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: Aug 15, 2024
The car door handles are failing to work properly. Initially (June 2024), the passenger side front door required the handle to be pumped twice before it would open. The door would open correctly from the inside only. That problem was corrected. Now (Aug 2024), the driver side rear door handle has failed and the door cannot be opened from the outside or inside. The precise nature of that issue w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The rearview camera system on the vehicle has malfunctioned, causing the rearview image not to display when the driver attempts to use it while backing up. This poses a significant safety risk, as the absence of the rearview image could lead to backing up without confirming the area is clear, increasing the risk of injury to people/kids outside the vehicle. Although the recall was issued on June 1... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
My RX350 experienced malfunction of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Messages regarding the malfunction of the ADAS first appeared around mid-August 2024. Upon inspection during the week of August 27 2024, the Lexus dealer, Akron-Canton of Lexus, indicated that the malfunction was caused by rats chewing on the soy-based wiring. The dealership replaced the wiring at a cost of $1,2... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
ABS, TRACTION CONTROL , BRAKE, A YELLOW EXCLAMMATION POINT, RED BRAKE LIGHT ALL COME ON, AS WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD, AND THE BREAKS START TO FEEL SPONGEY AND NOT WORK AS WELL. THE ACTUATOR STARTS TO BUZZ EVERY FEW SECONDS TRYING TO KEEP PRESSURE IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM, BUT IT CANNOT DUE TO A LEAK IN THE ACCUATOR, IN WHICH THEN CAUSES THE ABS SYSTEM TO DEACTIVATE, A KNOWN PROBLEM OF THE LEX... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
My GMC Canyon has an issue with flickering of the headlights at night, which sometimes results in one side or the other going completely out. I'm part of several Canyon forums, and this seems to be an issue with most 2024 Canyons. The flicker is more of an annoyance, as I can still see, but I do believe it blinds oncoming drivers when it happens, as they flash me. Obviously headlights going com... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
The issue began with 1 vent not properly working. Now, know 3 of the 4 vents' mechanical functions have stopped working and cannot be adjusted via the center console. Everytime vehicle is unlocked a loud clicking noise if heard from the vents that continues for about 20-30 seconds varying. The vents not working correctly does not help clear fogging up windows that the climate change has brought ab... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled while attempting to pull out of the parking lot. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance. The dealer was unable to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled while attempting to pull out of the parking lot. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance. The dealer was unable to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
The rear subframe rusted and needed complete replacement. The service department would not pass the car for inspection without replacement. My brother, who also has a Mercedes C300 model but from the prior year, reported that he had the exact same issue. However, Mercedes issued an extended warranty on his model. In researching this issue, I have discovered that this rusted subframe issue is pr... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
I purchased this vehicle new in Jan 2022. I have had multiple issues with sensors needing to be replaced, auto start/stop not working properly, coolant light flashing on and off intermittently Feb 2023 recall - owner manual insert April 2023 recall - software update Oct 2023 check engine light coming on - needed N80 valve Dec 2023 auto start not working - dealer states no fault codes Dec 28, 202... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
Only have 17600 miles on vehicle and front caliber were sticking and squeaking. The garage replaced the pads and rebuilt the brakes as they were prematurely sticking and bad. Where not stopping good.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Carvana is attempting to sell this vehicle in Lehi, Utah. After speaking with the Ford dealership that worked on it for an “internal transmission repair” they told me the the vehicle’s engine is bad (full long block replacement is recommended and the dealership told me it’s dangerous) and needs a new engine. The previous owner was told this and then turned around and sold it to Carvana. I ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
My drivers side headlamp that is sealed the running light is out and apparently several other Dodge Durango owners have the same issue like it’s a defect when they were being made and it seems to be the one on the drivers side every time when you look up all the complaints about it! I am very unhappy about this situation and that a recall already hasn’t been made with all the vehicles that hav... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
Known issue of major electrical problems. Fuse block, alternator, and batteries needed to be replaced after car completely died while driving, leaving us stranded at major intersection. Daytime running light also died.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
The manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy the safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner. It has currently been in there possession for over 30 days with multiple failed attempts to correct the recall/issue with my vehicle.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
The rear view camera was glitchy for a few years until finally becoming completely disabled due to the car play system malfunctioning. I have blind spots on each side of the back of my car that do not allow me to check for oncoming traffic when backing out. This also includes looking out for pedestrians. It has come to my attention that this may be a manufacturing issue as multiple clients have co... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
I was pulling forward from a stop sign entering the intersection when my truck abruptly stopped and threw me into the steering wheel. An alarm was dinging and lit warnings were flashing. One alert said to release the emergency brake, so I released the emergency and pressed on the accelerator and nothing happened. The engine was shut off and in park. I was in a panic and didn't take time to see wha... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Winnebago Forza built on a 2017 Freightliner XC-S Chassis. The contact stated that the rear brake lights and left turn signals failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The RV was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power distribution module failed and needed to be replaced. The RV was not repaired due to the VIN not being inclu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
The active headrest restraint system deployed without being in a crash or hitting a bump for that matter. The vehicle was sitting stationary when it deployed. This could be a major safety issue as I have had a history of concussions and if this were to have deployed while I was driving, the consequences could have been severe. I see that they expanded a 10 year warranty for this, but it deploye... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
While going to work on freeway doing 70 bike went into limp mode and I lost all throttle luckily I got out of traffic and was able to limp to dealership where bike has been 3 days now totally UNSAT especially when I researched online and see this is a common problem why hasn't Harley been made to fix this or do more people need to get hurt or die before you all will make Harley fix this problem!
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
The car suddenly threw a C1391 code yesterday with no previous warning. The traction, parking brake, brake system, and ABS lights are all lit on the dashboard. As this vehicle is my daily commuting vehicle, I must have the costly repairs performed, which are estimated at roughly $2,400. I will ask to retain the parts for inspection. The brakes are softer, and the breaking distance required has inc... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
transmission shifting hard 4th and 7th gear, sometimes also it's slow with acceleration, took it to colonial ford in Columbia, S.C. yesterday and was told to contact you about an issue with my transmission
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
NHTSA needs to recall the engines on these vehicle check engine light came on had checked was told spark plug #4 misfire vehicle is overheating and taking all coolant, white smoke coming out the exhuast, when I brake my emergency brakes are being applied??? I see that there are other people who are having same issues NHTSA and FORD need to RECALL THE ENGINES!! Vehicle has 90,0000 miles on it and f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
There is a significant crack in the inside rear panel of my panoramic sunroof, and no apparent or visible point of impact. The crack is spreading and needs to be replaced or I fear the glass will shatter. There is no evidence of the crack on the exterior, only on the interior. Car is out of warranty but only has 23K miles and is 4 years old. Took the car to the dealership, and they wanted to ch... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Shift to park warning, while the vehicle is parked
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
While driving I attempted a turn and heard many horribly loud clunking noises and was unable to steer car. I looked under the front of the car and saw the left front tire turned to the left (the right front tire was straight) and there was a piece on the ground which was determined to be the lower control arm. The two bolts were missing so it became disconnected. Thankfully I was in a parking lot ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 (Electrical System); 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 dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experie... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2016
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while making a right turn into a parking space, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and lunged forward. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2016
Approximately at 56,000 miles I began having trouble with a whining noise along with rough, delayed, or sudden shifting, lack of acceleration from a stop and shuddering. I had taken it in for an oil change and explained some of my complaints. They stated they didn't hear any whining noises (so they say) after completing the oil/fluid change. The service department said if it continues to com... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
The car totally shut down while driving. The motor has ceased up.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
Rattle sound in suspension and not sure if part is loose or bushing is worn out not even 1 year old car.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
Driving a Lexus UX300h 2025. Making a right turn from an alley onto a driveway of a house in low speed. Then the car was malfunctioning and suddenly unintended accelerated, and the front end on the driver side hit the brick structure of garage. The car is equipped with Lexus Safety System + 3.0 with Pre-Collision System (PCS). However, the system did not give any warnings to the driver of an ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
My entire instrument cluster/dashboard display is blank. I cannot see my speed, how fast I am going, collision warnings, if my lights are on, etc. I have called the dealership, and they indicated there is no active recall. They said they cannot diagnose and fix the issue for a month. This is a major safety issue, since I have no indication of my speed or gas or anything else. It is all controlled ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact stated that after the OTA software updates were received under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V405000 (Electrical System) and 24V404000 (Electrical System); the vehicle was rendered inoperable, and the contact was unable to enter the vehicle. The contact later discovered that the 12V battery was drained. After recharging the battery, the vehicle was sta... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
Front right brake hose was entangled around the front drive shaft and tore the brake line apart causing catastrophic brake failure. Car had only 19000 miles on the odometer odometer.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
All lights in dash came on randomly one day. Would go on and off periodically eventually they stayed on. Vehicle began going into limp mode changed all spark plugs, fuel pump and injectors continued difficulty with control center every light remains on speedometer is in correct all safety features are inactive. Car is completely unsafe to drive will go into limp mode out of nowhere have tried ever... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
I have a 2016 Hyundai Veloster turbo and my AC started making a weird noise coming from my AC controller, I opened and my climate control resistor was burned and smelling and I’m worried about my car getting on fire and I seen this is a common problem in velosters
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
As you can see, there is an open recall on my vehicle. This seems to be impacting roughly 80 thousand cars in the US. BMW does not have parts to fix this recall and is continuing to ask drivers to keep driving their cars with defective breaking system. I wanted to know what action you may take against a manufacturer that is essentially asking owners to keep driving unsafe cars on US highways presu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
I’m having a constant issue where the vehicle does not recognize that it is in park, and won’t shut down properly. It keeps all electrical components running and drains my battery.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
As soon as I turn the vehicle on, all the warning lights turn on. I cannot use any safety features of the vehicle as the lights remain on. It started a year ago however used to go away itself. But this time it is consistent for over 10 days and not going away
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Timing belt tensioner failing with only 51K miles
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while driving in a rainstorm, the windshield wiper speed remained at a moderate level while set to the highest setting. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to pull over and wait until the rainstorm had subsided before being able to resume normal driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where a mechanic confirmed the fai... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
The car under carriage completely rusted out and cause a major failure in the middle of a major street. I informed ford of the problem by special mail and have not receive a reply. I took the car to the dealership where I bought the car. They said it would cost 8,000 for th repair and they did not know if the complete problem would be fixed. Please help. [XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] . [XXX] . INFORMATION ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
I took this car 2 times to the dealership about the same issue the steering wheel it has a lose parts inside keep giving a weird noise and the second issue the gas smell inside the cabin if you stop the vehicle on hot day and the ac running they are a very bad gas smell coming inside the cabin throw the ac vents i looked on this issue online alot of people have this issue dealership said can't sme... Read more
LEXUS
GX
(2015) — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLER/RADIATOR:HOSES AND FITTINGS
Aug 10, 2024
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
my car was over heating i poped the hood to see where the steam was coming from as i opened the hood the radiator exploded on me
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
Hyundai recall 251 happened in Sept. 2023 and a remedy was not made available until summer 2024. This was a "park outside due to fire risk" recall and a completely unacceptable amount of time to put families in danger. Fast forward to when the remedy was available. I went to my dealer, ALM Hyundai West, who completed the recall. A week later I checked the Hyundai website and the recall was not m... Read more