantly, and the only way to make it stop is to come to a stop an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, and then towed to a certified mechanic. The contact believed that the mechanic had diagnosed a failure within the transmission and had completed a repair to the transmission; however, the contact was unaware of what parts were... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, and then towed to a certified mechanic. The contact believed that the mechanic had diagnosed a failure within the transmission and had completed a repair to the transmission; however, the contact was unaware of what parts were... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
While I was driving my new 2025 Lexus NX 350H on the freeway, the driver side rear tire disintegrated and I had to make an emergency evasive maneuver to the shoulder of the freeway!
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Putting the car in drive and would drive a few feet suddenly, all the panel lights ( check engine, abs,hazard control,electric parking brake,) literally every light on the panel would turn on and engine would stall causing the steering to become hard to control. This happened 3 times within a 2 week span then, I brought it into dealership and was told my coolant had leaked into my cylinders causin... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Within a day of taking possession of the car, September 20, 2024, with odometer reading 76,352 , warning message in instrument cluster appears stating action required “steering assist is reduced, drive with care”. Following day, A/C stop working while driving. When park, I can hear radiator fan, running full speed (louder than normal). While driving at night, headlights are not bright, special... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be re... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The accident happened when I was using the "BRAKE HOLD SYSTEM". It is designed to use when the needs to stop briefly. When the Brake Hold button is touched while the driver's foot is on the brake pedal, the driver do not need to step on the brake even though the shift lever is in D. After I finished paying for a car wash, I touched the Brake Hold button. Then the vehicle suddenly accelerated forwa... Read more
Crash
Fire
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350 used for hauling a 2015 Eclipse Attitude RV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another driver alerted him that there was smoke coming from the trailer tires. The contact pulled over and noticed that there was smoke coming from all four tires. The trailer was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the tires had rubbed ag... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to a coolant leak intrusion. The local independent mechanic advised the c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
This vehicle is a safety hazard. Whenever you come to a slow roll or a complete stop and you try to accelerate out it will lag anywhere from one to three seconds and by the time you’re getting in front of other cars, it will sometimes cause them to slow down so they don’t hit me. Please force Toyota to get a remedy for this as I do not want to be in an accident and die or have anybody hit me a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
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: Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the air bags warning light illuminated. In addition, the seat belt warning light would illuminate while driving downhill. The check engine warning light illuminated on the day the vehicle was purchased. The contact scanned the vehicle with an OBD2 scanner and retrieved a code that the batte... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
Footwell module is bad. My safety is at risk everyday that I drive the vehicle. The high beams don't work, turn signals don't work, inside dash lights don't work,windows don't roll down, side mirror's don't work,inside lights don't work, doors don't lock.My car was in the shop for another issue and the mechanic said my floor boards were wet up front,( Hurricaine Helene) my car was at the shop duri... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Extension (Illumination of Air Bag Warning Light); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The seat belt alarm chimed while the front driver seat belt was buckled. The dealer was made aware... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts would be available in October 2024; however, most recently the contact called, and it was confirmed that parts were still not available.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
Honda failed to notify me of a fuel pump recall and has failed to replace or fix it within a reasonable time frame. Honda still have not given a timeline of when they will be able to fix the recall and told me to “figure it out” if I want it done sooner.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
I was in the Toyota advantage dealer in Barbousville WV to see why my park assist after replaced are stating there still out per Toyota I need a Wire Harness that’s on back, back, back order now that’s two critical items my car needs and I’m in a new place where I need GPS to work and no one has any ideal when the parts will be available for the Wire Harness nor the Air Bag well per Lexus ju... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
I am filing a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus. While driving on the freeway, the car displayed a “Power Limited - OK to Drive” message, followed by “Power Reduced,” and then automatically limited my speed to 60 mph. This happened unexpectedly on a busy freeway, nearly causing an accident with a car behind me. The message advised tha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 BMW 760I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 contact was unsure whethe... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
The transmission cooling line in my 2019 Toyota Tacoma was never installed by an authorized repair shop following an accident. This critical component failure led to the transmission failing just 1.5 hours after I retrieved the vehicle from the shop. My safety was compromised, as the failure occurred while driving at highway speeds, without any warning lights or messages indicating an issue. The ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
We were driving down the expressway when the car began to vibrate. We pulled over and had lights on the dash. We had it towed to a dealership where it was diagnosed as a burnt valve and ruined motor. I believe a new Audi engine quote was around $26,000. We took very good care of this car. This is a common issue and will become more common as these engines fail.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
- Uknown: 2023 RX 500H Performance hesitates or stalls when gas is applied to accelerate. When vehicle final start moving after 2-4 seconds, engine revs really high. This is believed to be an issue in the power train and specifically Transaxle issues and ECU programming issues. More on this issue can be found on Lexus service bulletin Record ID #4807268. Yes, vehicle is available for inspection. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and was jerking into gear. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact stated there was no warning light il... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
My lexus 300NX2018, received a dashboard random warning signal; take vehicle to get service while i was driving. Had my vehicle towed to Lexus of Cherry Hill, point of care for my vehicle services. Explained via text messaging with the Lexus Advisor (Jamie)the issue of vehicle (1) the sudden dashboard signal to get to service dealer soon, movement of my vehicle pressing gas oppose a serious saf... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
- Auto light not functioning correctly - Glare of the dashboard in the windshield - Emergency brakes strikes even when there isn't any obstacles on the way ( middle of the road or even Parkinglot )
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Powersteering failure and can be inspected upon request When i drove up the road i had my heatead mirror turned on and when i turned on my highbeam i lost my powersteering and almost drove of the road when it was turning. As soon i turn off the heated mirriors the powersteering starts to work again. I can reproduce this failure multiple times and no warning lamps or messages luckely no accide... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Windshield wiper motor started to operate slowly and at times stops with wiper blades in middle of windshield.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The actuator door has failed, resulting in a constant and very loud clicking noise. I contacted both the dealer and manufacturer and they advised that this happens as no fault of my own. I am now unable to run the fan.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
HD surround camera system is faulty. Upon placing vehicle in drive mode, front view image disappears and is replaced by a pink colored screen. This fault occurs intermittently, and is an important safety issue.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
On [XXX], after driving on a rainy day (with a flood warning reported by NWS), I noticed a strong burning smell in the garage the next day, and my car wouldn’t start. Unable to get it running, I had it towed to a nearby repair shop, where they found burn marks on the starter and starter harness. The repair costs were significant, so I filed a claim with my insurance under my comprehensive covera... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I called to confirm the recall on my vehicle and after I was told that in fact my vehicle does have a recall that they don't have the parts so I will have to wait, I was not given any time line and absolutely no information on when my vehicle recall will be fixed
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
Rear struts need to be replaced and vehicle only has 17,200 miles. Seems like a shoddy made vehicle with who knows what other structural problems. I do not trust this vehicle and feel afraid to drive it.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle, followed by a dragging sound. The contact also stated that the vehicle began to shake abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and discovered that the rear driver side tire was hanging from the suspension. Du... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle failed to start immediately. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally while shifting gear. The cause of the failure was not yet deter... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Started my car and got all these warning lights ACC problem, Collision Mitigation Problem, Lake Keep Assist Problem, Auto High Beam Problem. From reading forums online this is a common issue for Honda Odysseys 2018-2023. The camera is faulty. This should have a recall.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
Misfire in cylinder causes blown head gasket
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
255/35R19 Failure of 1 tire in July. Replaced tire. No concerns noted by Discount tire when replacing it. 1 month later, another tire blew. Clear indication of safety concern so I replaced all tires. I have a picture of the damage, as well as of me literally changing the tire. Informed of recall - filed claim with Continental - Continental has denied my claim for reimbursement despite the pic... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
ABS Light and traction conrol light started acting up. Brakes not currently sticking but will be sending for possible repair as this is a common trend with this vehichle from What I have reviewed online.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
On the morning of 10/09/2024, I started my 2019 Dodge Durango and exited the vehicle, after 2 minutes the entire interior of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The drivers side seat warmer appears to have malfunctioned causing the vehicle to set of fire, including glass break, paint peeling and interior burning
Fire
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
In the past two months, my 2016 Colorado with 79,000 miles has intermittently been losing power steering. It happens sporadically, in various speed and turning situations. It becomes very difficult to steer without the power assist. It happened while heading into a turn recently and has become more concerning. Shutting the truck off and restarting usually clears the problem (though not always)... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Engine lifter turned sideways and destroyed the cam shaft. Due to 4 cylinder to 8 cylinder change
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
I called two dealerships to get my recall repaired, Mile High Honda and Planet Honda, and neither of these certified Honda dealers can help me fix my recall. I am worried about my safety as I drive this vehicle. Honda is currently out of fuel pumps to fix this situation, leading to uncertainty and fear while operating my vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that upon arriving at her destination and moving the shifter into the park position, the vehicle failed to recognize that the vehicle was in park. After which, a message displayed reading "Please Shift to Park". The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
10/9/24: All interior vehicle sounds (turn signals, hazard lights, parking warnings, collision warnings, etc.) along with the audio sound system, are audible in my vehicle via the vehicles’s audio system speakers. For reasons unknown and without warning, all interior vehicle sounds and the audio sound system cease to make audible sound; however, the infotainment display screen and the instrumen... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda HR-V. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel did not function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was stiff and veered in the wrong direction. The contact stated that when the steering wheel was turned in the correct direction, the steering wheel pulled in the opposite direction. The contact st... Read more
Crash
1 injured