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: Oct 30, 2023
When engaging in reverse, the back up camera screen will blank out consistently for about 1 second or longer, It will do this when the car is already engaged to go in reverse. This happens constantly, and for it to be a safety feature should be corrected.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while inside the vehicle, there was brake fluid leaking from above the brake pedal. Additionally, while driving, the brake pedal had to be firmly depressed to stop the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a brake booster leak inside the cab, and it was determin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
My car frame floods every time it rains. This flooding includes my sunroof drain clogging. As a result of the water retention in my car’s frame, my cars safety system controller units are being corroded and thus I DO NOT have any reliable safety monitoring system. I have looked into this and this a COMMON complaint for Toyota 2019-2021 Rav4 sunroof cars. I have had the sunroof drain cleared mult... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
2.0 ecoboost leaking coolant into cylinder head causing misfire.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
225/50 R18. Purchased in March 2024 and tread is already at 4/32 and 5/32 as of Dec 2024 for 2 of them. Tires driven for 13K miles. This is completely unacceptable and unsafe. I believe there is a defect, for tires to be so new and tread to be degrading so quickly.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
225/50 R18. Purchased in March 2024 and tread is already at 4/32 and 5/32 as of Dec 2024 for 2 of them. Tires driven for 13K miles. This is completely unacceptable and unsafe. I believe there is a defect, for tires to be so new and tread to be degrading so quickly.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The car updated itself and now my front collision warning light is on, I have tried to reset everything but still on. The update caused the warning light.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2002 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the rear passenger’s seat occupied, the rear passenger’s seat belt thread unraveled, and the buckle detached and remained latched. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 164,000.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
Over 10 times I've had errors come up on dashboard about sensor systems that are not working. Cat has been taken in 5 times for this with no resolution. I can provide numerous dashboard pictures going back since I purchased the vehicle
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Grand Design RV. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RV the front and rear doors inadvertently opened. The RV was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed; however, the dealer informed the contact that the doors had been repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear tires blew out. There was no warning light illumina... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a fail... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
It's been a while my vehicle acting up, the brake is not working the way it was, had complained to the dealer but stating everthing looks ok, but i know how my car drives, steering is getting hard something is wrong its not normal, I have another suv I can tell something mechanical is wrong
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Power steering failure. While driving warning light came on and power steering immediately went out. No prior warnings. Safety was put at risk because steering was basically inoperative, had to muscle to turn, unable to stop at intersections due to difficulty turning when coming to stop. Had vehicle towed to dealership because unable to drive. Had to replace power steering rack with adaptions. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
The Center Panel commonly known as ICC does not boot up normally. The ICC basically is the central computer of the vehicle which controls all ADAS systems, HVAC, Charging, Audio and all connectivity. Since the ICC screen is blank, there is no way of controlling any of the above mentioned functions. Sometimes the HVAC blows air at 100°F and sometimes at 30°F. It also gets foggy inside the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Headlights on low beam have a very low distance reach. This is more apparent if you are going up or down an incline. On inclines, the Steering adaptive headlights change in such a way that you have very little distance in your sight. There is also a very sharp delineation of light vs dark at its maximum distance at even levels. This give the impression that you have good lighting at short dista... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
In moderate to heavy rain, the windshield wiper pushes water onto the drivers side window. This water then streaks diagonally down across the window, blurring the view through the drivers side mirror. I experienced this in two cars, once on the test drive on [XXX] in Dublin, and once driving through the [XXX] in rainy conditions. Rain is when you need visibility to be good. I have not experience... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
When I turn my vehicle off it says that it’s not in park when it is and it keeps beeping
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
When driving the truck sometimes all the gauges start to go out and go back and forth all the dash lights go on an the whole truck goes to low power an only goes about 10miles per hour you pull over and let it cool down for about 20to30 minutes and can start the truck and drive off again took it’ to the dealer for a plug in and he said no code is showing up and can not help me its been doing thi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The vehicle had a shudder when I first bought it and towed a boat. Around 60-70 it felt like a tire out of balance. The truck is stock no alterations. New tires and the vehicle has the same shudder. Had the tires balanced three times at different tire shops with no correction. I was getting my oil changed and the shop suggested a transmission and transfer case oil change. Once they looked up m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The vehicle pulls/jolts foward as I slow down at a stoplight. At first, I thought this was normal, but over the past year, I've noticed something unusual, possibly with the gear shifting. It has become more noticeable over time. It has happened enough where I almost get into a fender bender with the car in front of me. I started researching this issue and it's a common complaint among other Highl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
Vehicle displayed instances of overheating but was told by dealership it wasn't a big issue and the vehicle was safe to drive. I took the vehicle to the dealership for scheduled maintenance and when I returned to pick up the vehicle I was told that coolant was leaking into the oil and the head gasket was defective. The service desk representative stated the head gasket is a known issue in the 2022... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
Upon driving my vehicle twice it shut off on the roadway once on an incline when a message of 2 keys detected and flashed on the dashboard prior to the vehicle shutting off. Vehicle would not restart until 15 minutes later it restarted but the dashboard kept flashing 2 keys detected. There was only one key in the vehicle at the time and the key fob has had the battery replaced upon the first incid... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
Brake lights become hot enough to melt through housing, hanging loose in the trunk where they can damage wiring and further burn through taillight housing. There was no warning, uncertain how long issue has been ongoing as I only noticed when a light went entirely out. Vehicle has not been inspected since engine replacement under previous recall. Will be available for any inspection ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
I was driving on the highway when the PTU randomly locked up as if I hit the emergency brake, and made me come to a stop, no one was behind me at the time and I was able to get the car to the side of the road
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
Steering cupler failure
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Acura TLX. The contact stated while starting at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the infotainment system screen display had delaminated, and there was approximately a 1-inch-long bubble on the upper left edge, and on the upper left and upper right areas of the screen. The contact stated that infotainment screen display image was distorted, and the buttons were intermittently inoperable. The local deale... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
Power steering I look it up and see a recall for my cars year but it’s not covering my car why ?? This is exactly what’s going on with my car my car has no power steering light on either when I turn it is hard ! Very unsafe as I have young children
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
Vehicle began making loud creaking noise audible at all speeds, loudest at low speeds. Car was maintained by Tesla dealership. Failure occurred at approximately 52,000 miles, just after 50,000 warranty expired. Diagnosed as failure of both control arms which need to be replaced at significant expense. Failure should not happen on such a low mileage and newer vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that he had not depressed the brake pedal. The contact was towing a 20-foot flatbed trailer with a load of lumber of approximately 4,000 lbs. in weight. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over with the vehicle s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
Excessive Engine oil consumption 2-3 quarts between 5000 to 6000 oil changes. ABS Module failure causing all safety feature not working.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
The steering failed and caused an issue on my ball join, vc axle, nuckle, strut. I have a complaint before about the ball joint, looking at all of the cases, and the symptoms. I recall having issues like steering pooping, over steering, and having noices, . The car moved by itself with the steering and caused a lot of suspension problems driving into a pothole. The repair is over 5k. I have a case... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
Rod failure, was told there was fuel mixing with the oil and caused the oil to break down and cause complete engine failure while driving down the highway with my kids. Kia will not do anything about it. How can this be right. I know a lot of people with the same issues.
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
Rod failure, was told there was fuel mixing with the oil and caused the oil to break down and cause complete engine failure while driving down the highway with my kids. Kia will not do anything about it. How can this be right. I know a lot of people with the same issues.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
When I first got my car I noticed the car acting funny when I was taking off. I took it to the dealer ship and they said it was fine. So net time I went it was for an oil change. I asked them to look at it again and they said nothing was wrong. The third time I asked them to look at it they said its fine and it was working as it should .They told me it learns my driving. They also told me they adj... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The oil pressure sensor is causing a oil light. This is a known issue on these cars and engines due to a faulty sesnsor. There even is a recall in Korea for the same cars; however, there is not one in the US.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
On [XXX] I turned on a [XXX] in Amelia Co Va when I pressed the gas to get up to speed, all of the sudden the headlights, dashboard lights, interior lights go dark. Warning lights on the dashboard were flashing. I put on my hazards and pulled safely into a convenience store parking lot and shut my truck off. I waited a few minutes and turned it back on and everything came on along with the check e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
The paint/ clear coat all over the car is peeling rapidly and absolutely everywhere
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System; Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that after the repair was performed, the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The contact was eventually able to start the vehicle and the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear, and the vehicle jerked while shifting from first gear to fourth gear, and from fourth gear to eighth gear unintendedly. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH while driving. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclos... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
A loud squeaking has developed during every day driving. After inspecting - the front right truck bed mounting location has cracked and failed.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
There was a fire of unknown origin within the van. The fire was self extinguished and contained to the inside of the vehicle. No one was in the vehicle at the time of the fire, and it was found about 45 minutes after leaving the vehicle parked.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The suspension components inclusive of struts and knuckles corroded and cracked causing the suspension to collapse in the front and rear of the vehicle. Luckily the suspension didn't collapse while driving and has not resulted in any injuries. The dealership (Gunther VW in Fort Lauderdale, Florida) inspected and replaced the front suspension but left the rear suspension untouched after certifying ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The Hybrid charging system fails once the vehicle is above 75 mph. After about an hour or two, the vehicle will die on the highway. This is a reoccurring issue putting our safety at risk. The dealership cannot find what the problem is. Online forums show similar issues with dealerships unable to solve the problem.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Transmission or torque converter shuttering very hard at low speeds. Truck stays In higher gears when at low speeds. Yes truck is available to be inspected. Dealer states they can’t reproduce issue. But many many others with same vehicle express same issue. And no warning lights are displayed and it has been happening for 20k miles since purchase
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
On [XXX], the Pilot auto-braked without cause while driving on the highway in Maryland. All dash lights were illuminated so [XXX] pulled over. The car seemed to be functioning including the brake system (which was one of the lights illuminated during this occurrence) so the lights on the dash were assumed to be a computer glitch as was the auto-brake that caused the lights to illuminate in the f... 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: 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